Bottom line: As a drilling reservist you generally don't get active-duty TA today — but that's under review and may open up soon. In the meantime, your real education benefits are the GI Bill programs and state aid, depending on your service history.
The current state of TA for reservists
Tuition Assistance has been an active-duty benefit; drilling SELRES and IRR Marines haven't qualified unless on active-duty orders. This is currently under review, and it looks likely that TA will become available to reservists in the near future. If that changes, we'll update this page.
What you can use today
- Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) — the education benefit tied to your reserve service.
- Post-9/11 GI Bill — if you've performed qualifying active-duty service.
- State education benefits — many states offer tuition aid for Guard and Reserve members.
- Other military education programs — credentialing and related options.
The right benefit depends on your specific service history. Start with the VA education portal to see what you're eligible for.