Tuition Assistance

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) is a federally funded program that pays Black Hills State University (BHSU) directly for the cost of tuition for Active Duty and National Guard members from all branches of service. This money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services. FTA pays 100% of your tuition cost up to $250 per credit hour and up to $4,500 per fiscal year (1 OCT - 30 SEP). Fees are authorized for payment as long as they are directly related to the course(s). Soldiers must provide details of fees on the uploaded statement of tuition cost (see application process below). FTA cannot be used for books.

FTA can be used towards one degree or certificate completion at BHSU. Service members are limited to 16 credit hours per fiscal year and 130 total credit hours toward an undergraduate degree

Prior to registering for classes, you will need to visit with an Education Service Officer to determine your eligibility for Federal Tuition Assistance. For Active Duty students, you will also need to get authorization to apply for FTA. Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application processes, and restrictions.

You will first need to visit with your Education Service Officer to determine your eligibility. For Active Army or Army National Guard students, contact CW2 Ryan Williamson:

South Dakota Army National Guard
2823 West Main Street
Rapid City, South Dakota 57702
Phone: 605.737.6087
Ryan.L.Williamson.mil@army.mil

If you are deemed eligible by CW2 Williamson you can then register for your classes. If you do not plan to use FTA, you would not have to wait to get approval.

To start the application process you'll need to create an ArmyIgnited account. Once you have set up an FTA account, you can begin requesting tuition assistance.   

The next thing you'll need to do is contact Greg Krajewski at Black Hills State University. He will review your file, and submit any documentation to ArmyIgnited to complete your request for Fed TA. Email Greg at: Gregory.Krajewski@BHSU.edu.

YOU MUST REQUEST YOUR TA at least 10 days prior to the class start date. That means you have to approve your classes in your TA Request Tab 10 days prior to the class start date. If you do not, you will not get approval. So it is STRONGLY recommended to start this process at least 60 days prior.

Air National Guard Students

Contact the Air Guard Education Officer, MSgt Brian D. Johnson, to start the FTA application process.    His contact info:

MSgt Eric S. Tidemann
Office PH: 605.988.5705
Email: Eric.S.Tidemann.mil@mail.mil

Active Duty Air Force Students

You will need to contact your education service officer to determine your eligibility. You will also need to get authorization from your command before you can apply. Once you are deemed eligible, you can then register for classes. For more information about Air Force FTA, click here. For detailed step-by-step instructions, click here. This is the Air Force TA portal: Before you can access the online TA request process, you must create a user name and password on the AFVEC. This can be done through the Air Force Portal at https://www.my.af.mil.

To get the tuition reduction to $250 per credit hour for undergraduate classes and $300 per credit hour for graduate school, you will need to complete this form, then return with a copy of your LES or Orders (if you're an officer).

Active Duty Navy Students

You will need to contact your education service officer to determine your eligibility. You will also need to get authorization from your command before you can apply. Once you are deemed eligible, you can then register for classes. To learn more information about Navy Tuition Assistance, click here. 

You can apply online for FTA here: https://www.navycollege.navy.mil

Active Duty Marines Students

You will need to contact your education service officer to determine your eligibility. You will also need to get authorization from your command before you can apply. Once you are deemed eligible, you can then register for classes. You can learn more information about Marines Tuition Assistance here: https://usmc-mccs.org/articles/how-do-i-apply-for-tuition-assistance

Active Duty Coast Guard Students

You will need to contact your education service officer to determine your eligibility. You will also need to get authorization from your command before you can apply. Once you are deemed eligible, you can then register for classes. You can learn more information about Coast Guard Tuition Assistance here: https://www.military.com/education/money-for-school/coast-guard-tuition-assistance.html

To apply for TA go here: https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/ETQC/

Questions?

Do you still have questions or need assistance with other services we can provide? Just reach out to the respective point of contact who will be happy to assist you:

Veterans Resource Coordinator - Greg Krajewski - PH: 605.645.6415. To go to the Veteran Affairs website, click here.
As the Veteran Resource Coordinator, Greg has to stay up-to-date on information regarding active military students applying for GI Bill® education entitlements, Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA), and State Tuition Reimbursement. Each year Greg has to take at least five hours worth of training and attend a School Certifying Official conference to stay qualified as an SCO.

Financial Aid representative for military students - Kim Nida - PH: 605.642.6113. To go to the Financial Aid website, click here. As a Financial Aid Representative Kim is trained to work with active military students on all their financial aid needs and can answer any of your questions as it relates to financial aid or tuition assistance.

Disabilities Services and Testing Coordinator - Jennifer Lucero - PH: 605.642.6099. To go to the Disability Services and Testing website, click here. As a Disabilities Services and Testing Coordinator, Jennifer can assist you with any needs you may have with respect to a disability you may have. She can also assist you with any testing services you may require.  
To go to the Disability Services and Testing website, click here.

Academic Advisers - Dana Weber, PH: 605.642.6277, Jannette Hettick, PH: 605.642.6934, Clarissa Thompson, PH: 605.642.6270, Melissa Woodall, PH: 605.642.6132. To go to the R&R website, click here.
As Academic Advisers they can assist you with getting your current class schedule set up or they can help you plan your future class schedule to achieve your education goals. They can also offer you career guidance as it relates to getting a resume developed so that you can compete for jobs when you are done with your education goals.

Career Adviser - Hans Nelson - 605.642.6413. To go to the Jacket Jobs website, click here.
As a Career Adviser, Hans can assist you by helping you create your professional portfolio to land your next job, internship, or career