New York National Guard Education Services

You may be eligible for college tuition assistance
up to SUNY rates!

The Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program (RIRP) is a New York State program designed to recruit and retain members for the State Military Forces (Army and Air National Guard, and Naval Militia). This competitive program will pay the cost of tuition up to SUNY tuition rates per semester.

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The following are basic RIRP eligibility requirements:

• Be in good standing with the State Military Forces (attend or make-up all drills and annual training)
• Be accepted and enrolled in an undergraduate degree-granting program for a minimum of six (6) credit hours per semester or four (4) credit hours per quarter
• Be a resident of the State of New York for a period of 186 days prior to using the program, excluding Active Duty periods

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To apply for the RIRP, a Service Member must:

1. Read and complete the RIRP MOU and DMNA Form 96-1 in accordance with DMNA Regulation 621-1
   • Application must be signed either by CAC or by creating a digital signature
   • Contact the New York State Tuition Assistance Program Manager for assistance
2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) (Pell Grant). Obtain Student Aid Report (SAR) as proof of PELL approval or denial
   • Entire Student Aid report must be submitted with your RIRP document packet
   • Final PELL determination is required for your packet to be completed/approved
3. Complete the application for Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Obtain ORIGINAL TAP Award Certificate as final proof of TAP approval or denial
   • Final TAP determination is required for your package to be completed/approved
4. Obtain a Letter of Acceptance from the College/University you will be attending
5. Submit all documents from 1, 2, 3 & 4 to your Unit Administrator (UA) or the appropriate Education Service Representative
   • Army National Guard Members:
     • Email packet to: ng.ny.nyarng.mbx.rirpny@army.mil Please allow up to 2 business days for response
   • Air National Guard Members:
     • Contact your Retention Office Manager for further instructions
   • Naval Militia Members:
     • Follow the instructions on the New York Naval Militia Education Benefits page

Applications must be received by the appropriate Education Service Representative by:

• 15 August for the Fall semester
• 15 December for the Spring semester

• Applications will not be accepted after these deadlines
• A new application, with a current date must be completed and submitted each semester

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Contact your Education Service Representative for more information:

• Army National Guard
  Education Services Office (518) 786-0460
• Air National Guard
  TSgt Stephanie Lambert (518) 786-4326
• New York Naval Militia
  Education Officer (518) 786-4583

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OTHER LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• The State University of New York Home page
• The City University of New York Home page