How Much Does the GI Bill Pay For Tuition?

The GI Bill is one of the most generous education benefit programs in the United States, providing financial assistance to veterans servicemembers and their families pursuing higher education or job training. But one common question many people have is – how much does the GI Bill actually pay for tuition?

The answer depends on a few key factors:

Types of GI Bill Programs

There are several GI Bill programs each with their own rules on tuition coverage

• Post-9/11 GI Bill – The most widely used GI Bill program. It pays up to the full cost of in-state tuition and fees at public colleges and universities or up to a national maximum per academic year at private institutions. For 2023-2024, the maximum is $27,120.05.

• Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) – An older GI Bill program that provides up to $2,150 per month directly to the veteran to cover education costs.

• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance – Provides up to 45 months of education benefits to eligible dependents and spouses of veterans Pays a monthly allowance similar to the MGIB

• Fry Scholarship – Provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to the children and dependents of servicemembers who died in the line of duty after 9/11.

So the first thing to know is which GI Bill program you’re using, as that determines how tuition is covered.

Percentage of Benefits Earned

For most GI Bill programs, the actual amount you receive depends on your length of service.

With the Post-9/11 GI Bill, veterans who served at least 36 months of active duty are eligible for 100% of benefits. That includes full tuition coverage up to the annual cap.

Veterans with shorter service receive prorated benefits based on time served. For example, serving at least 30 continuous days but less than 6 months makes you eligible for 50% of the full benefit.

Type of School

The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays different maximum amounts depending on the type of school:

• For public in-state schools, it covers 100% of tuition and fees.

• For private schools and out-of-state public schools, it pays up to $27,120.05 for the 2023-2024 school year.

• For foreign schools, online schools, and non-degree programs, the maximum is $27,120.05.

• For flight training programs, the maximum is $15,497.15.

So while the GI Bill often covers full tuition, veterans attending higher-cost private or out-of-state schools may have some out-of-pocket costs.

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program can help cover additional tuition costs above the GI Bill limits at participating schools. Schools voluntarily enter agreements to cover a portion of those excess costs, with VA matching the amount provided by the school.

This allows veterans to attend higher-cost institutions with little or no out-of-pocket tuition and fees, as long as the school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Examples of GI Bill Tuition Payments

Here are some examples of how much tuition the GI Bill may cover for different students:

• Fred is attending a public university full-time for an in-state tuition rate of $8,500 per year. He served 5 years on active duty and is eligible for 100% of Post-9/11 benefits. In Fred’s case, the GI Bill would pay 100% of his $8,500 tuition.

• Lisa is attending a private college full-time with an annual tuition of $35,000. She served 2 years on active duty and qualifies for 80% of benefits. The Post-9/11 GI Bill would pay 80% of the annual maximum of $27,120.05, which is $21,696.04 – leaving Lisa with $13,303.96 to cover.

• Bob is enrolled at an out-of-state public university with a tuition of $18,000 per year. He served 20 months on active duty and is eligible for 70% of benefits. The GI Bill would pay 70% of his $18,000 tuition, which is $12,600 – leaving Bob with $5,400 to pay out-of-pocket.

• Mark served 4 years on active duty and is attending a private university with a tuition of $42,000. The school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, contributing $5,000 per year. The GI Bill would cover the $27,120.05 annual maximum plus match the school’s $5,000. So in Mark’s case, the GI Bill would cover $32,120.05 of his $42,000 tuition.

These examples illustrate how GI Bill tuition payments can vary widely based on the veteran’s length of service, their school, and other factors. The only way to know exactly how much tuition will be covered is to apply for GI Bill benefits and receive a statement of benefits.

Other GI Bill Benefits

Aside from helping pay tuition, the GI Bill provides other education funding including:

• A monthly housing allowance while attending school. This averages around $2,100 per month for those studying in-person.

• Up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies.

• A one-time rural benefit payment of $500 to veterans who must relocate from highly rural areas.

• The ability to receive tutorial assistance payments up to $100 per month.

So in addition to tuition coverage, the GI Bill provides significant financial assistance to student veterans through monthly stipends, textbook stipends, and other benefits.

Applying for GI Bill Benefits

To receive GI Bill tuition payments and other education benefits, you must first apply with the Department of Veterans Affairs. You can submit an application online at www.va.gov or by completing VA Form 22-1990.

You’ll need to provide information like your military service history, program of study, and the school you are attending. The VA will process your application and send you a Certificate of Eligibility if approved.

It’s important to apply as early as possible when considering use of your GI Bill benefits. This gives the VA time to process your request and communicate with your school’s certifying official.

Ongoing Requirements to Receive Benefits

After being approved for benefits, you must maintain satisfactory academic progress and conduct to continue receiving your GI Bill payments. This generally means maintaining a GPA of 2.0 or higher and avoiding misconduct.

You’ll also need to verify your enrollment each semester to confirm your classes and tuition amounts with the VA. Your school’s certifying official typically submits your enrollment information on your behalf.

Finally, be sure to notify the VA of any changes to your program, such as school transfers, class drops, or changes in active duty status. This ensures your tuition and housing payments are adjusted accordingly.

GI Bill a Powerful Education Benefit

The GI Bill can transform lives by providing veterans, servicemembers, and their families with tremendous education benefits. Tuition costs have risen substantially at U.S. colleges and universities, making the GI Bill an increasingly valuable resource.

While the actual tuition payments made by the GI Bill can vary, it has the potential to cover 100% of tuition for qualifying veterans attending public in-state schools. Even at private institutions, generous tuition caps allow student veterans to offset a majority of their education costs.

The GI Bill opens doors to higher education and new career opportunities for those who bravely served our country. Understanding exactly how much tuition assistance the GI Bill provides is key to maximizing its benefits.