KS HB2185

Kansas National Guard members may transfer unused tuition assistance benefits to one eligible dependent (spouse or child registered in DEERS) who holds a high school diploma, is enrolled at a Kansas institution, and does not already have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Dependent benefits are secondary to guard member benefits and only available after all eligible guard members are fully funded; dependents must also complete the Kansas student aid application and FAFSA.

The EMERGE program expands from master's degrees only to include doctoral and professional degrees (such as JD or physician's assistant), with up to 100 new participants selected annually and a maximum of 200 in the program at any time.

Service commitment for EMERGE participants is 48 months post-completion for master's degrees and 72 months for doctoral or professional degrees, with pro-rated recoupment if the commitment is not fulfilled.

Assistance covers tuition and fees for up to 15 credit hours per semester, capped at 150% of required program hours, with amounts offset by any federal financial assistance received.