Using the GI Bill to Pay for Law School Tuition and Costs

The GI Bill provides invaluable education benefits for veterans, active duty military, and their dependents pursuing higher education, including paying for law school. If you qualify for Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits at the 100% rate, it can cover the full cost of law school tuition and fees at public schools and provide substantial tuition assistance at private institutions.

In this article, we’ll explain how the GI Bill works for law school, how much funding it provides, using the Yellow Ribbon program to cover additional costs, and tips for veterans considering law school.

GI Bill Overview for Law School Students

The main GI Bill program veterans use for graduate school is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides up to 36 months of education benefits. These benefits include:

• Full tuition and fees coverage at public in-state schools

• Up to $26,042.81 per year for private or foreign schools

• Monthly housing allowance

• Annual books and supplies stipend

To qualify for Post-9/11 benefits, you must have at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001. Benefits are tiered based on your length of active duty service.

For 100% of the benefit, you must have served at least 36 months or have a service-connected disability after serving at least 30 continuous days.

When using GI Bill for law school, the tuition and fees coverage is the most significant component. This benefit is sent directly to your school. Housing and book stipends are paid directly to the student.

GI Bill Tuition Coverage for Law Schools

For public law schools, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will cover 100% of your in-state tuition and fees, up to the national maximum per academic year.

For 2022-2023, the maximum benefit is:

• $26,042.81 per academic year.

• Pro-rated if not attending full-time.

This is more than enough to fully cover tuition at most public law schools.

At private law schools or out-of-state programs, the GI Bill will cover up to $26,042.81 per year. However, since most private law schools have higher tuition, this likely won’t cover the full cost.

Here are examples of GI Bill coverage for both public and private law schools:

• University of Michigan Law (public) – $63,144 tuition – GI Bill covers 100%

• Brooklyn Law School (private) – $65,800 tuition – GI Bill covers $26,042.81

This is where the Yellow Ribbon program can help cover the gap in tuition for private and out-of-state law schools.

Yellow Ribbon for Additional Law School Tuition Costs

The Yellow Ribbon Program supplements the GI Bill at participating private universities and out-of-state public schools.

Here’s how it works:

• The school contributes a specified dollar amount toward tuition and fees.

• This is matched by the VA, up to 50% of the cost not covered by the GI Bill.

• The combined contribution from the school and VA fully covers the gap.

For example:

• Tuition: $60,000

• GI Bill Covers: $26,042

• Remaining Tuition: $33,958

• School Contributes: $20,000

• VA Matches: $20,000

• Tuition Fully Covered

Yellow Ribbon amounts vary by school. Make sure to research program details at institutions you are interested in.

Many top ranked law schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon program and offer generous benefits for veterans.

Applying for GI Bill for Law School

Follow these key steps to use your GI Bill benefits for law school:

• Apply to VA for GI Bill: Submit an application at www.va.gov to determine your eligibility and get a Certificate of Eligibility.

• Apply to law schools: Go through the normal law school application process and get accepted to programs.

• Apply for financial aid: Fill out the FAFSA and provide any requested documents to be considered for scholarships, grants, work-study, and federal loans.

• Contact school certifying official: Each school has dedicated VA representatives who help enroll students in the GI Bill. Reach out to them to certify your enrollment and coordinate your benefits.

• Apply for Yellow Ribbon if needed: If attending a Yellow Ribbon participating private or out-of-state public school, submit the program application to access additional funding.

The key is starting the GI Bill application process early! It can take the VA 6-8 weeks to determine your eligibility and process your enrollment each semester.

Tips for Veterans Considering Law School

Pursuing law school as a veteran using your education benefits involves some unique factors to consider:

• Take advantage of application fee waivers offered by most law schools for veterans

• Highlight your military experience and skills gained from service

• Research schools thoroughly to find a good fit academically, financially, and culturally

• Connect with student veterans groups on campus for mentoring and support

• Utilize academic and career planning resources tailored for veterans

• Manage VA benefit deadlines and requirements to maximize your funding

• Understand GI Bill coverage rules if deploying or going on active duty while enrolled

Going to law school as a veteran can be incredibly rewarding. Leveraging your GI Bill benefits makes earning your law degree more affordable and accessible.

The GI Bill Provides Significant Funding for Law School

This funding can make achieving your law degree possible without taking on massive student loan debt. Be sure to conduct thorough research on costs, application requirements, and enrollment processes to maximize your GI Bill benefits.