Tennessee STRONG Act: Tuition Reimbursement Program
The Tennessee STRONG (Support, Training and Renewing Opportunity for National Guardsmen) Reimbursement Act provides eligible members of the Tennessee National Guard tuition funding* toward a first-time bachelor's degree for the next four years through a tuition reimbursement program.
*Funding is a reimbursement - Plan to utilize other funding types as funds are not received within the same term. Please plan to pay end of term balance with other funding (loans, grants, TA, etc.) and then be reimbursed up to the amounts authorized by the military ESO.
The STRONG Act provides educational opportunities for those who protect and serve the state and country and supports Tennessee's Drive to 55 initiative and its goal of 55 percent of Tennesseans with a post-secondary by 2025.
- Reimbursement for up to undergraduate semester hours covered by TSA from 120 to 130.
- Applies to the pursuit of an associates™ , first bachelors™ degree, and/or masters™ degree.
- Effective 01 July 2025: a. Undergraduate course/program fee reimbursement amount will be $3500 per fiscal year (01 October through 30 September). b. Graduate course/program fee reimbursement amount will be $7500 per fiscal year (01 October through 30 September). c. Undergraduate and graduate course/program fee reimbursement does not affect reimbursement of tuition or mandatory fees. d. Fee reimbursement applies to courses/programs at both public and private institutions which are eligible to receive STRONG Act (STA) funds.
- Decrease in amount of time to submit completed applications to 45 days from last day in class.
- Reimbursement of tuition, mandatory fees and course/program fees is subject to availability of funds.
- Students who are academically suspended from Federal Tuition Assistance will be ineligible to use TSA during the period of suspension
- All posted guidance and timelines for the STA program must be followed in order to receive reimbursement. Guidelines and application instructions can be found at https://www.tn.gov/military/programs-benefits/education-incentives.html
Application Packet or https://www.tn.gov/military/programs-benefits/education-incentives.html
Student Step-by-Step Guide
- Apply for Federal Tuition Assistance, if eligible.
- Submit a copy of your completed TN STRONG ACT Packet to UTC VMA every semester you intend to use the benefit to [email protected]. We may be able to reuse the TNSA Reimbursement Packet several terms within the year it is signed.
- We will attempt to submit the completed application packet to the State Tuition Assistance Manager to obtain preliminary acceptance letter(s). We advise student's to verify acceptance with the National Guard.
- After the semester ends, VMA will send final transcript and itemized bill to State Tuition Assistance Manager which all student's are copied on the correspondence. Please ensure receipt with the National Guard.
- Once approved and processed by the State Military ESO, the State sends reimbursement payment to UTC Bursars Office. Est. Time of Receipt Varies but plan for up to 60-90 days for reimbursement to be submitted to your student account.
- Repeat this process every semester you intend to use TN STRONG Act Reimbursement.
Documents and Information
- Application Packet or https://www.tn.gov/military/programs-benefits/education-incentives.html
- Public Charter 229 / STRONG Act
- Official Rules 7-16-17
If you need additional assistance, contact Veteran and Military Affairs.