About The GI Bill
One of the most well-known tuition assistance programs for military personnel is the GI Bill. The GI Bill provides college money and a living allowance for veterans in order to help them make a successful transition from military to civilian life.
History of the GI Bill
The GI Bill was first conceived as a way to help returning military personnel re-adjust and assimilate into civilian life. The nation's leaders recognized that something had to be done to help servicemen receive an education, find jobs and get proper housing after serving the country in battle.
The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly referred to as the GI Bill of Rights, almost died because House and Senate members could not agree on the unemployment benefit. Rep. John Gibson of
The Veterans Administration carried out the GI Bill's three key provisions: loan guaranty for homes, farms or businesses, unemployment pay, and education and training. The GI Bill helped millions of veterans get an education. By
The GI Bill was revamped in 1984 with the new name of "Montgomery GI Bill." In 2008, the Montgomery GI Bill was updated and became the "Post-9/11 GI Bill."
The Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, which applies to veterans with active duty service on or after
How it Works
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a six step "Road Map" to help military personnel select the best program for their situation, choose a school and begin the application process. To be eligible under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you must have at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after
It applies toward undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as vocational training. Tutoring services, certification and license costs are also reimbursed under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. All training programs must be offered by an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) approved under the bill.
Currently, the bill will pay your tuition and fees not to exceed the highest in-state undergraduate tuition at a public IHL. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a chart that lists the highest in-statute tuition for each state. For the 2010 to 2011 school year, this meant that the highest possible tuition and fees assistance that a veteran going to an IHL in
The bill also pays a Basic Housing Allowance (BHA) for an E-5 (Sergeant, Petty Officer Second Class and Staff Sergeant) with dependents at the location of the school. Veterans also receive a $1,000 annual stipend to help pay for books and supplies. The actual benefit available to each person depends on his or her own situation and may vary. For example, someone on active duty will not receive the housing allowance or books and supplies stipend, while someone enrolled exclusively in an online program will not receive the housing allowance.
The bill pays for a maximum of 36 months of education benefits. Veterans are eligible to take advantage of the bill for 15 years after release from active duty.
Changes are going to be implemented to make the bill even more inclusive. On
Sources:
GI Bill History. (2009) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Post-9/11 GI-Bill. (2010) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
2010-2011 Maximum In-State Tuition & Fees For The Post-9/11 GI Bill. (2010) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Benefits Of The Yellow Ribbon Program. (2010) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
US Armed Forces Recruiting Programs. (2011) FinAid.