The GI Bill is one of the most generous education benefits programs in the country, providing financial assistance for tuition, housing, books, and other expenses to eligible veterans, service members, and their families. However, it does not cover the full cost of attendance at all colleges and universities. Here’s what you need to know about how much the GI Bill pays for college and strategies to cover any gaps.
How Much Does The GI Bill Cover?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits to qualifying veterans who served at least 90 days of active duty service after September 10, 2001. The exact amount covered depends on several factors:
-
Type of School – Public vs. Private: The GI Bill covers full in-state tuition and fees at public schools. At private and foreign schools, it covers up to $26,381 annually.
-
Length of Service Those who served at least 36 months on active duty qualify for 100% of the benefit Shorter periods of service qualify for a percentage of full benefits
-
Enrollment Status Benefits are prorated if you’re enrolled less than full time Full-time status is typically 12 credits per semester
-
Resident vs. Online: The housing allowance is higher for resident students versus fully online programs.
-
Location of School: Housing stipends are adjusted based on the school’s location. Allowances are highest in areas with higher living costs.
In addition to tuition and fees, the GI Bill provides money for textbooks, supplies, and a monthly housing allowance. There is also a one-time payment of $500 if you have to relocate for school.
What’s Not Covered by The GI Bill
While generous, there are limits to what the GI Bill covers. Common out-of-pocket costs include:
- Any tuition/fees exceeding the annual cap at private/foreign schools
- Room and board expenses beyond the housing allowance
- Additional semesters beyond the 36 month cap
- Health insurance, medical expenses, transportation
- Childcare, living expenses, entertainment costs
- Technology fees, lab fees, equipment rental
- Study abroad program fees exceeding domestic tuition
These ancillary costs can quickly add up, potentially leaving thousands in uncovered expenses. Careful planning is key to maximize benefits.
Does The GI Bill Cover Grad School?
The GI Bill can be used for undergraduate, graduate, and even doctoral programs. The same annual caps apply at private/foreign institutes.
One strategy is to use your GI Bill for the priciest portion of your education, typically grad school. You can fund an undergrad degree through other means first.
The GI Bill also covers licensing, certification, and apprenticeship programs beyond traditional degrees. These are capped at $26,381 annually.
Strategies To Maximize Your GI Bill Benefits
Here are some tips to stretch your GI Bill dollars:
- Attend an in-state public school to get full tuition paid
- Take at least 12 credits per semester to qualify for full-time benefits
- Look for schools that offer a Yellow Ribbon scholarship to help close gaps
- Complete testing and prep courses before your GI Bill period
- Use other military benefits like the Federal Tuition Assistance program
- Look for scholarships and grants specifically for veterans
- Consider lower cost community college for GE prerequisites
- Enroll in a work-study program for additional income
- Take extra classes in summer or winter to fit more into 36 months
- Apply for federal or private student loans if needed to cover gaps
Careful planning and combining multiple resources can help you avoid large out-of-pocket costs and make your GI Bill go further.
What Happens When GI Bill Benefits Run Out?
You have 15 years to use Post-9/11 benefits after separating from service. If your benefits expire before completing your degree, you have a few options:
- Federal student aid like Pell Grants and federal student loans
- Scholarships and grants from your state, school, employers, non-profits
- Yellow Ribbon program funds if available
- Private student loans from banks and online lenders
- Tuition assistance or employee education benefits through work
- Personal savings, income, family contributions
Many schools offer financial aid counseling and resources specifically for veteran students – take advantage! Avoid risky private loans with high rates ororigination fees if possible.
Can I Transfer GI Bill Benefits To A Spouse Or Child?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers transferability of benefits to dependents in certain circumstances. Here are the requirements:
- Serve at least 6 years on active duty
- Qualify for Post-9/11 benefits with at least 10 years total service
- Transfer while on active duty or within one year of separation
- Designate dependents as transferees while still in the service
Once transferred, a spouse can start using benefits immediately whereas dependent children must wait until you’ve completed at least 10 years of military service.
