The GI Bill provides invaluable education benefits for veterans and servicemembers. One common question is whether the GI Bill can be used to pay for private university tuition and fees. The short answer is yes – the GI Bill offers tuition coverage for approved private and foreign schools up to an annual limit set by Congress.
GI Bill Overview
The GI Bill refers to various Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education programs that provide assistance for active duty personnel, veterans, and their families The main options include
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Montgomery GI Bill – For those who enrolled and paid into the program Offers a monthly allowance and tuition benefits.
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Post-9/11 GI Bill – For those who served after September 10, 2001. Covers tuition and fees, housing, and books.
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Transfer of Entitlement – Allows Post-9/11 GI Bill transfer to dependents.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill tends to be the most popular and comprehensive program. It pays tuition based on the type of school, along with housing, books, and other benefits.
Private School Tuition Coverage
The GI Bill places no restrictions on attending private colleges using benefits. The Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill will both pay tuition and fees for any VA-approved school, including private or foreign universities.
This allows veterans to use benefits at over 5,000 private institutions across the country. Schools must agree to participate in the programs. Major private universities like NYU, USC, Baylor, Syracuse, and more accept the GI Bill.
The catch is that tuition coverage at private and foreign schools is capped each year. So the GI Bill will cover partial tuition up to an annual limit rather than full tuition.
GI Bill Tuition Limit
For the 2023-2024 school year, the limit on tuition and fee reimbursement at private/foreign schools under the Post-9/11 GI Bill is $27,120.05.
That means if attending a private college costs $40,000, the GI Bill would cover $27,120.05 and you’d be responsible for the remaining $12,879.95.
This annual limit is set by Congress and typically increases slightly year to year. Here’s a look at the private school tuition caps over the past five years:
- 2023-2024: $27,120.05
- 2022-2023: $26,381.13
- 2021-2022: $25,162.14
- 2020-2021: $24,476.46
- 2019-2020: $24,476.79
So while the GI Bill does cover private tuition, veterans still must pay any costs beyond the annual limit. This is important to factor when choosing between public and private universities.
Using Yellow Ribbon for Extra Tuition Support
The Yellow Ribbon Program can help make up the difference between GI Bill coverage and higher private tuition. With Yellow Ribbon, the VA partners with participating universities to split the remaining tuition not covered.
Here’s an example:
- Private College Tuition: $60,000
- Annual GI Bill Limit: $27,120.05
- Remaining Tuition: $60,000 – $27,120.05 = $32,879.95
Under Yellow Ribbon, the VA would cover $16,439.98 and the school would cover $16,439.98, closing the gap.
Over 5,700 colleges participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, including many top private universities. Yellow Ribbon eligibility is limited, so check with your school.
Weighing Public vs. Private Universities
While the GI Bill does offer private tuition options, public in-state schools are often the most affordable path.
Here are some factors for veterans to consider:
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Cost Comparison – Out-of-pocket costs may be higher at private colleges after GI Bill coverage limits. Compare total costs minus scholarships.
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Yellow Ribbon Availability – If a private school doesn’t offer Yellow Ribbon, you’ll pay a lot more. You have better options if they participate.
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In-State Tuition – Public universities charge much lower in-state rates. See if you qualify as a resident.
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Value Comparison – Look at graduation rates, career outcomes, academic programs. A higher cost private college may not provide better value.
Analyze costs carefully and look at all options when using GI Bill benefits. Public in-state schools provide an affordable education with full tuition coverage in most cases. But with planning, private universities can also be a viable route using the GI Bill’s annual tuition allowance.
Applying the GI Bill to Private Colleges
If you decide to attend a private college, here are tips for using your GI Bill benefits:
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Research the annual limit for private tuition coverage and plan finances accordingly.
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Submit GI Bill paperwork and documentation as early as possible.
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Look into eligibility for Yellow Ribbon to help cover costs over the annual limit.
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Understand chapter benefit levels based on your service history to estimate coverage.
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If attending part-time, your payment may be lower based on enrolled credits.
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Be strategic scheduling classes to maximize full-time status and GI Bill payments.
