Tennessee STRONG Act
The Tennessee STRONG Act is a reimbursement program for members of the TN National Guard to obtain funding towards a first bachelor’s or master’s degree. If you have signed a 6-year contract and are actively drilling, we encourage you to apply to utilize this benefit.
Prior to the application, soldiers must apply for Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) in order to act in accordance with regulations put in place by the Tennessee National Guard. The section on FTA can be found further down this page. You can also obtain more information about FTA by visiting HERE.
Below are the eligibility requirements in order to receive TN STRONG Act funding.
As a last-dollar reimbursement, the amount of state tuition reimbursement is offset by any other funds received. This includes any other state and federal aid including Pell Grant, TSAA award, HOPE scholarship, and any other tuition-specific scholarship; institutional or otherwise. The tuition reimbursement will be made to the educational institution on behalf of an eligible member for no more than 120 credit hours toward a first-time bachelor’s degree or 40 graduate credit hours toward a master’s degree.
Step-by-Step TN STRONG Act Application
Note: The Office of Military & Veteran Services will submit a TN STRONG Act application on your behalf provided you complete the following steps:
Please make sure to sign, initial, and date wherever required (including getting your unit/squadron Commander’s signature). Any missing information may result in your application packet being rejected in its entirety.
The application packet can be found below:
When the term is completed and final grades are posted, the SCO will complete and submit Section VII on your behalf.
For any questions regarding your TN STRONG Act benefits, please reach out to one of the contacts below:
Federal Tuition Assistance
The Army’s Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) program is a benefit for all individuals who serve in the Army, either as Active, Guard or as a Reservist. The maximum amount paid for Federal Tuition Assistance is up to $250 per semester hour, up to either 18 semester hours annually or not to exceed $4,500 per fiscal year (updated 11 DEC 2024). Current Army policy limits TA to 130 semester hours of undergraduate credit or baccalaureate degree, whichever comes first and 39 semester hours of graduate credit or the completion of a master’s degree, whichever comes first. The 39-semester hour limit applies to all credits taken after completion of a baccalaureate degree.
The deadline for FTA is ten days prior to the first day of the term and the application opens 60 days before the term begins.
If you are planning on using the TN Strong Act and you fail to apply for FTA it could result in the reduction in funding from the TN Strong Act by the amount that would have been applied from FTA.
How to Apply for Tuition Assistance
FIRST TIME users of FTA:
ESTABLISHED USER click here
ALL USERS: Providing documentation to the university
**NOTE: if you are having any issues signing into ArmyIgnitED with your CAC card, contact their help desk at 276-231-0938. There are real live people there that will help you!