Does the GI Bill Pay for College? A Comprehensive Guide to Using Your Benefits

Deciding to go to college is a big step. Figuring out how to pay for it can be even more daunting. For those who served in the military or were married to someone who did, the GI Bill may help pay for school. But how exactly does the GI Bill pay for college?.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about using your GI Bill benefits for college tuition, fees, housing, books, and more

GI Bill History and Overview

First, a quick history lesson. The GI Bill was first introduced in 1944 to help WWII veterans adjust to civilian life. Since then, it has been expanded and updated over the years.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most widely used today. This program provides financial assistance for education and housing to individuals who served on active duty after September 10, 2001.

Benefits are tiered based on your length of service. With 36 months of active duty service, you qualify for 100% of the benefit.

What Expenses Does the GI Bill Cover?

There are several categories of common college expenses that may be covered by the GI Bill:

Tuition and fees – The GI Bill benefits will pay up to the full cost of in-state tuition and fees at public schools. For private or foreign schools, up to a national maximum per academic year is covered.
Housing allowance—If you go to school at least half-time, you may be able to get a monthly housing stipend equal to the military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. This depends on where your school is located.
Books and supplies stipend – Up to $1,000 per year is provided for textbooks, laptops, and other supplies.
Rural benefit – If your school is in a rural area, you may qualify for a one-time payment of $500.

Other qualifying expenses like tutoring services, test fees, and certification costs may also be reimbursed.

How Do I Apply?

Applying for your GI Bill benefits can be done in just a few steps:

Gather documentation like your DD214 discharge papers.
Submit an application online at www.va.gov or by mail.
Ensure your school’s veterans certifying official has your documents.
Verify enrollment status each semester to receive benefits.

The VA will send you an award letter outlining the education benefits you’re entitled to based on your eligibility.

College Programs Covered

You can use GI Bill benefits for a wide variety of college programs:

Bachelor’s and associate degrees
Master’s and doctoral programs
Certification courses
Entrepreneurship training
Non-degree tech skills programs

Approved training programs include vocational schools, flight schools, apprenticeships, and college correspondence courses.

Make the Most of Your Benefits

Here are some tips to get the most value from your GI Bill for college:

Apply for financial aid using the FAFSA in addition to GI Bill.
Look into tuition assistance programs offered by your branch of service.
Find colleges that offer discounted tuition to veterans.
Attend school in an area with a lower BAH to stretch your housing stipend further.
Pace yourself and don’t use up benefits too quickly.
Check if your school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for extra tuition assistance.

Choose the Right School

With so many college options, make sure you take the time to choose the right school for your goals.

Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to research total costs, graduation rates, and more. Make sure your program of study is approved for GI Bill use.

And remember – you’re not limited to just traditional brick-and-mortar schools. Your benefits can also be used for accredited online programs.

Put Your Benefits to Work

College is an investment in your future. With the GI Bill, you earned benefits to help fund your education and training after service.

Determine your eligibility, research schools, apply for aid, and use tools like the GI Bill Comparison Tool to maximize your benefits. With some savvy planning, the GI Bill can cover a substantial part of your college costs.

Is GI Bill money considered income?

Payments you receive for education, training, or housing under any law administered by Veterans Affairs are tax-free and should not be included as income on your federal tax return.

Can my spouse or child use my GI Bill? Is it transferable?

Yes, the Post-9/11 GI Bill allows you to transfer unused education benefits to immediate family members, including spouses and children. You must have at least six years of service and commit to an additional four years in order to transfer benefits.

Post 9/11 GI Bill | The Do’s and Don’ts of 2023

FAQ

Does the GI Bill cover 4 years of college?

Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, veterans who serve at least 36 months of active duty are eligible for coverage of up to 36 months of college or career training. That’s enough for nine months of education every year for four years. Benefits also include a monthly housing allowance and $1,000 stipend for books and supplies.

Does the GI Bill pay the student or the school?

After you’ve been approved for the GI Bill^® benefits and are enrolled in a program, the VA will soon make a payment to your school in one of these two scenarios: If you are approved for 100 percent tuition, the VA will make a full payment directly to the school about 10 days before classes begin.

Did the GI Bill give free college?

What does the GI Bill cover? The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays for many of the costs of attending school, including: Tuition and fees: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will pay the full cost of in-state tuition and fees at a public college, but it caps the benefit if you attend a private institution.

How does GI Bill payment work?

If you’re eligible, we’ll send the advance payment to your school. You’ll need to go to the registrar’s or financial aid office to pick up the check. The payment will include the first partial month and the first full month of your enrollment.