AmeriCorps Alumni: Schools for National Service & Tuition Benefits

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AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefit Options

One of the first big decisions as a VISTA is choosing your AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefits. AmeriCorps VISTA offers two options: a cash stipend or the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. Understanding these benefits and how they can support your future is key to making the right choice.

Cash Stipend: ≈ $1,800

  • The AmeriCorps End of Service cash stipend is an alternative to the Segal Education Award.
  • As of March 2025, the stipend is $1,800 for full-time AmeriCorps members.
  • It is paid as a lump sum in the final paycheck after completing service.
  • The stipend is taxable income in the year it is received.
  • If you selected the cash stipend but change your mind, you have until the end of your 10th month of service to switch to the Segal Education Award in the My AmeriCorps portal.

 

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: ≈ $7,395

  • The award amount is $7,395 for full-time service (as of 2024).
    • The exact amount changes yearly based on the maximum Pell Grant for that year.
  • Is held in a special account with the National Service Trust and can be accessed as needed, not paid as a lump sum.
  • Can be used to pay tuition and fees at eligible institutions, including colleges, universities, and technical schools.
  • Can be used to repay federal student loans (e.g., Direct, Perkins, and some FFEL loans).
  • Expires after 7 years if unused.
  • If you were 55 or older when you started service, you may be able to transfer the award to a child or grandchild.
  • Considered taxable income in the year it is used, so recipients may owe taxes when filing.
  • Does not count as income for determining federal student aid eligibility.

 

AmeriCorps Schools of National Service LogoSchools for National Service: Making the Most of Your Education Award

AmeriCorps alumni can get extra benefits at participating Schools for National Service including:

  • Application Fee Waivers: Many schools waive application fees, saving you up to $65 per application.
  • Tuition Matching: Several institutions match the Segal Award. In fact, some more than double your financial support from the Segal Education Award.
  • Graduate Program Incentives: Some universities offer thousands in scholarships or fellowships for AmeriCorps alumni.

TMA Member Offers:

Institution Benefit
University of Maryland School of Social Work - AmeriCorps Schools of National Service AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefits
  • Waived $65 application fee
  • Bonus points on application score
  • Deferrals of up to one year
Towson University - AmeriCorps Schools of National Service AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefits
  • Waived $50 application fee
University of Maryland School of Public Health - AmeriCorps Schools of National Service AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefits Will Match $1,000 of the Award

  • Toward Master of Public Health (MPH) programs
Loyola University - AmeriCorps Schools of National Service AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefits Will Match $1,000 of Award 

  • Toward a graduate degree program
  • Graduate application fee waived
University of Baltimore - AmeriCorps Schools of National Service AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefits Will Match $3,000 of Award 

  • Toward any College of Public Affairs’ degree programs
Notre Dame of Maryland University - AmeriCorps Schools of National Service AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefits Will Match Up to $2,400 of Award

  • The Accelerated/Weekend College will grant a 30% discount on your first 5 classes. (≈ $2,400 value)
  • Free registration for the first semester at the college
University of Maryland School of Public Policy - AmeriCorps Schools of National Service AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefits Will Match $3,000 of Award 

  • Towards the Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership
  • This fellowship is awarded for up to 4 people.
University of Maryland - AmeriCorps Schools of National Service AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefits Will Match $4,000 of Award 

  • College of Education: Master’s Certification program, a 1-year program that leads to Teacher Certification and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree.
The George Washington University - AmeriCorps Schools of National Service AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefits Will Match $5,000 of Award

  • Trachtenberg School of Public Policy & Public Administration
    • MPP or MPA program
    • Application fee waiver
Georgetown University - AmeriCorps Schools of National Service AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefits Will Match $5,000 of Award 

  • McDonough School of Business, Graduate & Executive Degree
    • Executive MBA
    • Master of Science in Management
    • Master of Science in Global Real Assets 
    • Master of Arts in International Business & Policy
American University - AmeriCorps Schools of National Service AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefits Will Match Full $7,400 Award

  • College of Arts and Science 
  • Kogod School of Business
  • School of Communication
  • School of Education
  • School of International Service
  • School of Public Affairs
The George Washington University - AmeriCorps Schools of National Service AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefits Will Match Full $7,400 Award

  • School of Business-Global MBA Program
  • Graduate School of Education & Human Development
Georgetown University - AmeriCorps Schools of National Service AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefits Will Match Full $7,400 Award 

  • MS in Environment and Sustainability Management
Delaware State University - AmeriCorps Schools of National Service AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefits Will Match Full $7,400 Award 

  • Tuition matching for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Scholarships or fellowship to AmeriCorps alumni
  • One-year enrollment deferrals for individuals to serve in AmeriCorps
Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies - AmeriCorps Schools of National Service AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefits Offers an Enhanced Match of $11,500

  • Executive Master of Professional Studies (EMPS):
  • 15% scholarship each semester = total value of $11,500
Georgetown University - AmeriCorps Schools of National Service AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefits Offers a Renewable Match - Up to $14,800 

  • Will match full $7,400
  • Renewable for students in multiyear concentrations with a 3.0+ GPA - $14,800

  • MA in Educational Transformation
  • Georgetown University, McCourt School of Public Policy
American University - AmeriCorps Schools of National Service AmeriCorps End-of-Service Benefits Offers an Enhanced Match of $34,255

  • School of International Service graduate degree programs in international affairs:
    • Guaranteed minimum scholarship award equal to one academic credit - $1,900
    • Up to a maximum of 18 credits for highly qualified applicants
    • Admissions application fee waived

 

How to Find Schools for National Service

AmeriCorps provides an official Schools for National Service directory to help you find institutions offering these benefits. If you’re considering furthering your education after AmeriCorps, be sure to explore these opportunities to maximize your award.

Making Your Choice

Your choice of an end-of-service benefit can shape your next steps after AmeriCorps. Whether you take the cash stipend or use the Segal Education Award for further education, be sure to weigh your options carefully. If higher education is in your plans, Schools for National Service can help make the most of your award and stretch your AmeriCorps benefits even further!

For more details on Schools for National Service, visit AmeriCorps.gov.