College, Trade School & Education Benefits
Serve Your State. Build Your Future.
College. Trade School. Career Certifications. Your future starts here.
The Oklahoma Army National Guard offers education benefits designed to help eligible Soldiers pursue college degrees, learn skilled trades, earn professional credentials, and prepare for successful civilian careers.
Whether you’re planning to attend a four-year university, community college, or technical training program, there may be financial assistance available to help you reach your goals.
Get an education. Build a career. Serve Oklahoma.
College Tuition & Fees
Let the Guard Help Pay for Your Education
Through the Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Program, eligible Soldiers can receive assistance covering resident tuition and approved college fees at Oklahoma public colleges and universities.
Benefits may include:
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Resident tuition
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Mandatory college fees
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Academic service fees
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Other approved program and course fees
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Up to 18 credit hours per semester
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Up to 120 credit hours toward undergraduate degrees
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Up to 40 credit hours toward a master’s degree
These benefits can help eligible Soldiers pursue associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees while serving in the Oklahoma National Guard.
Coverage and eligibility are subject to applicable program requirements and funding.
Trade Schools & Technical Training
A Four-Year Degree Isn’t the Only Way Forward
Interested in learning a skilled trade or gaining technical training?
The Oklahoma Army National Guard can help eligible Soldiers explore education assistance for approved trade-school programs, technical training, and career certifications.
Depending on the program and available funding, assistance may be available for eligible training in areas such as:
- Welding and manufacturing
- Automotive and diesel technology
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
- Information technology
- Healthcare and emergency medical services
- Electrical and other skilled trades
Trade-school funding depends on the specific school, program, approval pathway, and current benefit availability. An Education Services Officer can confirm qualifying programs before enrollment.
You don’t have to follow a traditional college path to build a successful career.
Additional Federal Education Benefits
Federal Tuition Assistance
Eligible Army National Guard Soldiers may qualify for Federal Tuition Assistance toward approved college education. The program may provide up to $4,500 per fiscal year under current rules.
GI Bill Benefits
Qualified Soldiers may receive GI Bill education assistance for approved academic or training programs. Eligibility and payment amounts depend on qualifying service and the specific GI Bill program.
Professional Credentialing
The Army Credentialing Assistance program can help eligible Soldiers pursue approved civilian certifications and professional credentials. Program limits, eligibility rules, and approved credentials apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Oklahoma Army National Guard pay college fees as well as tuition?
Yes. Oklahoma’s Educational Assistance Program covers resident tuition, mandatory fees, academic service fees, and other approved fees at eligible Oklahoma public colleges and universities. Not every fee or expense is covered, and program requirements apply.
Can the Oklahoma Army National Guard help pay for trade school?
Yes, education assistance may be available for qualifying technical and vocational training through approved programs. Because funding and eligibility depend on the particular program, applicants should verify coverage with the Oklahoma National Guard Education Services Office before enrolling.
Do I have to attend a four-year college to receive education benefits?
No. Eligible Soldiers can pursue qualifying associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, graduate education, and approved professional training or credentials. Different education benefits apply to different programs.
Can I use education benefits for welding, automotive training, or HVAC?
Potentially. These are examples of career and technical education fields that may qualify for an applicable assistance program. Actual coverage depends on the institution, specific course, benefit program, and approval.
Will the National Guard pay 100% of my tuition and fees?
Oklahoma’s state program can cover the full amount of qualifying resident tuition and approved fees within its program limits, subject to eligibility and funding. Other costs may remain the student’s responsibility.
Can I attend college or trade school while serving?
Yes. Many traditional National Guard Soldiers attend school while serving. Military training, activations, and deployments may affect scheduling, so Soldiers should coordinate academic plans with their units.
Can I combine state education benefits with federal assistance?
Some benefits may be used together when program rules allow. An Education Services Officer can help determine which programs apply and how benefits may be coordinated.
Who can help me determine which schools and programs qualify?
An Oklahoma Army National Guard recruiter can explain available opportunities, and the Oklahoma National Guard Education Services Office can provide details about eligibility, applications, and approved education programs.
Your Future Is Worth Investing In
Whether you’re pursuing a college degree, learning a skilled trade, or working toward a professional certification, the Oklahoma Army National Guard can help you explore opportunities to advance your education and career.
Serve your community. Develop your skills. Invest in your future.
Education benefits are subject to eligibility, qualifying institutions and programs, available funding, and applicable state and federal requirements.
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