An extra 90 days gives more schools time to sign up for funding for courses attended by service members.

This is separate from the G.I. Bill, which is for veteran education benefits.

The tuition assistance program funds post-secondary education for current service members. Currently about 320,000 service members are enrolled to the tune of $545 million.

Military leaders say the program helps ensure a knowledgeable fighting force, and the chance for them to persue a college degree.

This story is part of Federal News Radio's daily DoD Report. For more defense news, click here.