State TA / TN STRONG Act

• Be a currently serving member of the Tennessee National Guard and be serving when the term/classes end.
• Be in good standing with the TNNG and not flagged at time of request submission.
• Have not attained a bachelor's degree and wish to pursue an associate’s or bachelor's degree
• Have not attained a graduate degree and wish to pursue a graduate degree
• Attend a Tennessee college of applied technology (TCAT), regionally accredited community college, 4 year public university, or private school who’s primary campus is located in TN
• Use Federal Tuition Assistance (if eligible)
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress with 2.0 GPA minimum for undergraduate programs or a 3.0 GPA for graduate programs for the academic term for which TN STRONG Act tuition reimbursement is being requested. For members seeking a certificate or diploma from a vocational or technical program at a public or private educational institution, satisfactory academic progress and either a minimum grade point average of 2.0, or academic good standing, as determined by the institution, if grade point averages are not utilized by the institution, are required to be eligible for reimbursement.
• Complete application packets (consisting of reimbursment requests, billing statement and grade report) are required to be completed within 45 days of the last day of class.

• For eligible members of the TN National Guard, TN STRONG Act will provide reimbursement to an educational institution in the amount equal to 100% of the maximum resident undergraduate or graduate in-state tuition (UT Knoxville tuition rate) charged by the post-secondary institution the Service Member attends, after all Federal Tuition Assistance, scholarships, grants and other financial aid has been calculated.  TN STRONG act is the last-dollar payer.
• TN STRONG Act will fund no more than 130 undergraduate semester hours or 40 graduate semester hours.  TCATS set up to receive FTA may be used for vocational education/training.  Credit hours will be drawn from the undergraduate total of 130. 
• TN STRONG Act will pay toward one degree at each of the following levels:
  • Associate’s degree
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master's degree  
• TN STRONG Act can help cover certain fees that are not covered by FTA
• Cadets enrolled in officer producing programs may receive up to 30 additional military science semester hours. 
• Programs not approved for TN STRONG Act reimbursement:
  • Courses leading to a credential that are lower or lateral to the highest credential you have already earned.
    • Example: if you have a bachelor’s degree (even if you came in the TNNG with one), you cannot use TN STRONG Act to pursue a second bachelor’s or associate’s degree.
  • Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or courses that do not meet degree requirements

STRONG Act Undergraduate/Graduate Course and Program Fee Rates

• Step 1: Enroll and register with eligible education institution
• Step 2: Find out about your education institution’s deferment deadline
• Step 3: Register for classes using FTA at www.armyignited.army.mil
• Step 4: Complete reimbursement request fully. The School Certifying Official will fill out Section III before submission.
• Step 5: Submit completed reimbursement request and proof of Advanced Leadership Training (for graduate program applications) to the State TA Managers at:

                                                        Army:  ng.tn.tnarng.mbx.ngtn-state-tuition-assistance-army@army.mil

                                                        Air:  ng.tn.tnarng.mbx.ngtn-state-tuition-assistance-air@army.mil

• Step 6: State TA Manager will email acceptance letter to the Service Member and/or education institution or WILL RETURN INCOMPLETE/INCORRENT APPLICATIONS WITHOUT       ACTION
• Step 7: Complete all classes and obtain at least a 2.0 GPA for undergraduate studies or a 3.0 GPA for graduate studies.
• Step 8: Submit unofficial transcripts/final grades to State TA Manager within 45 days of the last class.
• Step 9: Service members must communicate with their bursar’s office/educational institution to verify any federal and/or state funding is listed on their billing statement/term account summary is submitted to the State TA email box within 45 days of the last day of class.

Revised: August 1, 2025

Applicants must initial and CAC sign Section II of the Tennessee National Guard STRONG Act Program Tuition Reimbursement Request. This is legal acknowledgement for record & is considered supporting documentation.

I understand to be eligible for STRONG Act tuition reimbursement, I must be a member of the Tennessee National Guard in good standing.

I understand I must serve in the Tennessee National Guard for for at least a portion of the applicable academic term for which I am applying for STRONG Act benefits, and that my term of service may not expire during the academic term for which I am applying for benefits.

I understand it is my sole responsibility to submit all required documentation listed in the next statement as part of a complete application packet within 45 days of course completion*. Failure to do so will result in being disqualified for reimbursement consideration regarding this request.

I understand a complete TN STRONG Act application consists of the initial 2 page reimbursement request, unofficial transcript for the term reimbursement is requested, and the latest student account summary or itemized bill for the term reimbursement is requested.

I understand that if I am eligible for Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA), I must use FTA in conjunction with STRONG Act tuition reimbursement. Failure to do so will result in a reduced reimbursement amount. I understand it is my sole responsibility to determine my FTA eligibility by contacting the TNNG Education and Incentives Office or by contacting ArmyIgnitED. If I am NOT eligible for FTA at the time of this request submission, I must notify the STRONG Act Manager providing proof/verification.

I understand if I am an Army ROTC Cadet, I may be eligible for, and therefore required to, use FTA in conjunction with TN STRONG. It is my responsibility to determine my FTA eligibility by contacting the TNNG Education and Incentives Office or ArmyIgnitED.

I understand if I am attending a private institution, any reimbursement I receive will be capped at the state’s average cost of in-state tuition established by the TN Higher Education Commission.

I understand that actual tuition reimbursement may be adjusted based on any FTA, federal, state, and/or other military education benefits received during the term STRONG Act is requested.

I understand that TN STRONG Act tuition reimbursement must be paid to an educational institution, not to the individual.

I understand I cannot exceed 130 undergraduate credit hours or 40 graduate credit hours of reimbursement inclusive of any transfer or awarded semester hours I have been given credit for prior to TN STRONG Act usage.

I understand I must achieve a GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate level courses or a GPA of 3.0 for graduate level courses for the academic period which STRONG Act tuition reimbursement is being requested.

I understand if STRONG Act tuition reimbursement is approved, it shall not exceed the actual tuition charged by my chosen institution approved to receive state or federal funds.

I understand if I am suspended from using FTA due to academic performance, I will not be eligible for STRONG Act funds during the entirety of that suspension.

I understand that TN STRONG Act tuition reimbursement may only be used for a first associate's, undergraduate or graduate degree, regardless if a previous degree was earned prior to enlisting in the Tennessee National Guard.

I understand if I am applying for TN STRONG Act tuition reimbursement for a graduate program, I must have graduated from military advanced leadership training and I will provide documentation (e.g. Army DA1059 or Air VMPF RIP education portion) of said training with my initial application request.

Advanced leadership training is defined as:

ARMY: Advanced Leaders Course (ALC), Warrant Officer Advanced Course (WOAC), Captains Career Course (CCC)

AIR: Airmen Leadership School (ALS), Squadron Officer School (SOS)

I understand I must notify the State Tuition Assistance Managers if this funding results in a degree (Associates, Bachelor’s or Master’s).

I understand that my questions regarding the program, application process, or payment information should be directed to the State Tuition Assistance Manager.

I have read and understand that if I do not comply with all of the above, I will not be approved for STRONG Act tuition reimbursement.

I understand that the STRONG Act tuition reimbursement program is subject to the availability of funds and appropriations as set by the Tennessee State Legislature and any limitations set forth in Public Chapter No. 216.

(See Guidelines and Instructions for ‘ArmyIgnited’ accounts on tn.gov/military/programs-benefits/education-incentives.)