Continuing Education - U.S. Air Force (2024)

Enlisted

Enlisted Airmen have a wide range of educational and professional opportunities to take advantage of.

Education Programs

1. 01 ENLISTED COLLEGE LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM (ECLRP)

   The ECLRP allows Active Duty Airman to earn 33 ⅓ percent (a maximum of $21,664.50) of their unpaid principal loan balance each year for three years. Loan repayment will be made after each successful year of service, beginning on the date of enlistment.

2. 02 PROFESSIONAL OFFICER COURSE-EARLY RELEASE PROGRAM (POC-ERP)

   Active Duty Airmen can take advantage of the POC-ERP to enter Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). Those who are selected will become full-time students at a participating college to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Upon graduation and completion of the two-year program, participants will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants and returned to Active Duty for at least four years.

3. 03 THE LEAD PROGRAM

   The LEAD program is an ongoing effort to give our best and brightest Airmen the opportunity to earn a college degree at the Air Force Academy and Academy Prep School. Unit and wing commanders nominate Airmen to fill the 170 available appointments each year.

4. 04 COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE AIR FORCE

   When you join the Air Force with a high school diploma or GED, you automatically begin earning credits toward an associate degree in applied science so you can advance in your career while expanding your education.

Scholarship and Loans

1. 01 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OUTSTANDING AIRMEN TO ROTC (SOAR)

   Enlisted Airmen who strive to attend or complete college may apply to the SOAR program. Up to 50 people can be nominated for two- to four-year ROTC scholarships that cover most tuition and all fees. Those who are accepted will temporarily separate from the Air Force while completing their degree and rejoin upon graduation.

2. 02 THE AIRMAN SCHOLARSHIP AND COMMISSIONS PROGRAM (ASCP)

   This program gives Active Duty, enlisted Airmen the opportunity to earn a commission while completing their bachelor’s degree. Those selected temporarily separate from Active Duty Air Force to join ROTC and become a full-time student at a participating college. Participants receive tuition and fees scholarships for up to $15,000 per year and a textbook allowance of $600 per year.

3. 03 THE AIR FORCE TUITION ASSISTANCE (TA)

   This program is designed to help Active Duty personnel pursue voluntary, off-duty educational opportunities. Currently, the program pays 100 percent (up to $250 per semester hour or equivalent) of the cost of college tuition with a limit of $4,500 per fiscal year.

Officer

There are a few paths you can take to become an Officer in the Air Force and many educational and professional benefits to explore from there.

Education programs

1. 01 AIR FORCE ROTC

   Air Force ROTC is a scholarship program available at nearly 1,000 colleges and universities across the country. The program can help you study at the college of your choice while earning money for school and preparing to be an Officer in the Air Force after graduation. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official Air Force ROTC website.

2. 02 THE AIR FORCE academy

   The prestigious Air Force Academy is a university that offers world-class education, leadership training and cost-free tuition in exchange for your commitment to serve in the Air Force or Space Force. For the most complete information on how to prepare and apply, visit the Academy Admissions website.

3. 03 officer training school

   Civilians and prior-service Airmen with college degrees can take part in this nine-week program to become an Officer in the Air Force. You’ll be challenged physically and mentally while gaining the skills needed to be a leader in the Air Force. Learn more on the Officer Training School page.

4. 04 AFIT’S AIR FORCE GRADUATE SCHOOL FOR ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT

   AFIT’s Air Force Graduate School for Engineering and Management is among the nation’s top engineering schools and enables officers to earn a master’s degree or Ph.D. in one of more than 20 areas of specialization.

5. 05 AFIT CENTER FOR CYBERSPACE RESEARCH (CCR)

   Helping train and equip warriors of the future for the cyber domain, this program conducts defense-focused research at the graduate level. This forward-looking center responds to the changing educational and research needs of the Air Force, the Department of Defense and the federal government.

6. 06 AFIT’S CIVILIAN INSTITUTION PROGRAM

   AFIT’s Civilian Institution program enables officers to pursue specializations not available at AFIT by attending one of more than 400 world-renowned universities, research centers, hospitals and industrial organizations.

7. 07 SQUADRON OFFICER SCHOOL (SOS)

   Officers can step out of their current specialty and focus on becoming a more effective leader through this program. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the Air Force’s core values and strengthen their leadership skills through classes and field exercises, experiencing firsthand how their skills as a leader directly influence the success of an entire group of Airmen.

8. 08 THE AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (AFit)

   The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) allows Air Force Officers to pursue graduate studies as a full-time active duty assignment. Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, AFIT is a world leader in defense technological education, research and consultation and is the Air Force’s graduate school of engineering and management as well as its institution for professional continuing education.

Scholarship and Loans

1. 01 THE RESIDENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

   Medical and dental professionals can complete their residency without financial worry through the Residency Financial Assistance program. Those selected will receive more than $45,000 for every year they participate in the program as well as a stipend of over $2,000 per month to cover living expenses. Upon completion of residency, participants complete one year of service in the Air Force for each year of participation, plus one extra year. Contact your health professions recruiter for qualification and benefit information.

2. 02 THE AIR FORCE TUITION ASSISTANCE (TA) PROGRAM

   This program is designed to help active-duty personnel pursue voluntary, off-duty educational opportunities. Currently, the program pays 100 percent (up to $250 per semester hour or equivalent) of the cost of college tuition with a limit of $4,500 per fiscal year.

3. 03 THE AIR FORCE TECHNICAL DEGREE SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM (TDSP)

   College Students working on an engineering or meteorological degree who are within 24 months of graduation can receive money through this program. Each candidate must successfully meet and complete an evaluation by the Officer Training School (OTS) board. Selected candidates get paid to attend school full-time and earn a living stipend and health benefits. Upon graduation, you'll be commissioned as an officer and get started in an Air Force job specific to your technical skills.

