Tuition and fees up to the in-state rate at a Delaware public college, or the equivalent at a Delaware private one, for a member of the Delaware National Guard who agrees to six years of service, for one certificate and one degree at each level through a master’s. Since July 1, 2026 the Guard pays the school directly instead of reimbursing you.
Also called: 14 Del. C. 3480, State Education Assistance Program, SEAP, House Bill 160, 85 Del. Laws c. 103, tuition assistance, six years, 15 years, master’s degree.
Title 14, section 3480 is the Delaware National Guard's state tuition program.
Who. An active member of a federally recognized unit of the Delaware National Guard who meets the Adjutant General's standard for satisfactory membership. Veterans who have left the Guard are not covered, and reservists in federal reserve units are not covered.
What it pays. At a state-supported institution, the full tuition and fees up to the in-state rate, and the institution must charge the member in-state rates "regardless of the member's state of residence". At a Delaware private institution, the average in-state tuition and fees of the public institutions that offer the course. Only courses required for a specific certificate, associate, bachelor's or master's degree count, and only one program at each level. The member must first apply for and use every other reasonably available tuition assistance, including federal tuition assistance, scholarships, grants and employer programs. If money runs short, master's degree funding is cut first.
What it costs you. An agreement to serve satisfactorily in the Delaware Guard for at least six years, which can include service before, during and after the benefit. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better. An application to the Adjutant General before each class starts. Benefits stop 15 years after the first funded course, extended by any time on active duty that interrupted school. A member who fails the service commitment, is discharged for cause or otherwise breaks the terms must repay everything, with interest, pro rata. A member separated other than for cause does not repay.
What changed. House Bill 160, approved July 23, 2025 and printed as 85 Delaware Laws chapter 103, switched the program from reimbursing members for tuition they had already paid to paying the institution directly within 60 days of receiving the member's bill. The Act took effect on signing and "is implemented on July 1, 2026". Its synopsis explains why: young members often could not afford to pay first and wait. Any guide that tells a Guard member to pay and submit receipts is describing the old program.
The program is subject to appropriations each year. Contact the Delaware National Guard Education Office.
Thresholds
Thresholds for Delaware National Guard Education Benefits
Gate
Rule
Current Delaware National Guard members only
14 Del. C. § 3480(a): an active member of a federally recognized unit meeting satisfactory membership.
Six-year service agreement and a 2.0 grade point average
14 Del. C. § 3480(b), with repayment under subsection (e) for anyone who does not complete it.
▲Expands benefitsHas the Guard pay tuition and fees to the school directly instead of reimbursing the member after the member pays.
Amended 14 Del. C. § 3480 so the Guard pays tuition and fees to the institution within 60 days of the member’s bill instead of reimbursing the member afterwards. Effective on approval, July 23, 2025, and implemented on July 1, 2026. Guides telling Guard members to pay first and submit receipts describe the old program.
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Disclaimer
VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.