How Much Does The GI Bill Pay Per Semester?

The GI Bill is one of the most valuable benefits available to veterans pursuing higher education. But how much does it actually pay per semester? The answer depends on several factors In this article, we’ll break down exactly how much you can expect to receive from the GI Bill each semester

GI Bill Background

First, a quick background on the GI Bill. The GI Bill refers to any of various programs that provide education benefits to veterans and servicemembers The original GI Bill was passed in 1944 to help WWII veterans transition to civilian life. Since then, there have been several iterations of the GI Bill, with the latest being the Post-9/11 GI Bill enacted in 2008

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides extensive education benefits to veterans who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. These benefits can cover tuition and fees, housing, books and supplies, and more. The amount you receive depends on your time served, the type of school you attend, your enrollment status, and other criteria.

Tuition and Fees

The heart of GI Bill benefits is the payment of tuition and fees. For the 2022-2023 academic year, here’s how much the Post-9/11 GI Bill covers:

• Public school in-state tuition: 100% of tuition and fees
• Public school out-of-state tuition: Up to $26,381.11 per year
• Private school tuition: Up to $26,381.11 per year
• Foreign school tuition: Up to $26,381.11 per year

So if you attend a public school as an in-state resident, the GI Bill will cover 100% of your tuition and fees – whatever that total amount is.

For example, if the tuition is $10,000 per semester, the GI Bill would cover the full $10,000.

If you attend an out-of-state or private school, the GI Bill will pay up to $26,381.11 per year. If tuition exceeds this amount, you’d be responsible for the difference.

Payment Percentages

Now, the tuition amounts above assume you qualify for 100% of the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. But not everyone will receive 100%.

Your payment percentage depends on your total length of active duty service. Here’s a breakdown:

• 36 months or more of active duty = 100%
• 30 – 35 months = 90%
• 24 – 29 months = 80%
• 18 – 23 months = 70%
• 6 – 17 months = 60%
• 90 days to 5 months = 50%

So if you served 24 months on active duty, you’d qualify for 80% of the GI Bill benefits.

Going back to our example of $10,000 per semester tuition at a public school, if you qualify for 80% you’d receive $8,000 per semester – 80% of $10,000.

Your payment percentage is a very important factor in determining your total payments.

Monthly Housing Allowance

In addition to tuition, the GI Bill provides a monthly housing allowance (MHA) to help with living expenses.

The MHA is based on the military’s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for an E-5 with dependents. Rates vary by location – where your school is located, not where you reside.

The MHA is also prorated based on enrollment. To receive the full MHA amount, you must attend school full-time. For each semester:

• Full-time: 100% of MHA
• 3/4 time: 75% of MHA
• 1/2 time: 50% of MHA
• Less than 1/2 time: No MHA

For example, if the BAH rate for your school’s location is $2,000, the full-time MHA amount would be $2,000. If you attend half-time, your MHA would be $1,000.

The MHA is paid directly to the student at the end of each month and can provide substantial assistance with rent, food, and other bills.

Total Payment Examples

Let’s take a look at some examples to see the total payment amounts:

Example 1

• Attending public school full-time as in-state resident
• Tuition/fees: $10,000 per semester
• Qualify for 100% benefits
• Location BAH rate: $2,000/month

Total GI Bill benefits per semester:

• Tuition: $10,000
• MHA (full-time): $2,000 x 4 months = $8,000
• Total per semester: $18,000

Example 2

• Attending private school full-time
• Tuition/fees: $15,000 per semester
• Qualify for 80% benefits
• Location BAH rate: $1,500/month

Total GI Bill benefits per semester:

• Tuition: $15,000 x 80% = $12,000
• MHA (full-time): $1,500 x 4 months = $6,000
• Total per semester: $18,000

So in both cases, the total GI Bill benefits work out to $18,000 per semester – even though the tuition amounts differ.

Factors That Impact Payments

As you can see, payments can vary widely based on your specific situation. Here are some key factors that impact total payments:

• Active duty service length – Directly impacts your payment percentage
• Public, private or foreign school – Public in-state tuition is fully covered, private/foreign schools have a cap per year
• Enrollment status – Must attend full-time for maximum housing allowance
• School location – Impacts the monthly housing allowance amount

It’s important to understand these factors as you consider which school to attend and manage your enrollment.

Other Available Benefits

Beyond tuition and housing, the GI Bill provides other education benefits including:

• Up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies
• A one-time rural benefit payment of $500
• The Yellow Ribbon program – additional funding at participating private schools
• Tutorial assistance – up to $100 per month for tutoring
• Work study program – receive payment for certain VA-related work

Be sure to research and utilize all GI Bill benefits that are available to you.

Applying for GI Bill Benefits

To receive your GI Bill benefits, you need to apply through the VA. You can submit an application online via VA.gov. Make sure you have all required information handy including your military records.

You should apply at least 1-2 months before your school term starts to allow time for processing. You can generally expect tuition/fee payments to be sent directly to the school, while housing allowances are paid monthly to the student.

Transferring Benefits to Dependents

The Post-9/11 GI Bill also allows veterans to transfer unused benefits to eligible dependents, including spouses and children. This must be done while serving on active duty. Transferred benefits can provide a tremendous opportunity for family members to pursue higher education.

Choosing the Right School

One key decision that impacts your total GI Bill payments is choosing the right type of school. Consider things like cost, location, degree programs, and admission requirements. Going to an inexpensive in-state public school can allow your GI Bill benefits to go further compared to a high-cost private institution.

Do your research to maximize your education dollars. And be sure to utilize all resources available to you, including academic advising from your chosen school.

The GI Bill – An Incredible Opportunity

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides veterans with an amazing opportunity to pursue higher education with financial support from the VA. Determine if you qualify, research schools, apply for benefits in advance, and enroll in classes.

With pragmatic planning, the GI Bill can fully cover the cost of public school tuition and fees, provide sizable tax-free housing allowances, and give your family options through benefit transfers. Use this hard-earned benefit to invest in yourself and your future success.