Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) - DoDEA provides prekindergarten to grade twelve education to children of Service members through over 200 fully accredited schools in thirteen foreign countries, seven states, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - VA partners with DoD to provide education programs for Service members who have separated from the military.  The VA consists of several departments, including the Veterans Benefits Administration which administers the educational programs.

Distance education - The delivery of education or training through electronically mediated instruction, including satellite, video, audio-graphic, computer, and multimedia technology, and other forms of learning at a distance, such as correspondence courses and independent study.

Education Services Office/Education Center - Offices located on military installations where eligible personnel can receive educational assistance and information.

Education loan - Financial aid provided to students for the purpose of attending a college or university.  The student is required to repay the cost of the loan with interest.

Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) - A federally funded program administered by the VA. Eligible Service members receive a maximum of thirty-six months of MGIB benefits for full-time study. Payments are prorated for part-time study.  The VA offers two versions of the MGIB, one for active duty Service members and one for Selected Reserve Service members.

Scholarships and grants - Financial aid awarded to a student.  Financial aid from scholarships and grants generally does not have to be repaid, as long as the student meets the qualifying requirements.

Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) - SOC is a network of colleges and universities that has partnered with DoD to meet the educational needs of the mobile military.  SOC has designated five individual degree networks: SOCAD (Army), SOCNAV (Navy), SOCMAR (Marine Corps), SOCCOAST (Coast Guard), and SOCGUARD (National Guard).

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) - The DEA program, administered by the VA, provides education and training benefits for family members of Service members who have been permanently and totally disabled or who have died while on active duty as a result of a Service-related condition.

Tuition - A fee charged for instruction, especially at academic institutions of higher learning, such as colleges and universities. 

Tuition Assistance (TA) - Money provided to eligible personnel to cover (or help cover) the cost of tuition at academic institutions. Tuition assistance is an entitlement for military personnel and does not have to be repaid to the government as long as the Service member does not receive a failing or incomplete grade or withdraw from the course.