DoD My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship

Quick Facts

• Funding cap: $4,000 lifetime benefit with a maximum of $2,000 per Department of Defense fiscal year.
• Covered programs: Licensure, certification, or associate degree programs that lead to portable careers in fields such as healthcare, information technology, education, and skilled trades.
• Eligible spouses: Married to active duty members in pay grades E-1 through E-6, W-1 through W-2, or O-1 through O-2 on Title 10 orders.
• Delivery: Administered through the MyCAA online portal with support from Military OneSource career coaches.
• Payment method: Tuition Assistance Request (TAR) submitted through the portal pays schools directly. Reimbursements for exams or licensure fees are available with receipts.

Program Overview

MyCAA reduces financial barriers for military spouses who need portable credentials. Participants create an Education and Training Plan (ETP) with a career coach, select approved schools, and submit TARs each term. MyCAA funds tuition, lab fees, and credentialing exams but does not cover general education courses beyond the associate degree level, textbooks, or computers. The scholarship complements other benefits such as GI Bill transferability and state workforce grants.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Spouse status: Must be legally married to an active duty service member at the time of application and throughout MyCAA funding. Coast Guard spouses on Title 10 orders also qualify.
2. Pay grade restrictions: Service member must be in pay grades E-1–E-6, W-1–W-2, or O-1–O-2. Spouses of National Guard/Reserve members qualify while the service member is on Title 10 orders.
3. Education level: Applicant must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and pursue an approved portable career field.
4. Program eligibility: Only programs offered by MyCAA-approved institutions leading to licenses, certificates, or associate degrees qualify. Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs are excluded.
5. Time limits: Funding requests must be submitted at least 14 days before course start dates. Courses must be completed within the approved ETP timeline, typically within three years.

Enrollment Steps

1. Create a MyCAA account: Visit the portal, verify DEERS information, and accept the Statement of Understanding.
2. Schedule a counseling session: Connect with a Military OneSource career coach to discuss goals and confirm program eligibility.
3. Develop the Education and Training Plan: Upload a plan that lists course titles, costs, start/end dates, and the targeted credential. The coach approves the plan within 10 business days.
4. Submit Tuition Assistance Requests: For each course term, submit a TAR at least two weeks before the start date. Attach invoices or quotes from the school.
5. Track approvals: Monitor portal notifications. Once approved, MyCAA issues payment directly to the school. For exams or recertification fees, pay upfront and request reimbursement with receipts.
6. Report course completion: Upload grades or certificates as they become available. This maintains eligibility for future funding requests.

Documentation Checklist

• Proof of marriage (marriage certificate) and spouse military ID card information.
• Education and Training Plan approved by a career coach.
• Course schedules, cost breakdowns, and invoices from approved schools.
• Licensure or certification exam registration confirmations.
• Receipts for reimbursable expenses (if applicable).
• Plan for alternative funding (GI Bill, Pell Grant) if tuition exceeds MyCAA caps.

Tips and Tricks to Maximize the Scholarship

• Bundle courses strategically: Organize classes into fiscal years to utilize the $2,000 annual cap efficiently. Short-term certificate programs can span two fiscal years to access the full $4,000.
• Choose MyCAA-approved schools with zero balances: Some schools waive application fees or provide textbooks for MyCAA students, stretching funds further.
• Coordinate with GI Bill benefits: If your spouse plans to transfer GI Bill entitlement, use MyCAA for prerequisite certificates and reserve GI Bill for advanced degrees.
• Request cost-sharing discounts: Ask schools if they offer reduced tuition for military spouses. Many community colleges align tuition exactly with MyCAA caps.
• Plan for PCS moves: Select online or hybrid programs that allow you to continue coursework during relocations. Update your address in DEERS to avoid account locks.
• Maintain communication: Respond promptly to portal messages. Missing a 14-day TAR deadline can forfeit funding for that term.

Advanced Strategies for Success

• Stack workforce grants: Combine MyCAA with state workforce scholarships or Department of Labor CareerOneStop programs. Provide award letters to show leveraged funding.
• Track licensure renewals: Allocate part of the $4,000 to cover initial license exams and future recertification fees to remain in compliance when you move.
• Build a professional network: Use the MySECO (Spouse Education and Career Opportunities) tools to schedule virtual career fairs and mentorship sessions.
• Document outcomes: Keep proof of employment offers or salary increases after earning credentials. This data supports future policy advocacy and may unlock employer tuition assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use MyCAA for bachelor’s degrees? No. The program only covers associate degrees or below, plus licensure and certification programs.

What if my spouse promotes beyond the eligible pay grade? You can continue using MyCAA for approved courses already on the ETP as long as funding requests were approved before the promotion effective date. New requests after promotion are not allowed.

Does MyCAA cover exams like CompTIA or NCLEX? Yes, exam fees and one re-test per course are covered if included in the approved ETP and submitted through the TAR process.

Can I change programs midstream? You can update your ETP with counselor approval. However, switching fields may require justification and could delay funding.

Additional Resources

• MyCAA Portal
• MySECO Career Center
• CareerOneStop Military Spouse Resources