Healthcare

A career in healthcare can be expensive, but the Air Force provides a variety of scholarships and training programs to help you not only achieve your goals but advance them too.

Education Programs

1. 01 THE ALLIED HEALTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

   The Allied Health Internship Program offers several internship opportunities at Air Force medical facilities. The program allows participants to become interns in practice areas such as Clinical Psychology, Audiology, Clinical Social Worker, Dietetic and more. Contact your health professions recruiter for qualification and benefit information.

2. 02 THE AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (AFIT)

   The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) allows Air Force Officers to pursue graduate studies as a full-time, active-duty assignment. Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, AFIT is a world leader in defense technological education, research and consultation and is the Air Force’s graduate school of engineering and management as well as its institution for professional continuing education.

3. 03 THE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT TRAINING PROGRAM

   Physician Assistants are an in-demand and highly respected career within the Air Force. Active Duty Airmen can apply to the Physician Assistant Training program. The qualified individuals accepted into the program will receive the advanced training they need to provide expert medical care to military personnel and their families.

4. 04 HEALTHCARE CONTINUING EDUCATION (HCE)

   Healthcare Continuing Education (HCE) is critical to the success of the Air Force mission. We support healthcare career development with mentorship opportunities and humanitarian missions around the world through funding and scheduling that allows for continuing study. Specific education and training opportunities are available for physicians, nurses and dentists.

5. 05 THE NURSE ENLISTED COMMISSIONING PROGRAM (NECP)

   The program offers Active Duty Airmen an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing to eventually become a Nurse in the Air Force. Participating students remain on Active Duty and continue to receive an income while going to school full time at a college or university that participates in ROTC. Participants receive tuition help for up to $15,000 per year, as well as a textbook allowance of $600 per year.

Scholarships and Loans

1. 01 THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

   Students who wish to pursue a healthcare career can earn financial assistance through the Health Professions Scholarship Program. This scholarship covers all tuition and required fees, including textbooks, small equipment and supplies as well as a monthly allowance for living expenses. Studies funded include one- and two-year programs for Biomedical Science Corps specialties (pharmacists, optometrists, clinical psychologists and public health officers), two- and three-year programs for Nurse Corps specialties and three- and four-year programs for Medical Corps and Dental Corps.

LAW

Pursue and advance your law career with the support of scholarships and advanced training.

Education Programs

1. 01 THE AIR FORCE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL’S SCHOOL

   JAGs seeking to expand their knowledge in different areas of practice, become more specialized in their field or earn Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits are encouraged to participate in the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s School. The school offers classroom courses and monthly webcasts that cover a wide variety of advanced topics.

2. 02 MILITARY EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT

   JAGs have multiple Military Education Development opportunities available to them, including Squadron Officers College, Air Command and Staff College and Air War College.

3. 03 OTHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

   There are a variety of professional development opportunities available to JAGs, including submitting professional papers and articles to The Air Force Law Review or The Reporter (published by the Judge Advocate General’s Corps) or participating in programs by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA).

4. 04 THE AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (AFIT)

   The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) allows Air Force Officers to pursue graduate studies as a full-time, active-duty assignment. Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, AFIT is a world leader in defense technological education, research and consultation and is the Air Force’s graduate school of engineering and management as well as its institution for professional continuing education.

Scholarship and Loans

1. 01 THE JUDGE ADVOCATE STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM (JA-SLRP)

   This program enables eligible JAGs to apply for up to $65,000 toward student loan repayment. Payments are made directly to a qualified lender over a three-year period, beginning once you have completed your first year of service as a JAG officer.

2. 02 THE MASTER OF LAWS (LL.M.) PROGRAMS

   This is a tuition-free option for pursuing an advanced degree in specialties such as Government Contract Law, Environmental Law, Labor Law, Cyber Law, Air and Space Law or International Law. While obtaining an advanced degree, participants receive full tuition, fees and a book allowance from the Air Force while continuing to serve on Active Duty with full pay, allowances and other benefits. After completing the program, participants receive an assignment that utilizes their advanced legal education.

MINISTRY

Pursue your higher calling with the Air Force’s support.

Education Programs

1. 01 THE AIR FORCE RESERVE CHAPLAIN CORPS

   The Air Force Reserve Chaplain Corps offers three avenues of service to the Air Force. The first enables ministry professionals to serve with a local reserve unit and train one weekend a month. The second commits you to serve 12 days on annual tour and 12 in a chapel on an Active Duty base. The final option is the Chaplain Candidate program tailored to students. All options come with the flexibility and benefits found in the Air Force Reserve.

2. 02 THE CHAPLAIN CANDIDATE PROGRAM

   Seminary and religious school students who are interested in Air Force service can apply to the Chaplain Candidate program. Candidates collaborate with an Air Force chapel team during summer tours of active duty. Upon graduation and obtaining an ecclesiastical endorsem*nt, chaplain candidates are eligible for reappointment as a Chaplain in the Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard or Active Duty component.

3. 03 THE CHAPLAIN LEAVE OF ABSENCE PROGRAM

   The Chaplain Leave of Absence program enables authorized chaplain officers to take up to 15 days each year to attend a spiritual retreat, ecclesiastical conference or to consult with ecclesiastical superiors, such as meeting with your endorser.

4. 04 THE AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (AFIT)

   The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) allows Air Force Officers to pursue graduate studies as a full-time active duty assignment. Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, AFIT is a world leader in defense technological education, research and consultation and is the Air Force’s graduate school of engineering and management as well as its institution for professional continuing education.