The Department of Veterans Affairs Montgomery GI Bill pays a set benefit based on the number of classes a veteran using the benefit takes. This is referred to as the veterans “training time. ” For undergraduate classes, the training time is determined as follows:
For graduate training, the VA will pay your benefits based on what the school reports your training time to be. So, if you take three graduate hours and the school tells the VA youre considered a full-time student, that is what the VA will pay you.
The following basic monthly rates are effective Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025. For trainees on active duty, payment is limited to the reimbursement of tuition and fees for the training taken.
It’s no secret that the Montgomery GI Bill is one of the best and most popular ways for veterans to pay for school. But many veterans are curious about how much it really pays. The answer depends on your specific situation.
In this complete guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Montgomery GI Bill payment rates, including:
- How payment amounts are calculated
- Payment rates for full-time, 3/4-time, 1/2-time enrollment
- Payments for apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and more
- Differences in payment rates based on length of service
Let’s get started!
How Are Montgomery GI Bill Payments Calculated?
The monthly payment you receive under the Montgomery GI Bill depends on two main factors:
- The type of education or training you are pursuing
- Your training time (full-time, half-time, etc)
The VA figures out how long you have to train based on how many credit hours you are taking, whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student.
For other types of training like vocational programs, your training time is calculated according to weekly clock hours.
In general, the more classes or clock hours per week, the higher your payment will be, up to the full-time rate
Full-Time Montgomery GI Bill Payment Rates
If you are enrolled full-time, the maximum Montgomery GI Bill benefit payment you can receive is:
- $2,438 per month for 2023-2024
- $1,978 per month for 2024-2025
To qualify for the full-time rate, you must be taking at least 12 credit hours per semester as an undergraduate, or the equivalent for graduate students.
For non-degree vocational training, full-time enrollment is defined as at least 22 clock hours per week.
Part-Time Montgomery GI Bill Payments
You can still get Montgomery GI Bill benefits even if you only go to school part-time. Payment rates are reduced based on your training time.
Here are the part-time rates for 2024-2025:
- 3/4 time: $1,483.50 per month
- 1/2 time: $989 per month
- Less than 1/2 time: Up to $989 per month
Keep in mind that if your tuition and fees are less than the monthly rate, you will only receive up to the amount of your actual charges.
Payments For Apprenticeships and On-The-Job Training
The Montgomery GI Bill can also help fund apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs. Payment rates are based on how long you have been in the program:
- First 6 months: $1,483.50 per month
- Second 6 months: $1,087.90 per month
- After 12 months: $692.30 per month
To get the full amount every month, you have to train for at least 120 hours every month.
Payments For Other Types of Training
In addition to traditional college programs, the GI Bill provides funding for other types of training:
- Flight training – 60% of approved costs
- Correspondence courses – 55% of established fees
- Licensing and certification tests – Up to $2,000 reimbursement
- National testing programs – Unlimited reimbursement
So whether you want to become a pilot, a plumber, or an accountant, the GI Bill can help cover the cost of the necessary training and testing.
Payment Rates Based on Length of Service
It’s important to note that your Montgomery GI Bill payments may be reduced if you served less than 3 years on active duty.
Here’s a comparison of full-time rates based on length of service:
- 3 years or more: $2,438 per month
- 2 to 3 years: $1,978 per month
So if you separated after 2 years, you would receive approximately 80% of the full payment amount.
Putting It All Together
As you can see, Montgomery GI Bill payments can vary widely based on your specific circumstances. The key factors that determine your payment rate are:
- Type of training or education
- Training time (full-time, half-time, etc)
- Length of active duty service
The best way to estimate your potential payment amount is to speak with a VA representative. They can consider your unique situation and give you a personalized estimate.
The Montgomery GI Bill has provided essential education funding for millions of veterans. By understanding how payment rates work, you can maximize this valuable benefit as you pursue your academic and career goals.
Enlistment of 3 or More Years
The rates in the following two tables apply to beneficiaries completing an enlistment of three years or more.
| Training Time | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| Full time | $2,438.00 |
| ¾ time | $1,828.50 |
| ½ time | $1,219.00 |
| Less than ½ time more than ¼ time | $1,219.00 ** |
| ¼ time or less | $609.50 ** |
** Or the cost of tuition and fees, whichever is less.
| Training Period | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| First six months of training | $1,828.50 |
| Second six months of training | $1,340.90 |
| Remainder of training | $853.30 |
Correspondence and flight training: 55% and 60% off approved fees, respectively.
Enlistment of 2 to 3 Years
The rates shown in the next two tables are for people who have been on active duty for two to three years.
| Training Time | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| Full time | $1,978.00 |
| ¾ time | $1,483.50 |
| ½ time | $989.00 |
| Less than ½ time more than ¼ time | $989.00 ** |
| ¼ time or less | $494.50** |
** Tuition and fees only. Payment cannot exceed the listed amount.
| Training Period | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| First six months of training | $1,483.50 |
| Second six months of training | $1,087.90 |
| Remainder of training | $692.30 |
Correspondence and flight training: 55% and 60% of approved costs, respectively
Montgomery GI Bill: Unlocking Your Veteran Education Benefits
FAQ
How much money will I get from the GI Bill?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill This is the most widely used GI Bill option, providing up to full college tuition for public and in-state schools plus more than $25,000 per year at private or foreign schools.
What is the maximum Montgomery GI Bill?
You can use up to a maximum of 36 months of education benefits. If you choose to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you can’t switch at a later date to use one of these other education benefits instead: Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD or Chapter 30) Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR or Chapter 1606).
How much does the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve pay?
Based on how many classes you’re taking, we’ll pay you up to this amount: full-time enrollment: $481 00 for each full month. 3/4-time enrollment: $360. 00 for each full month. 1/2-time enrollment: $240. 00 for each full month.
Which is better, post-9/11 or Montgomery?
The post 9/11 GI bill is almost always better for attending college than the MGIB and the MGIB is better for apprenticeships and job training. You can use the MGIB for 36 months and then use the post 9/11 for another 12 months but you’ll miss out on all that BAH for 36 months.
Does Montgomery GI Bill pay tuition?
Once you leave active-duty service, the GI Bill will pay the full payment rate no matter how much the tuition costs, except for students attending less than half time, who receive enough to cover tuition and fees only. Click here to see the current Montgomery GI Bill payment rates.
What is the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)?
The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is one of the most valuable benefits available to military members and veterans. It is often worth thousands of dollars to help pay for college or other educational training programs. Veterans receive MGIB benefits in monthly payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
What can I use my Montgomery GI Bill for?
You can use your Montgomery GI Bill to pay for a lot of things, such as: The Montgomery GI Bill is an education benefit worth over $87,000 The monthly full-time student payment rate for 2024–25 is $2,438. This amount is based on the 36-month limit for a single term of service. This “payment rate” automatically increases each Oct. 1.
When do Montgomery GI bill payment rates increase?
Each year in October, the Montgomery GI Bill payment rates increase to meet the growing cost of education.
Do Montgomery GI Bill recipients get stipends?
Eligible Montgomery GI Bill recipients receive monthly stipends while they are attending classes at a qualified training institution. The checks are payable to the student and not to the school. If you are using corporate education benefits to pay for your tuition, you may be able to save your MGIB payments or use them for other expenses.
Can I get a Montgomery GI Bill refund?
For correspondence, flight training, accelerated payments for high-cost, high-technology courses and tests for licenses or certifications, determine the entitlement charge by dividing the amount you received by your MGIB monthly rate for full-time training. You may qualify to get a Montgomery GI Bill refund in limited circumstances.
