Military GI Bill

There are many benefits available to servicemen and women in the Military, one in particular being the GI Bill. Thousands have been able to further their education through this bill, and this number only continues to grow. This education benefit is not only available to you, rather it includes your spouse and dependent family members as well.

Military education benefits come in various programs. Many of the education benefits apply to servicemembers still in uniform and others are available after you transition to the civilian world. Some are intended for you to use during your off-time by attending campus-based courses or through an online education program.

Major military education benefits and tuition assistance programs include:

  • Post 9/11 GI Bill
  • Montgomery GI Bill
  • Montgomery GI Bill Buy-Up Program
  • Veterans Educational Assistance (VEAP)
  • Student Loan Repayment Program (LRP)
  • Veterans Upward Bound Program (VUB)
  • Tuition Assistance Top-Up Program

The GI Bill is a fantastic military benefit that helps all military personnel attend college and go on to have exciting, successful careers. Depending on how long you enlist with a specific  branch and the job you choose, you can get up to $81,756 to help pay for college. All you have to do is give $100 a month during the first year of service. The program offers 36 months of benefits up to 10 years after separating. The new Post-9/11 GI Bill offers 36 months of benefits up to 15 years after separating. Under the Post-9/11 bill, veterans and servicemen and women can receive a host of educational benefits, including paid tuition and fees, $1,000 yearly stipend for books and other supplies and a monthly stipend for housing. $2,000 is also available for one certification or licensing test, and $1,200 is available for a year’s worth of tutoring assistance.

Yellow Ribbon Program

This is a new provision in the G.I. Bill. Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, participating institutions, whose tuition or fees are above what the bill pays, agree to wave half of the additional fees. The VA picks up the other half with no additional charge to your entitlement. This can be a very useful benefit option, if you are attending a private institution, graduate school, or a school where you pay out-of-state tuition.

Tuition Assistance

The G.I. Bill is among the benefits most often mentioned as a reason for joining the service. However, beyond the G.I. Bill, the services each offer a tuition assistance program to service members interested in pursuing higher education while on active duty. Members of the United States Armed Forces are eligible for up to $4,500 per year in tuition assistance from their branch of service. The maximum payable per Semester Hour is $250.00, or Quarter Hour is $166.67. TA pays for both classroom and independent study/distance learning courses, regardless of course length. In addition, some schools offer other benefits or assistance to veterans, military personnel and their immediate families. Just make sure to ask if there are any additional financial assistance and/or tuition cost breaks you may qualify for.

How Can I Apply?

You can apply by filling out VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits.

How Can I Get More Information?

Call toll free 1-888-GI-BILL-1