SC National Guard Tuition Assistance Doubles in 2025-26
Service members in the South Carolina National Guard will see a significant increase in state-funded tuition assistance beginning this fall, as part of changes to the 2025-26 state budget. The South Carolina National Guard College Assistance Program (SCNG CAP) will now offer up to $12,000 per academic year—more than double the previous $5,500 annual cap.
The lifetime cap has also increased from $22,000 to $25,000. Full-time students will be eligible for up to $4,000 per semester, including during the fall, spring, and summer terms.
The budget provides the following increases to SCNG CAP benefits:
- $12,000 per academic year, more than doubling the previous cap of $5,500.
- $25,000 lifetime cap, up from $22,000.
- $4,000 available per semester for full time students in the fall, spring and summer semesters.
SCNG CAP is a joint initiative between the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) and the South Carolina Army and Air National Guard. The program is designed to support higher education for active members of the Guard as a way to incentivize service and promote workforce development.
“The increased funding for the South Carolina National Guard College Assistance Program demonstrates the state’s deep appreciation for its service members,” said Maj. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell, adjutant general of South Carolina. “This investment reaffirms South Carolina’s commitment to valuing service, believing in the potential of its Guardsmen, and supporting the futures of its Guard members.”
Dr. Jeff Perez, President and Executive Director of the CHE, added, “These enhancements clearly demonstrate the state’s appreciation for military service and will strengthen South Carolina’s future workforce. We are grateful to the General Assembly and Governor McMaster for recognizing the importance of investing in the success of those who selflessly serve our state and nation.”
In the 2023-24 academic year, 910 service members received a total of nearly $3.8 million through SCNG CAP. Established in 2007, the program is funded annually through a state budget proviso.
Eligibility for SCNG CAP remains unchanged. Recipients must be active drilling members of the South Carolina Army or Air National Guard and have completed Basic Training and AIT/IADT. The assistance can be applied toward various types of programs, including technical certificates, registered apprenticeships, associate degrees, and the first bachelor’s degree.
- A less than one-year certificate approved by South Carolina Technical College System.
- Courses completed as an education component of a registered apprenticeship.
- An eligible educational program that leads to a certificate or credential (e.g. diploma).
- The first associates degree, or after five years from completion of the first associates degree, a second associates degree
- The first bachelor’s degree or a two-year degree program that can be used towards a bachelor’s degree.
More information about the program, including eligibility requirements and application details, is available at che.sc.gov/scngcap.