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Keep track of payments from VA and tuition charges to spot any issues.
The GI Bill offers great opportunities to earn a degree, including at private institutions. With planning, veterans can make the most of benefits and afford a top-notch education.
Finding the Right School
Use the GI Bill comparison tool at VA.gov to research approved schools and programs. Comparing costs and benefits across colleges can help you find the best option.
Consider academic quality, cost value, career outcomes, graduation rates, and other factors beyond just sticker price. Meet with admission counselors and financial aid advisors to map out a plan leveraging VA benefits.
While private colleges carry higher price tags, the right school is highly personal based on career interests, family, academics, and more. Focus on finding the best education for your needs and goals.
The GI Bill empowers veterans with choices. With careful planning, private universities can offer amazing educational experiences using VA benefits. Weigh costs and research colleges to pick the perfect place to launch your career.
The Post 9/11 GI Bill
Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill there are expanded options (compared to the Montgomery GI Bill) to attend public, private, and overseas schools. In all cases the school must be approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the program you enter must also be approved.
Under this version, students receive the lesser of the “actual tuition & fees” your school charges OR a national maximum (set per academic year) for private and foreign schools.
Yellow Ribbon funding may be needed at a private institution, but the VA official site advises potential private school attendees, “Only individuals entitled to the full 100% benefit rate (based on service requirement) may receive this funding, and the matching contribution from the school and VA cannot exceed the full cost of the school’s established charges.”
Unlike the Montgomery GI Bill, the Post 9/11 GI Bill pays a housing stipend for public and private school students. This is based on the enlisted BAH housing allowance for E-5 service members at the with-dependents rate.
The Difference Between Attending Public And Private Schools
Attending private school on the GI Bill means that your tuition may not be covered 100%. To accommodate this, explore your Yellow Ribbon Program options which are designed to close the gap between the GI Bill and the rest of the cost of the private school’s tuition.
There may also be state-level assistance, but to claim those you will need to contact the state Veteran Affairs office where your school is located.
Yellow Ribbon options are not offered to those attending classes while on Active Duty. Yellow Ribbon options are also not offered to those attending school overseas unless the school has a main campus stateside. Spouses of active duty personnel are also ineligible for Yellow Ribbon funds.
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FAQ
What does the GI Bill not cover?
Does GI Bill cover 100% tuition?
What is the maximum the GI Bill will pay?
Will my GI Bill pay for Harvard?
Does GI Bill cover in-state tuition?
If you want to attend a public school in the state where you live, the school will offer you in-state tuition. Your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits will cover you at the percentage you’re eligible for. Example: If the in-state tuition at your public school is $22,000, the amount we’ll cover depends on the percentage you’re entitled to.
Does GI Bill cover out-of-State School?
If you want to attend an out-of-state public school that doesn’t offer in-state rates to Veterans, the school will charge the out-of-state tuition rate. Your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits will cover you at the percentage you’re eligible for only up to the amount of the in-state tuition rate. You’ll be responsible for the remaining amount.
Can I attend a private school using the GI Bill?
Yes, you can attend a private school using the GI Bill. However, your tuition may not be covered 100%. To accommodate this, explore your Yellow Ribbon Program options which are designed to close the gap between the GI Bill and the rest of the cost of the private school’s tuition.
How much does GI Bill tuition cost?
If you’re entitled to 70% of your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, we’ll cover $15,400 of your tuition and fees. You would be responsible for the remaining $6,600 (22,000 x .70 = 15,400). If you want to attend an out-of-state public school that offers VA-approved programs, under the Veterans Choice Act, the school must offer you the in-state rate.
How do I close the gap between the GI Bill and tuition?
To cover the difference between the GI Bill and the tuition costs at a private school, explore your Yellow Ribbon Program options. There may also be state-level assistance, but to claim those, you will need to contact the state Veteran Affairs office where your school is located.
Can I get a GI Bill education benefit?
Find out if you can get this education benefit. If you have 2 or more qualifying periods of active duty, you may now qualify for up to 48 months of entitlement. You must be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and either the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) or the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR).