How Much Does The GI Bill Pay For Online Classes? A Complete Guide

The GI Bill is an amazing benefit provided by the US government to help veterans and their families pursue higher education goals. But with so many options and nuances around eligibility and payments amounts it can be confusing to understand exactly how much the GI Bill covers for online classes.

This guide has everything you need to know about how the GI Bill works and how much it costs to go to school online. Whether you are a veteran or are helping a loved one figure out their options, you will have all the information you need to make a smart choice.

GI Bill Chapters – Which One Do You Have?

The first important thing is to know which GI Bill benefit you are eligible for. There are several GI Bill programs, and each has its own rules, payment amounts, and requirements for who can use it. The main options are:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) – For those who served on active duty after September 10, 2001 Offers the most generous benefits.

• Chapter 30 of the Montgomery GI Bill is for people who joined the military after July 1985 and paid $100 a month for their first year of service.

• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) – For reservists with a 6-year service contract.

• Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) – For veterans with service-connected disabilities. Provides customized employment support.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill tends to be the most widely used today. The Chapter you’re eligible for determines how payments are calculated.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Payment Rates

For those using the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), here are the key payment amounts to understand:

Tuition & Fees

• For public schools, the GI Bill covers 100% of in-state tuition & fees.

• For private schools, the GI Bill covers up to $26,381.11 per year.

• For foreign schools, the GI Bill covers up to $26,381.11 per year.

• For non-college degree programs (vocational training), the GI Bill covers up to $26,381.11 per year.

Monthly Housing Allowance

• If taking all classes online, the housing allowance is equal to 50% the national average, which is currently $988/month.

• If taking at least one course on-campus, housing allowance is based on the military’s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents in your school’s zip code.

• Housing allowance is prorated based on your length of service and enrollment (full-time vs. part-time).

Books & Supplies Stipend

• Up to $1,000 per year.

• Paid proportionally based on enrollment.

Benefit Caps

• The most expensive public in-state undergraduate tuition in the country, which is currently around $25,162 per year, is the most that tuition, fees, housing, and stipend benefits can be combined.

• Benefits are payable for up to 36 months of full-time enrollment.

Percentage of Benefits Based on Time Served

Here is how much of the full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits you’ll receive based on your total length of active duty service:

• 36+ months of active duty = 100% of benefits

• 30-35 months of active duty = 90% of benefits

• 24-29 months of active duty = 80% of benefits

• 18-23 months of active duty = 70% of benefits

• 6-17 months of active duty = 60% of benefits

• 90+ days to 6 months of active duty = 50% of benefits

Do Payments Differ for Online vs. In-Person Classes?

The only major difference in GI Bill payments for online versus in-person courses is the monthly housing allowance.

If you take any courses on campus, your housing payment is based on the BAH for your school’s location. If all your classes are online, it’s capped at 50% of the national BAH average.

Other than that, tuition coverage, fees, and book stipends are calculated the same way regardless of online or in-person. The key factors are your GI Bill Chapter, length of service, and enrollment status.

Does the GI Bill Cover Fees for Online Programs?

Yes, the GI Bill does cover required fees charged by online schools and programs, just as it would for in-person schools. This includes things like technology fees and graduation fees.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay up to the annual cap for combined tuition and fees. Keep in mind for private online schools, this means fees + tuition are covered up to $26,381.11 per year.

Can the GI Bill Pay for Multiple Online Degrees?

The GI Bill can absolutely fund multiple online degree programs, even if completing them simultaneously. There are just a couple limitations:

• The combined tuition/fees paid can’t exceed the annual cap per academic year.

• You can only receive up to 36 total months of full GI Bill benefits.

So you could use the GI Bill to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree online at the same time. You just have to stay under the fee limit and 36 month cap.

How to Apply and Use GI Bill Benefits

To start using your GI Bill benefits for online classes, follow these steps:

1. Apply – Submit a VA Form 22-1990 to apply for benefits.

2. Choose School – Get accepted to an approved online program. Make sure your school and degree plan are GI Bill approved.

3. Submit Enrollment Verification – Work with your school’s VA certifying official to submit enrollment verification.

4. Confirm Eligibility – The VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility confirming your benefit details.

5. Notify VA of Changes – Alert the VA if your enrollment, degrees, or address change so your payments are adjusted accordingly.

6. Apply Annually – Re-submit a 22-1990 each school year to receive continued benefits.

And remember, work closely with your school’s VA office, the VONAPP website, and VA Education Call Center along the way to ensure smooth processing of your benefits!

Key Takeaways

• The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides the most generous education benefits for recent veterans.

• Payment amounts are based on your GI Bill Chapter, time served, and enrollment status.

• Tuition, fees, and stipends are the same for online vs. in-person classes. Only the housing allowance differs.

• You can use benefits for multiple online degrees, as long as you don’t exceed the 36 month cap.

• Stay engaged throughout the process to make sure your benefits are processed correctly each semester!