The GI Bill provides financial assistance for education and training programs to help eligible veterans and their families pursue college, graduate degrees, and career training. But how exactly does the GI Bill pay for school and other training?
Below we’ll explain what costs the various GI Bill programs cover, how the benefits are calculated, and what you can use the money for. Read on to understand how to make the most of your education benefits.
GI Bill Overview
First let’s recap how the GI Bill works. The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 – better known as the GI Bill – was created to help WWII veterans transition back to civilian life.
Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs administers several GI Bill programs providing funds for education and training for eligible veterans, service members, and their qualified family members.
The programs include:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill – For those serving after 9/11/2001
- Montgomery GI Bill – For active duty and reserves
- Dependents’ Educational Assistance – For qualified dependents
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Assistance – For survivors of disabled/deceased veterans
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most widely used today But all programs help cut the cost of education and training
What Education Costs Does the GI Bill Cover?
The GI Bill helps pay for college, graduate degrees, career certificates, licensing exams, apprenticeships, and other types of training.
Here are the main education-related costs paid for:
- Tuition and Fees – Partial or full coverage up to in-state at public schools
- Housing Allowance – Monthly stipend based on location
- Books and Supplies – Up to $1,000 per year
- Tutoring Assistance – Up to $100 per month, $1,200 max
- Licensing and Certification Tests – Paid in full or up to $2,000 per test
- Rural Relocation Assistance – One-time $500 grant
With all of these benefits combined, the GI Bill can cover a significant portion, if not all, of your education and training costs.
How are GI Bill Amounts and Payments Calculated?
The amount of GI Bill benefits you receive depends on several factors like time served, GI Bill program, and training type. But in general, here is how payments are determined:
- Tuition and Fees – Capped at max in-state public school rates, paid directly to schools
- Monthly Housing Allowance – Based on military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates
- Books and Supplies Stipend – Prorated each year based on credit hours
- Licensing/Certification Tests – Up to $2,000 per test or full reimbursement
You can estimate your full GI Bill amounts using the GI Bill Comparison Tool. BAH rates are set annually based on location.
Benefits are normally paid directly to the school for tuition and fees. Monthly housing stipends and books/supplies money goes to the student.
What Can I Use GI Bill Benefits For?
You can use your GI Bill education benefits at schools and for training programs approved for VA funding. This includes:
- Public, private, or foreign colleges/universities
- Community colleges, trade schools, and technical institutes
- Apprenticeships and on-the-job training
- Flight training, correspondence courses, and online classes
- Licensing and certification prep courses and exams
- Entrepreneurship training
- National testing programs like SAT, GRE, etc.
As long as you pursue an approved program and meet eligibility criteria, the GI Bill can help cover the associated costs.
Key Considerations When Using GI Bill
Be sure to factor in these key points when planning to use your GI Bill benefits:
- Application and eligibility verification takes 30-45 days
- Monthly housing payments only issued when actively attending classes
- Benefits expire 15 years after leaving service
- GI Bills can’t be used simultaneously with active duty tuition assistance
- Additional Yellow Ribbon grants may supplement GI Bill amounts
Understanding the GI Bill eligibility rules and how benefits are paid is important to maximize coverage.
Applying for GI Bill Benefits
To start using your education benefits, you first need to apply and be approved. Follow these steps:
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Gather required records like DD214 discharge papers and transcripts.
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Submit application form 22-1990 for new benefit recipients.
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Wait 30-45 days for VA to verify eligibility and process application.
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Receive Certificate of Eligibility (COE) letter confirming benefit amounts.
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Work with school’s VA certifying official to enroll in VA-approved program.
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Verify enrollment status each term to receive payments.
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Use GI Bill payments to cover tuition, fees, housing, books, and other costs.
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Renew GI Bill certification annually as long as enrolled and eligible.
Following the process smoothly will ensure you can access and use your education benefits with no issues.
Finding GI Bill Approved Programs
You can use the GI Bill at any college, university, or training program that’s approved for VA funding. The easiest way to find approved programs is to use the GI Bill Comparison Tool. Just enter the program type and location to see all VA-accepted options.
