Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)

Federal Tuition Assistance

The Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) program provides financial assistance to students currently serving in the National Guard, reserves, or on Active Duty. FTA can be used for voluntary education programs that support professional and personal self-development goals. FTA is available for courses that are offered in the classroom or by distance learning and is part of an approved academic degree or certificate program.

For more information, follow the links below for your service branch's website:

Review this article from Military OneSource for useful information on how to use the FTA.

Important: Prior to your course enrollment, you may be required to develop an education plan or complete FTA orientation. Your Education Services Office (ESO) must approve your military tuition assistance before you enroll in a course.

Military Tuition Assistance Refund Information

Effective for the 2021-22 academic year, the policy below applies to service members receiving Military Tuition Assistance who cease enrollment the University. Please note that students are responsible for the cost of their tuition and fees based on the University of Pennsylvania’s refund schedule, regardless of the amount of TA funds that have to be refunded to the Department of Defense. In instances when a servicemember stops attending due to a military service obligation, the University will work with the affected service member to identify solutions that will not result in a student debt for the returned portion.

Schedule for Returning Unearned TA to the Government

Timing of Leave Percent Returned to Government
Before or during weeks 1-2 100%
During weeks 3-4 80%
During weeks 5-6 70%
During weeks 7-8 60%
During weeks 9-10 50%
During week 11 40%
During week 12-17 0%