Transferring benefits can be a wise move, allowing your family to make the most of your earned GI Bill entitlement.
Does The GI Bill Cover Every Veteran?
The GI Bill is limited to veterans who meet active duty service requirements. Others like National Guard/Reservists may qualify for reduced benefits under REAP or a different version of the GI Bill based on their service.
Some veterans may have limited or no GI Bill eligibility, including:
- Active duty under 90 days after 9/11/2001
- Only served as a National Guard or Reservist
- Received a dishonorable discharge
- Are currently serving with no plans to separate
In these cases, look into other education benefits offered based on your specific military status. Also utilize scholarships, federal student aid, employer tuition assistance if available, and grants or loans to cover education costs.
Can The GI Bill Be Used For Short-Term Programs?
You can use the GI Bill for short-term training and certificate programs. This includes:
- Licensing and certification prep courses
- On-the-job training and apprenticeships
- Entrepreneurship training
- Non-college degree programs at vocational schools
- Specialized flight training programs
These non-degree programs are still capped at a maximum of $26,381 per year. Make sure any short-term training is approved for GI Bill use before enrolling.
The GI Bill provides tremendous education benefits, but doesn’t cover 100% of costs at every school. With planning and alternative resources, you can fully leverage your benefits and limit out-of-pocket expenses.
How Much Money I Made Using The Post 9/11 GI Bill
FAQ
Does GI Bill cover 100% tuition?
If you qualify for the maximum benefit, we’ll cover the full cost of public, in-state tuition and fees. We cap the rates for private and foreign schools, and update those rates each year. Money for housing (if you’re in school more than half time).
Does the GI Bill cover 4 years of college?
Additional education: The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers up to 36 months of college or career training. You will have to pay extra if you need more time because you changed schools, degree programs, or got an advanced degree.
What does the GI Bill not cover?
The GI Bill pays for all tuition and fees at the in-state rate for students at public colleges and universities. However, it may not cover as much at a private or for-profit school. The national maximum at such schools will be $24,476. 79 for the 2019-2020 school year and generally increases slightly each year.
Does GI Bill cover all schools?
You can use your GI Bill benefits at some—but not all—schools. You can use these tools to look for schools that accept the GI Bill, compare the benefits you’ll get at various schools, and get more tips to help you pick a school.
Does the GI Bill pay for college?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays for many of the costs of attending college, including: tuition and fees. The U. S. If you go to a public college, the Department of Veterans Affairs will pay for all of your in-state tuition and fees. If you go to a private college, the benefit ends.
Does the GI Bill cover Graduate School?
The GI Bill includes additional programs available to Soldiers during and after service. Get help paying for private or graduate school costs that aren’t covered by your Post-9/11 GI Bill if you are in the military or a veteran.
Where can I use my GI Bill benefits?
You can use your GI Bill benefits at some—but not all—schools. You can use these tools to look for schools that accept the GI Bill, compare the benefits you’ll get at various schools, and get more tips to help you pick a school. Find out which schools we’ve approved. Check what benefits you’ll get at different schools.
What are GI Bill benefits?
GI Bill benefits help you pay for school and cover expenses while you’re training for a job. GI Bill has been helping veterans and their families get money for school or training since 1944. It can cover all or some of the costs. Learn more about GI Bill benefits on this page—and how to apply for them.
How much does GI Bill tuition cost?
If you are eligible for 20% of your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, we will pay $15,400 of your tuition and fees. You would be responsible for the remaining $6,600 (22,000 x . 70 = 15,400). By law, if you want to go to a public school outside of your home state that has VA-approved programs, that school has to charge you the same amount as if you were in that state.
What if the GI Bill doesn’t cover my school?
Check to see if your school is part of the Yellow Ribbon program if the GI Bill doesn’t cover the whole cost of your education. Schools make this deal with the VA to split the costs of school that aren’t covered by the GI Bill. This lowers or eliminates the amount that students have to pay out of their own pockets.
