If you want to pursue a graduate degree after serving in the military, you may be wondering – will the GI Bill cover my master’s program? The good news is, yes! The GI Bill offers generous education benefits to help veterans and servicemembers pay for grad school
In this comprehensive guide we’ll explain everything you need to know about using GI Bill benefits for a master’s degree. You’ll learn about eligibility, covered costs application tips, and strategies to maximize your funding.
Follow along to find out how to fully leverage your hard-earned GI Bill benefits to earn an advanced degree as a veteran or active-duty servicemember.
GI Bill Eligibility for Graduate School
The main GI Bill programs that offer grad school benefits are:
- Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
- Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
You must have qualifying active duty service to use Post-9/11 or MGIB-AD benefits for graduate school. Reserve and National Guard members can use MGIB-SR.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill typically provides the most generous benefits, covering over $20,000 per year in tuition costs.
What Expenses Does the GI Bill Cover?
The GI Bill helps fund the following graduate school expenses:
✅ Tuition and fees – Up to 100% at public schools, and a yearly maximum at private schools
✅ Housing allowance – For students taking classes on campus
✅ Book stipend – Up to $1,000 per year
✅ Licensing and certification – Reimbursement for tests like the CPA exam
Benefits are paid directly to the school for tuition and to the student for housing, books, and other costs.
Using GI Bill Top-Up Programs
Many graduate schools offer GI Bill top-up programs to cover any tuition costs beyond what the GI Bill provides.
These programs supplement your existing benefits, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses. Be sure to ask your school about available top-up options.
The VA also offers the Tuition Assistance Top-Up benefit that combines GI Bill funds with federal Tuition Assistance from your branch of service.
Tips for Applying for Grad School with the GI Bill
Follow these tips to smoothly apply to graduate school as a GI Bill beneficiary:
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Submit FAFSA – Apply for federal and school-based financial aid in addition to GI Bill.
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Research schools – Look for veteran-friendly schools that offer top-up programs.
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Connect with advisors – Talk to financial aid and VA advisors about maximizing benefits.
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Compare programs – Look for accelerated grad programs that fit GI Bill funding terms.
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Apply early – Give yourself plenty of time for military transcripts and GI Bill paperwork.
Making the Most of Your Graduate School Benefits
Follow these strategies to stretch your GI Bill funds as far as possible:
- Attend public graduate school to reduce tuition costs
- Use Yellow Ribbon at private schools
- Complete an accelerated 1-year master’s program
- Enroll full-time to receive the full housing allowance
- Get VA work-study jobs on campus for extra income
- Use tuition assistance with GI Bill top-up to reduce costs
- Take advantage of student discounts on books, software, and more
Gradschool Options to Consider With the GI Bill
The GI Bill pays for all types of master’s degrees. Here are some popular graduate school options for veterans and servicemembers to consider:
- MBA – Advance your business and leadership skills
- MSN – Become an advanced practice nurse
- MHA – Work in healthcare administration
- MPH – Enter the public health field
- MSE – Specialize in engineering management
- MPA – Start a career in government or nonprofits
And many more! Choose a graduate program that aligns with your career goals.
Alternatives If GI Bill Benefits Are Exhausted
If you’ve used up all of your GI Bill entitlement, there are other options:
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Scholarships – Take advantage of military scholarships and grants
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Employer tuition assistance – Many companies offer tuition benefits
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Student loans and grants – Apply for federal graduate student aid
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Vocational rehab – May provide additional education benefits
The GI Bill provides amazing benefits, but you have options if you need additional financial aid for your master’s degree.
Pursue Your Graduate Degree Goals with the GI Bill
The GI Bill opens doors for veterans and servicemembers to earn graduate degrees with financial assistance.
Determine your program eligibility, research schools, apply early, and maximize your benefits. Follow the tips in this guide to leverage your full education benefits to achieve your master’s degree goals. You’ve earned them!
How to Apply for Financial Aid under the GI Bill
If you would like the GI Bill to help finance your master’s degree or other post-grad education, you first need to find a school approved by the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs). There is an easy-to-use tool on their website to conduct a search.
After finding a school, you must then apply for the GI education benefits on the same website. The application process requires you to provide your social security number, bank account information, an explanation of your education and military history, and information about the institution you want to attend or are already attending.
Alternatively, you could also request to receive the application forms by mail, which you can then fill out and mail to the VA regional claims processing office that’s nearest to the school. You can also present yourself at a VA regional office and have them guide you through the application process. Sounds like a lot of information? Accredited representatives are available to help you through the entire process.
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If you have just completed military service and are looking to get into gainful civilian employment, you might wonder if you can get financial aid through the GI Bill to pay for school. The simple answer is yes. The terms GI Bill refers to legal provisions intended to help active-duty servicemen and veterans advance their education.
The current provisions of the GI Bill are quite detailed, and it’s important to understand the history to maximize its usefulness (and to appreciate the original intention of the bill).
Post 9/11 GI Bill | The Do’s and Don’ts of 2023
Does GI Bill pay for college?
For the Post-9/11 GI Bill, we pay: Find out if you can use GI Bill benefits for college as a Veteran, service member, or qualified dependent. Learn about payment rates for undergraduate and graduate degree courses at institutions of higher learning—like a 4-year university, community college, or graduate school.
Can I go to graduate school with my GI Bill benefits?
Exclusively online graduate programs: Veterans also have the ability to use their GI Bill benefits to attend graduate school exclusively online. For these students, the VA will pay half the national average housing allowance for E-5s with dependents, currently $916.50/month.
How do I apply for a master’s degree with a GI Bill?
The first step to using your G.I. Bill benefit to apply toward your master’s degree is, of course, to choose a school and degree. AMU enables you to choose your program, apply online with no application fees or entrance exams, and once registered—start courses monthly.
Can GI Bill pay for more than one degree?
The GI Bill can pay you for more than one degree. For example, it will pay you for a degree in Business and then for a second degree in Computer Science, or for an associates, bachelors, or masters degree in the same field. Once you have a degree, you could pursue another one, provided you have remaining entitlement on your GI Bill.