The Post-9/11 GI Bill monthly housing allowance (MHA) rate for full-time students enrolled in an online college, school or distance-learning program is $1,177.50 per month until July 31, 2025.
Even though BAH rates are effective as of Jan. 1, 2024, the effective date for Post-9/11 GI Bill MHA adjustments is the beginning of the academic year, Aug. 1.
The GI Bill is one of the most valuable benefits available to veterans pursuing higher education. This federal program helps cover school tuition costs for eligible veterans service members, and their families. Many wonder if GI Bill benefits can be used for online classes and degree programs. The short answer is yes – the GI Bill does pay for online learning with some limitations on housing benefits.
GI Bill Education Benefits Overview
The GI Bill encompasses several programs that provide funding for college, graduate school, and vocational training programs. The main options are:
- Montgomery GI Bill – For those who enlisted before 9/11/2001
- Post-9/11 GI Bill – For those who served after 9/11/2001
- Transfer of Entitlement – For spouses/dependents receiving transferred benefits
These programs cover expenses like
- Tuition and fees
- Textbooks
- Housing allowance
- Tutorial assistance
GI Bill recipients get a monthly payment sent directly to their school for tuition. Additional money for housing, books, and other costs is paid directly to the veteran.
Using GI Bill for Online Classes
The GI Bill treats online and in-person classes mostly the same when it comes to paying tuition expenses The only difference is a lower housing allowance for fully virtual programs.
Here is how GI Bill benefits apply specifically to online classes and degrees:
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Tuition & fees – Fully covered at the same rates as brick-and-mortar schools.
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Housing allowance – Those taking at least one in-person class qualify for the full housing stipend based on location. Virtual-only students get a reduced nationwide housing payment.
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Books & supplies – Up to $1,000 per year is paid for required books, online materials, tech needs.
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Licensing & exams – Reimbursement provided for prep materials and fees for professional certification tests.
As long as your online program and classes are approved for GI Bill, the tuition will be fully covered. Housing allowance is the only component affected by online-only enrollment.
Using Housing Allowance for Online Classes
The housing allowance – or Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) – is intended to help cover rent and living expenses. There are different rules for this payment based on in-person vs. online:
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In-person – If taking at least one course on campus, you qualify for the full MHA based on where your school is located. This ranges from around $1,400-$3,400 per month.
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Online-only – Taking exclusively virtual classes makes you eligible for the nationwide housing average of approximately $874 per month, instead of the higher in-person rate.
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Active duty – Students on active duty and spouses using transferred benefits do not receive any housing allowance.
So online learners can get some housing assistance, just at a reduced nationwide average rate. Taking one in-person class qualifies for the full location-based housing payment.
Choosing an Online Program Approved for GI Bill
Not all online schools and programs are eligible for GI Bill benefits. Here are some tips for picking one that qualifies:
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Look for non-profit, accredited schools as they are more likely to be GI Bill approved.
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Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to find approved online programs.
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Check with your school’s VA certifying official to confirm a program qualifies before enrolling.
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Avoid schools that seem too good to be true or use aggressive marketing tactics.
Stick with reputable online schools and degree programs to ensure your GI Bill benefits can be applied. Doing your research is important to maximize this earned education funding.
Steps to Use GI Bill for Online Classes
Follow these key steps to use your GI Bill benefits for online courses:
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Apply to an approved online program at least 2 months before classes start.
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Submit your GI Bill eligibility paperwork and choose the school’s VA certifying official as your point of contact.
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Register for online classes during your school’s standard enrollment period.
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Confirm your enrollment with the VA certifying official so tuition/fees are sent to the school.
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Receive any additional payments for housing, books, and supplies separately.
Be sure to report any changes in enrollment status to avoid delays or issues with your payments.
Making the Most of GI Bill for Online Learning
The GI Bill provides amazing benefits to make earning a degree more affordable. Here are some tips for veterans using their benefits for online classes:
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Take at least one course partially in-person if possible to qualify for the full housing payment based on location.
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Research schools thoroughly to pick a reputable online program that aligns with your goals.
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Use other resources like financial aid or scholarships to supplement GI Bill coverage.
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Check with your school about textbook grants, reduced fees, and other savings.
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Pace yourself and avoid overloading on classes to stretch out GI Bill funding.
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Stay organized with benefit paperwork and enrollments to prevent payment delays.
With proper planning, the GI Bill can fully cover the cost of earning your degree online and help you achieve your academic and career goals!
GI Bill Can Support Online Education
In conclusion, the GI Bill is very flexible in terms of paying for online classes and virtual degree programs. The Post-9/11 GI Bill and other programs provide excellent education benefits to reduce the financial barriers for veterans working toward college degrees. Online learners can receive full tuition assistance and some housing payments. Choosing an approved online school and program is key to utilizing your maximum GI Bill entitlement.
Do Online Students Get BAH?
Yes, the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvements Act (GI Bill 2. 0) made this change effective Oct. 1, 2011. However, the MHA for online coursework is lower than the MHA for in-person class attendance.
How Will the New Forever GI Bill Affect MHA for In-Person and Online Student Veterans?
A student’s monthly housing allowance (MHA or BAH) is based on which campus they go to most of their classes. For students who began their studies prior to Aug. 1, 2018, the rate is based on the school’s primary campus location.
Using GI Bill for Online Classes | theSITREP
FAQ
Is the VA still paying full BAH for online classes?
If you’re taking only online classes (also called distance learning). We’ll pay a housing allowance based on 50% of the national average. The campus location where you physically attend most of your classes. We call this a “location-based housing allowance. ”.
Can I take online classes with GI Bill?
If you’re only taking classes at a distance or online, you can only get half of the national average monthly housing allowance through the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
How much is the GI Bill for online school?
MHA Rate ExceptionsType of School2023-2024 MHA RateExclusively online training (no classroom instruction)$967. 40 ($1,177. 50 in 2024-2025)Attending classes at ½ time or lessNot payableActive-duty trainee (or transferee spouse of service member)Not payable.
How many classes do I need to take to get BAH from GI Bill?
How much does GI Bill Pay?
The amount you get depends on which GI Bill program you use and what school you go to. We pay you at the end of each month for the hours you’ve spent training. Post-9/11 GI Bill: We pay a monthly rate that depends on the type of school you’re enrolled in.
Can I get education benefits through the GI Bill?
You may be eligible for education benefits through the GI Bill if you meet both of these requirements. Who is covered? What benefits can I get? Note: If you’re using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you can also get a monthly housing allowance (MHA). How much money will I get?.
Can I get a monthly housing allowance if I use GI Bill?
Note: If you’re using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you can also get a monthly housing allowance (MHA). How much money do I get? It depends on which GI Bill program you use and which school you attend. We pay you at the end of each month for the hours you’ve spent training.
Which GI Bill is best for me?
For most participants, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the best option. Other students would benefit more from the Montgomery GI Bill. It might be easier to choose which education and training benefits are best for you if you use the following comparison tools:
Do I have to give up GI Bill benefits?
In order to get the Post-9/11 GI Bill and at least one other benefit for school, you have to give up one of the other benefits. However, you may remain eligible for the benefit or benefits you did not give up. Use the chart below to compare the education benefits available through the following programs:
Do GI Bill recipients get paid MHA if they take hybrid courses?
Starting Aug. 15, but everyone who uses the Post-9/11 GI Bill to pay for a hybrid course will get the MHA amount for the place where they do most of their classroom training. It used to be that students had to be enrolled in the following to get the MHA rate for the place where they were training:
