The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is one of the most popular and beneficial programs for active duty military members and veterans pursuing higher education or job training. But what exactly does it pay for? This comprehensive guide will explain the details of the education and training options covered by MGIB benefits.
A Brief Overview of MGIB
First authorized by Congress in 1984, the MGIB provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible active duty personnel, reservists, and veterans. It covers degree programs at colleges and universities, vocational/technical training, on-the-job training, apprenticeship programs, licensing and certification reimbursement, correspondence courses, flight training, and more.
Over its lifetime the MGIB has helped millions of service members and veterans gain the skills, knowledge and credentials needed to succeed after military service. While the Post-9/11 GI Bill has replaced the MGIB for most new enlistees, many veterans still rely on the MGIB to achieve their education and career goals.
Degree Programs at Colleges and Universities
One of the most common uses of MGIB benefits is to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited college or university, whether online or on campus. This includes 2-year associate’s degrees, 4-year bachelor’s degrees, and advanced degrees like Master’s and Doctoral programs
The MGIB provides a monthly stipend paid directly to the veteran that can cover most or all of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. The payment amount depends on the veteran’s enrollment status – full time, 3/4 time, 1/2 time, or less than 1/2 time.
For the 2022-2023 academic year, the monthly payment for full-time enrollment is $2,150. Veterans attending school less than full time receive prorated payments. The MGIB also allows veterans to receive in-state tuition rates even if they are not residents of that state.
Vocational and Technical Training
The MGIB will pay for attendance at non-degree vocational programs and technical schools, including cosmetology schools, auto mechanic programs, welding certificates, police academy, and more. This allows veterans to gain the hands-on specialized training needed for skilled trades and technical careers.
As with traditional college, MGIB recipients attending vocational school full time receive the maximum monthly stipend. Payments are prorated for less than full time enrollment. The benefit can cover tuition, fees, books, tools, and supplies required for completing the training program.
On-the-Job and Apprenticeship Training
Veterans can use MGIB benefits while training for a job under an established on-the-job (OJT) or apprenticeship program approved by the VA. This allows veterans to “earn while they learn” and gain qualifications and experience in a hands-on setting.
Monthly MGIB stipends are paid out based on the length of time spent in the OJT or apprenticeship program. Payments start higher and gradually decrease over time. For example, months 1-6 receive a higher stipend than months 7-12, which is higher than months 13 and beyond.
Licensing and Certification Reimbursement
Many civilian jobs and professions require professional licenses and certifications. The MGIB will reimburse veterans for the cost of taking licensing and certification tests – even if they are not enrolled in a formal training program. This allows veterans to enter fields such as real estate, financial planning, teaching, EMT, and many more.
The VA will reimburse up to $2,000 per test for approved licensing and certification exams. Veterans must pass the test to receive reimbursement.
Correspondence Courses
Veterans can use MGIB benefits to take approved correspondence courses and distance learning programs. This includes paper-based correspondence courses completed by mail as well as online courses. These courses allow veterans the flexibility to study and take classes remotely.
The VA will pay a percentage of the tuition and fees for correspondence courses based on the number of lessons completed. Veterans must submit completed lessons regularly in order to receive payments.
National Testing Programs
The MGIB will reimburse veterans for fees associated with approved national tests that assess prior learning and provide college credits. These include CLEP (College Level Examination Program), DSST exams, Advanced Placement (AP) exams, and more. Passing these tests can earn veterans substantial college credits quickly and cost-effectively.
Up to $300 is reimbursed for each approved test. The VA will only reimburse for tests that are passed.
Flight Training
Veterans can use their MGIB benefits to cover flight training required for FAA certification – including Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, and other ratings. The benefit covers 60% of approved flight training costs such as ground school, flight lessons, supplies, and fuel.
However, the MGIB cannot be used for recreational flying lessons. The training must lead to an FAA certification required for employment as a pilot.
Work Study Programs
Veterans receiving MGIB benefits and attending school at least 3/4 time can participate in VA Work Study programs to gain work experience and earn extra income. Work Study jobs are often located right on campus and scheduled around classes.
Positions may include VA hospital or clinic assistants, college veterans office assistants, cemetery caretakers, and more. During enrollment periods, veterans can work up to 25 hours per week and earn the greater of federal or state minimum wage.
Tutorial Assistance
Veterans can receive up to $100 per month, not to exceed $1,200 total, for tutorial assistance while enrolled at least 1/2 time in a postsecondary program. These funds help cover costs for necessary tutoring and supplemental instruction to help the veteran successfully complete his or her program.
