GI Bill Benefits: What Exactly Do They Pay For?
Your GI educational benefits can pay for more than just college tuition. This is true whether you are signed up for the MGIB or if you will be taking advantage of the Post-9/11 version instead. Here is a brief overview of some of the selections you can make:
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
Tuition Reimbursement:
- Colleges/Universities – Not all schools or all courses are covered by tuition reimbursement. It is important to take this into consideration when reviewing your options.
- Vocational/Technical Training – This type of education offers an easy way to transition from school directly into the job market.
- On the Job Training/Apprenticeship – This benefit actually allows you to get paid for working. Only some types of jobs qualify and you have to be supervised at least 50% of the time for it to be considered "training".
- Remedial/Refresher Classes – There is nothing wrong with asking for extra help if you need it. Reimbursement for tutoring is available in some cases.
- Correspondence Courses – The advent of online college courses makes it possible for more veterans to take advantage of their educational benefits. Online classes work well for people who may not be able to relocate (or commute) easily.
- Flight Training – Some veterans qualify for flight training. If you have always dreamed of flying, this may be your chance to make the dream a reality.
- Tests, Certifications, or Licenses – Sometimes you need to take a test to obtain, advance in, or keep a job. You may be able to get paid back for this expense under the MGIB. This is a low cost way to give your career a boost.
- National Tests – Reimbursement is currently offered for over a dozen different tests including the: SAT, CLEP, AP, ACT, and GRE.
- How long you served on active duty after September, 10th 2001 (36 months entitles you to 100% of your benefit)
- The highest amount public universities charge (for undergraduate courses) in the state where you are going to attend college
- Colleges/Universities – Tuition under this program will be paid directly to the school on your behalf. As with the MGIB, what courses are covered may vary from one state to the next. It is important to find out what will be reimbursed and what won't before you make a financial commitment.
- Vocational/Online School – These courses may qualify. However, they must be offered by an institution that is authorized to grant an associate (or higher level) degree.
- Supplies – This stipend will cover up to $1,000 in books and other school supplies each year. These funds are paid directly to you. This means you can choose where to buy your books.
- Housing – A basic housing allowance (BAH) is available if you are going to be attending classes in person. Students who are taking courses only online won't get these funds (or the supplies stipend). If you are relocating from a rural area, you may be eligible for an additional $500 to help cover moving expenses.
- Tutoring – Tutorial assistance is available to some veterans. If you need help catching up with the rest of your class, look into your eligibility for this benefit.
- Certification – You can take one test for licensing or certification. Reimbursement is set at a maximum of $2,000. However, this won't cut into the amount available for college tuition. This is considered a separate benefit.
Fee Reimbursement:
Post-9/11 GI Bill
This new program is more restrictive in the types of costs that are covered. However, for many veterans it will pay out at a much higher rate for college tuition than the Montgomery GI Bill does. If you are transferring from the MGIB to the Post-9/11 benefit, you may still be able to take advantage of some of the types of reimbursement listed in the MGIB section.
The Post-9/11 version covers some items that previous versions of the GI bill left out. The exact amounts that can be reimbursed depend on a couple of factors: