How Much Does the GI Bill Pay for Online Classes?

The GI Bill is a tremendous education benefit for eligible veterans and servicemembers. One of the most popular GI Bill programs is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which covers tuition, housing, books, and more Many students wonder – how much does the Post-9/11 GI Bill pay for online classes specifically?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the Post-9/11 GI Bill online class payment rates, eligibility requirements, and tips for maximizing your online education benefits.

Online Class Tuition and Fee Payments

The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers different payment rates based on the type of school you attend

For online classes at a public or private college/university, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay:

• Your net tuition and fees, up to 100% of the school’s published in-state tuition and fees if you qualify for the full benefit

For online classes at a non-college degree granting program (vocational training), the Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay:

• Your net tuition and fees, up to $28,937.09 per year if you qualify for the full benefit

These are the maximum payments – your actual payment may be less based on your eligibility percentage and enrolled credits.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay directly to your school – you won’t have to pay any out-of-pocket costs for covered tuition and fees

Monthly Housing Allowance for Online Learners

One of the most valuable Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits is the monthly housing allowance (MHA). This helps offset living expenses like rent and utilities.

For online students, here’s how MHA works:

• Taking all online classes: You’ll receive an MHA equal to 50% of the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents. For the 2022-2023 school year, that’s up to $1,104 per month.

• Taking at least 1 in-person class: You’ll receive an MHA based on the BAH for an E-5 with dependents in your school’s zip code. This is usually a higher rate than the online-only MHA.

• Active duty or spouses using transferred benefits: You won’t receive the MHA.

• Enrolled less than full time: Your MHA is prorated based on credits.

Textbook and Supplies Stipend

All Post-9/11 GI Bill users get an annual $1,000 stipend for books and supplies. This is prorated if you’re not at 100% eligibility.

The full $1,000 is paid evenly across your enrollment terms – so $500 per semester if attending full-time.

This stipend applies equally for online and in-person students. Just use it wisely to cover your course materials.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility for Online Classes

To use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for online classes, you must first establish eligibility. Here are the requirements:

• At least 90 days of aggregate active duty service post-9/10/2001, or discharged for a service-connected disability after 30 days

• Honorable discharge

• Enrolled in an approved school/training program

The more active duty time you have, the greater your percentage of GI Bill benefits. Review your eligibility letter to confirm your benefit level.

Tips to Maximize Your Online Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Follow these tips to get the most value from your Post-9/11 GI Bill online benefits:

• Take at least one in-person class per semester to qualify for the higher resident MHA rate

• Compare tuition costs to maximize covered fees – public schools are often the cheapest

• Consider graduate school to use more of your benefit entitlement

• Stack with Federal Tuition Assistance while on active duty

• Use the Yellow Ribbon Program to help cover costs above the GI Bill’s maximums

• Apply for scholarships, grants, work study, or other additional funding

• Take advantage of discounted military tuition rates at private schools

• Buy used books or rent textbooks to pocket more of your supplies stipend

• Enroll at least half-time every term to receive a housing allowance

Apply for Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Ready to start using your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for online classes? First, apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through the VA. Then work with your school’s certifying official to report your enrollment. The GI Bill payments will flow directly to the school to cover your tuition and fees.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill can fully or partially fund your online education. With smart planning, you can maximize this earned benefit to help you achieve your online academic goals affordably and efficiently.