Tuition Assistance Top-Up
Active duty military members receiving Tuition Assistance (TA) can use MGIB benefits to “top up” that amount and cover additional education costs. For example, if TA pays $250 per credit hour, and the actual charge is $400, the MGIB can cover the remaining $150 per credit hour.
This allows active duty personnel to pursue off-duty education with minimal out-of-pocket expense.
Choices for Different Education Goals
As you can see, the MGIB is extremely flexible and can be used to pursue many different education and training goals. It provides the essential financial assistance veterans need to cover the costs of school or training and focus on program completion.
Whether your goal is to attend a 4-year college or university, enroll in a technical training program, start an apprenticeship, or take certification exams, the MGIB has you covered. Veterans should research schools and programs carefully, then utilize these excellent benefits to achieve their career objectives.
Montgomery GI Bill Eligibility
You qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill if:
- You contribute $100 a month for the first 12 months you are on active duty or qualify under Veterans Educational Assistance Program conversion.
- You have completed high school or have an equivalency certificate before you apply for benefits.
- You have served at least two years on active duty.
- If discharged from active duty, you received an honorable discharge.
Check out our detailed explanation of Montgomery GI Bill eligibility for more information.
When to Use Your Montgomery GI Bill
If you are eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill, you can begin using your benefit after two years of service. Those who left the military on Jan. 1, 2013, or later have no time limit to use it.
If you are still on active duty, it’s usually not a good idea to use the Montgomery GI Bill because the Department of Veterans Affairs administers the program differently for active-duty members and veterans.
For instance, a veteran is charged one month of benefits for each $2,438 — the fiscal 2024 GI Bill “payment rate” — in education benefits used.
Example: If a veteran receives $8,533 and the current full-time payment rate is $2,438, divide $8,253 by $2,438. The veteran will be charged 3.5 months of the 36 months of benefits.
However, a service member on active duty who goes to school full time for four months will still be charged four months of benefits even if their tuition is only $1,000. Therefore, it makes sense to use the Montgomery GI Bill on active duty only if your tuition costs are high or you use your “GI Bill Top-Up” benefit.
For those who left the military prior to Jan. 1, 2013, the Montgomery GI Bill has a time limit or expiration date. Once you have left the service, you have 10 years to use it. Any benefit remaining after the 10th anniversary is lost, and you will also lose your $1,200 initial contribution.
Always consult your education service officer before using your GI Bill or taking any college classes. These officials are trained to help you avoid wasting your time and benefits.
Once you begin attending classes, you need to certify your attendance with the VA before you can receive your monthly benefits payments.
Note: Only Department of Veterans Affairs representatives can answer specific questions about your GI Bill account. You can reach them at 888-GIBILL-1.
Although the GI Bill application process can be time-consuming, it is relatively easy and worth the time invested. In most cases, the process will take you four steps or less.
Montgomery GI Bill: Unlocking Your Veteran Education Benefits
FAQ
Does the Montgomery GI Bill pay full tuition?
What exactly does the GI bill pay for?
How much does the Montgomery Reserve GI Bill pay?
Does the MGIB pay for housing?
What benefits does the Montgomery GI Bill provide?
The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible Service members and Veterans for programs such as: college, business, technical, or vocational school; apprenticeship / on-the-job training; correspondence courses; remedial, deficiency, and refresher training (in some cases); and flight training.
What is the Montgomery GI Bill active duty program?
The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty can help you pay for education and training programs. If you’ve served at least two years on active duty, you may qualify for the MGIB-AD program. The amount you receive depends on: You usually have 10 years to use your MGIB-AD benefits, but this may change depending on your situation.
Does Montgomery GI Bill pay tuition?
Once you leave active-duty service, the GI Bill will pay the full payment rate no matter how much the tuition costs, except for students attending less than half time, who receive enough to cover tuition and fees only. Click here to see the current Montgomery GI Bill payment rates.
What is the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)?
The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is an older GI Bill program that differs greatly from the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Click here to learn more about the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Your Montgomery GI Bill can be used to pay for many programs, including: The Montgomery GI Bill is an education benefit worth over $87,000.
Can I use the Montgomery GI Bill if I leave the military?
Those who left the military on Jan. 1, 2013, or later have no time limit to use it. If you are still on active duty, it’s usually not a good idea to use the Montgomery GI Bill because the Department of Veterans Affairs administers the program differently for active-duty members and veterans.
When can I start using my Montgomery GI Bill?
Click here to see the current Montgomery GI Bill payment rates. If you are eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill, you can begin using your benefit after two years of service. Those who left the military on Jan. 1, 2013, or later have no time limit to use it.