Can the GI Bill Pay for You to Retake a Failed Class?

Going back to school using GI Bill benefits can be a challenging experience. Juggling coursework, family life, and work commitments often leads to struggles in certain classes. Failing a required class can feel discouraging, but it doesn’t have to derail your education goals. The good news is that the GI Bill will allow you to retake a failed class multiple times as needed until you pass.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about retaking a failed class with GI Bill benefits, including:

• What happens when you fail a class using the GI Bill
• Repeating a failed class with your GI Bill entitlement
• Tips to pass the class on your next attempt
• Options if you don’t pass after multiple retakes
• Impact on your academic status and GI Bill eligibility
• When repayment of benefits may be required

Understanding these policies will help you get back on track after a failed class without losing your hard-earned GI Bill entitlement.

What Happens When You Fail a Class Using the GI Bill?

First don’t panic if you receive a failing grade in a class. It happens even to the most diligent students. Here’s what to expect if you fail a class while using the GI Bill

• The VA will not take back or reduce your GI Bill payments for that term. You can keep the tuition, housing allowance, and book stipend already paid.

• You will not have to repay GI Bill funds for the failed class

• The failing grade will appear on your college transcript and get calculated into your GPA.

• You can retake the same class using your remaining GI Bill entitlement.

The key point is that the attempted class still counts against your GI Bill benefits, even without passing and earning credits This allows you to tap into those benefits again for the same class.

Repeating a Failed Class Using the GI Bill

Since a failed class is considered attempted credit under the GI Bill, you can retake that class and receive benefits again to cover:

• Full tuition and fees
• Monthly housing allowance
• Annual book/supply stipend (if eligible based on GI Bill chapter)

You can repeat a failed class as many times as needed until you earn a satisfactory grade for credit. The GI Bill will continue paying for each repeat attempt.

Be sure to follow your school’s process for retaking a course. Typically, you must register for the class again during the normal enrollment periods until you pass.

Tips for Passing a Retaken Class

When you enroll to repeat a failed class, set yourself up for success by:

• Attending every lecture, lab, and recitation
• Staying on top of readings, assignments, and studying
• Identifying weak areas and seeking tutoring
• Meeting with the professor regularly
• Forming study groups
• Avoiding distractions like work or personal issues
• Making school your top priority for the term

Use your knowledge of the class structure and testing approach to your advantage. Stay disciplined and focused the second time around.

What If You Fail the Class Again?

Ideally, retaking a failed class results in a passing grade. But what if you fail it again on the second or third attempt?

The good news is that the GI Bill will continue covering repeat attempts as many times as needed to pass and earn credit. There is no limit.

However, failing the same class multiple times negatively affects your academic status. Most schools enforce academic probation policies based on GPA and ratio of credits earned vs. attempted.

If you fail again after one or more attempts, meet with an advisor to explore options like:

• Switching majors
• Testing for learning disabilities
• Individual tutoring/mentoring
• Counseling for external factors impairing your studies
• Taking a break before retrying

Impact on Academic Status and GI Bill Eligibility

Too many failed and withdrawn classes, even if retaken, can lead to academic probation or suspension based on your school’s policies. This can delay graduation.

In addition, the GI Bill limits retaking passed classes for benefits. You can only receive benefits for retaking a previously passed class if:

• It’s required for your degree, OR
• A higher grade is required by your school

This aims to curb excessive retakes just to raise your GPA. Be strategic if retaking a passed class is necessary.

When GI Bill Repayment May Be Required

The GI Bill does allow repeating failed classes, but in what cases might repayment be required?

If you receive a non-punitive grade, meaning one that results in no credit such as withdrawal after the drop period, you may have to repay benefits.

You may also owe repayment if you accept GI Bill funds for a class you never attend or stop attending without officially withdrawing.

Non-punitive grades don’t count toward progress. Only satisfactory grades that result in earned credits get entitlement.

The takeaway? Avoid non-punitive grades that generate no credit. These jeopardize your benefits and academic standing. Communicate with your school and the VA if issues arise.

Don’t Let a Failed Class Derail You

A failed class can be discouraging, but doesn’t have to derail your education goals. The GI Bill provides needed flexibility to repeat courses until you pass. Retake failed classes correctly, make full use of campus resources, and stay determined to succeed. With hard work, you can overcome a setback like a failed class. The GI Bill has your back to reach graduation.