Many popular national universities, local community colleges, and vocational schools participate in the GI Bill. Once you have a school in mind, speak with the VA certifying official on enrollment steps.
Changing Schools and Programs
If you need to change schools or programs, make sure to work closely with the VA certifying officials at both institutions to transfer your benefits. Your GI Bill eligibility will carry over seamlessly as long as there are no breaks between enrollments.
Be sure to also update your GI Bill contact information if you move or change schools so payments continue without interruption.
GI Bill Recipients and Dependents
Not only veterans but also qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits.
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Spouses – Can get transferred benefits from a service member or veteran.
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Children – Can access the Fry Scholarship if a parent died in the line of duty.
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Survivors – Can use benefits transferred prior to the service member’s death.
Submission of proper paperwork and documentation is required in dependent scenarios.
Wrapping Up
The GI Bill provides tremendous value, often covering 100% of college tuition costs along with other education-related fees. Understanding how to tap into those benefits is key to affordably achieving your academic goals.
Be sure to research program eligibility requirements, application timelines, benefit payment structures, and school approval processes. This will allow you to maximize the value of the GI Bill and enable academic success.
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How can you maximize GI Bill benefits for college?
Even with the support of the GI Bill, you may still end up paying for some education costs out of pocket. But with careful planning, you can make your GI benefits go as far as possible. Here are some of the ways to do that:
- Squeeze in as many classes as you can: The GI bill pays for 36 months of benefits, which means the funds can be used to cover as many classes as you take in that time frame. Consider taking summer classes to get the most classes possible completed before the 36 months expire.
- Select a major and use benefits strategically: Identify your major early on, if possible, to help ensure that your 36 months of benefits don’t elapse before you’ve taken all required courses for graduation. If your 36 months run out before you’ve finished all of the necessary coursework, you may have to pay the remaining tuition and expenses on your own.
- Take online classes: Enrolling in online courses can save you on out-of-pocket costs such as gas, vehicle wear and tear, childcare and more. You’ll still be eligible for the housing allowance payments available through the GI Bill when studying online, though you’ll receive a reduced rate. If you take just one class in person on campus while enrolled primarily online, you’ll be eligible for an even higher housing allowance payment.
How Much Money I Made Using The Post 9/11 GI Bill
FAQ
Does the GI Bill fully pay for college?
How much does the GI Bill pay monthly?
How many years does GI Bill cover?
How many degrees can you get with GI Bill?
Does the GI Bill pay for college?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays for many of the costs of attending college, including: tuition and fees. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will pay the full cost of in-state tuition and fees at a public college, but it caps the benefit if you attend a private institution.
Does the GI Bill cover Graduate School?
The GI Bill includes additional programs available to Soldiers during and after service. If you’re currently serving or a veteran, get help paying for additional costs to attend a private or graduate school not covered by your Post-9/11 GI Bill.
What are GI Bill benefits?
GI Bill benefits help you pay for school and cover expenses while you’re training for a job. Since 1944, the GI Bill has helped qualifying Veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school or training. Learn more about GI Bill benefits on this page—and how to apply for them.
Does GI Bill pay for school while on active duty?
If you use your GI Bill benefits to pay for school while on active duty, you will not receive a monthly housing stipend from the GI Bill in addition to the housing allowance you’re already receiving from the military. Depending on which school you attend, that housing stipend could be worth as much as the tuition coverage and possibly more.
What if the GI Bill doesn’t cover my school?
If the GI Bill doesn’t cover the full cost of your education, see if your school participates in the Yellow Ribbon program. This is an agreement schools make with the VA to split school costs not covered by the GI Bill, reducing or eliminating the amount students must pay themselves.
What does the GI Bill pay for?
GI Bill benefits pay for a broad range of education and training expenses, including: College degree programs – up to 100% of in-state tuition at public universities and colleges, as well as graduate programs. Online learning. Vocational and technical training. Licensing and certification. Apprenticeship and on-the-job training.