The GI Bill is a powerful tool for Veterans looking to pursue higher education and job training. But navigating what is and isn’t covered can be confusing. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what expenses you can pay for with your GI Bill benefits.
Tuition Assistance for Degree Programs
One of the most valuable aspects of the GI Bill is helping Veterans pay for college tuition This includes
- Undergraduate degrees at colleges and universities
- Graduate degrees such as Master’s and PhD programs
- Vocational school and certificate programs
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to the full cost of public in-state undergraduate tuition and fees. For private schools and graduate programs up to $26,042.81 per year is covered.
Licensed Career and Technical Training
In addition to academic degrees, the GI Bill covers licensed career and technical training in fields like
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Healthcare – Nursing assistant, EMT, dental hygienist
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Skilled trades – Electrician, plumber, welder
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Technology – IT certifications, coding academies
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Business – Real estate, accounting, project management certifications
This allows Veterans to gain the hands-on skills needed to kickstart a civilian career. Up to $26,042.81 per year is provided under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
National Testing Programs
The GI Bill helps Veterans cover the costs of national tests required for licensing and certifications, including:
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BAR exam for lawyers
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Medical board exams like the USMLE
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Series 6 and 7 for financial careers
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Commercial driver’s license (CDL) exams
Up to $2,000 per test is provided, with no limit on the number of tests. This removes financial barriers to entering licensed professions.
Licensing and Certification Exams
In addition to national tests, the cost of state licensing and certification exams are covered up to $2,000 per test. This includes exams for careers such as:
- Teaching
- Accounting
- Nursing
- Cosmetology
- Mechanics
Books, Supplies, and Equipments
Textbooks, course materials, and specialized equipment required for training can be paid for up to $1,000 per year with the GI Bill. This helps cover costs like:
- Textbooks for coursework
- Laptops, tablets, and supplies
- Specialized tools like welding gear
- Art supplies for studio courses
- Scrubs and clinical necessities
For highly specialized fields like aviation that require substantial supplies, up to $83,000 can be provided.
Tutorial Assistance
If you need a little extra help keeping up with challenging coursework, the GI Bill offers up to $100 per month for tutorial services. This credit can be applied to tutoring from:
- The school’s tutoring center
- Private tutoring services
- Subject-specific tutoring companies
Monthly Housing Allowance
To help cover living expenses during education, the GI Bill provides a monthly housing stipend based on your school’s location. On average this allowance is $1,800-$2,500 per month for full-time students, but can go up to ~$4,000 in some areas.
Rural Benefits
For Veterans attending school in rural areas, additional assistance is provided through a one-time Rural Benefit payment of $1,000. This helps offset transportation costs.
Relocation Allowance
If you need to move to a new area for school, a one-time relocation allowance of $500 can help cover moving expenses.
Annual Stipend for Books & Supplies
In addition to the $1,000 per year for required books/supplies, the GI Bill provides a $1,000 annual stipend to help cover these costs when they aren’t directly billed by the school.
Testing Out of Courses
The GI Bill will reimburse you up to $2,000 for tests you take to show prior knowledge of course material, earning college credits without taking the classes.
Work-Study Program
You can earn additional income while in school through the GI Bill work-study program, which pays an hourly wage for VA-related work like helping other Veteran students.
Licensing/Certification Test Prep Classes
Test prep courses to help you pass licensing/certification exams in your field of study are covered up to $2,000.
The GI Bill provides immense value for Veterans pursuing higher education and career training. When used proactively, it can cover the full spectrum of costs related to earning a degree, gaining licenses/certifications, and launching a civilian career. Seek guidance from a VA representative to maximize your benefits potential.
What You Need To Apply
When you apply for veteran education benefits, you’ll need the following:
- Social security number
- Military service history
- Education history
- Information about your educational plans or prospective college
- Bank direct deposit information
On average, it takes 30 days to receive a decision letter. You can request a review to dispute a rejection or file an appeal to address any other eligibility issues that come up during the application process.
How to Apply for GI Bill Benefits
Applying online is the fastest, most convenient way to find your eligibility for education benefits. Before you apply, consider using the GI Bill Comparison tool to figure out how to maximize different program features.
Choosing the right school ensures that you get the greatest return on investment from your educational plans. Military-friendly schools offer more extensive career services and support networks, and the comparison tool allows you to search for VA-approved institutions, programs, and employers that closely align with your goals.
How Much Money I Made Using The Post 9/11 GI Bill
FAQ
What exactly does the GI Bill cover?
Educational Benefits. People who served in the military for at least 90 days after September 11 can get financial help for school and housing through the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.
Does GI Bill pay for everything?
If you qualify for the maximum benefit, we’ll cover the full cost of public, in-state tuition and fees. We cap the rates for private and foreign schools, and update those rates each year. Money for housing (if you’re in school more than half time).
What else can I use my GI Bill for?
The GI Bill can be used for a lot of different kinds of training, such as: College degree programs, such as Associate, Bachelor, and advanced degree programs Vocational/Technical Training including non-college degree programs. On-the-job/Apprenticeship Training.
What does the GI Bill pay for?
A lot of different types of education and training costs are covered by GI Bill benefits. These include: college degree programs (20–30%), up to 100% of in-state tuition at public universities and colleges (undergraduate and graduate), Online learning. Vocational and technical training. Licensing and certification. Apprenticeship and on-the-job training.
What are GI Bill benefits?
GI Bill benefits help you pay for school and cover expenses while you’re training for a job. GI Bill has been helping veterans and their families get money for school or training since 1944. It can cover all or some of the costs. Learn more about GI Bill benefits on this page—and how to apply for them.
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:
How do I get GI Bill benefits?
Complete the Application for Education Benefits. Once you’ve applied for benefits, you’ll get a letter explaining your GI Bill benefits and a notice that you are eligible. Don’t worry if the VA sends you a letter requesting more information; this is common. You do have to respond to get your benefits, though.
What does the GI Bill mean for college?
With the GI Bill, you don’t have to pay for college yourself. However, you should still make sure that you use the benefits in the best way possible so that they help you in the long run. If you haven’t chosen a school, research your options. Figure out what kind of education you want and what your interests are.
How do I compare GI Bill benefits?
The GI Bill Comparison Tool can help you figure out what your choices are, and an official VA representative can help you apply for school aid. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool Apply for education benefits.
