Benefits
Students can access and manage their VA benefits here. Below we provide information on the main types of benefits used to cover the costs of education.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) helps military-connected students pay for school or job training. It covers service members (or their spouse or dependents, if they choose to transfer the benefit) who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. Depending on the amount of qualifying military service, this benefit pays for up to 100% of tuition and fees, provides a housing stipend based on the zip code of the school, and provides up to $1000 for books and supplies per year. For individuals with less than 36 months of qualifying military service, these benefits are prorated.
- Start here with a general VA benefit payment FAQ
- Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
- Transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
- Calculate your benefits with the GI Bill Comparison Tool
- If you qualify for Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% benefit level, you may be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Veteran Readiness and Employment (formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) (VR&E) (Chapter 31) is an important benefit for veterans with a service-connected disability. Through one of VR&E’s five employment tracks, VA can pay for 100% of an entire program, including adaptive technology to meet your accessibility needs. Veterans can apply online at eBenefits (click on Veteran Readiness and Employment), but we recommend veterans get help applying from the local VA Regional Office or county Veterans Service Commission.
SCOs and VACOs should learn how institutions get paid for VR&E in the Tungsten system.
Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
Actively drilling members of guard and reserve units often qualify for MGIB-SR. Depending on enlistment contract agreements, this benefit can provide a monthly stipend ranging from $400-$750 for full-time students.
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
Spouses or dependents of a veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability may qualify for this educational assistance. Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) (Chapter 35) pays a stipend directly to the student of $1,265 per month for full-time attendance.
Tuition Assistance
Most active-duty military — as well as National Guard and Reserve Component Service Members — are able to take advantage of the military’s voluntary education programs, with funding through Tuition Assistance (TA), also known as Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA). TA pays up to 100% of tuition expenses for semester hours costing $250 or less. Courses and degree programs may be academic or technical and can be taken from two or four-year institutions on-installation, off-installation or by distance learning. An accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education must accredit the institution.
- Army
- Navy
- Marine Corps
- Air Force (including Space Force)
- Coast Guard
Career Training Benefits
Pursuing a traditional associate’s, bachelor, or graduate degree may not be for all students. Here are a few funding sources that can assist in career readiness or credentialing.
- Veterans Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) supports computer learning and training for veterans to start or advance a career in the high-technology industry.
- My Career Advancement Account (MYCAA). MYCAA is a workforce development program that provides eligible military spouses with up to $4,000 in financial assistance for licenses, certifications, national tests or associate degrees to pursue an occupation or career field.
- Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL). The Army’s COOL helps soldiers find information on certifications and licenses related to their jobs. The program can pay for courses and exams that lead to industry-recognized civilian credentials in an occupational area of the soldier’s choice.
- Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) (Ch 31). Through four employment tracks, VR&E — also known as Chapter 31 — helps veterans explore employment options and address education or training needs.
Joint Services Transcript
Students can request a Joint Services Transcript (JST) in order to gain college-level credit for their military service. This can help service members and veterans shave time towards degree completion.
Here are a few great resources from the American Council on Education that explain exactly how the process works and how institutions can turn experience into lower division, upper division, or even graduate-level credit.
Helpful Checklists
Whether you’re trying to assist students or applying for benefits yourself, it is often helpful to have checklists and cheat sheets. Some examples you can use or borrow are assembled below.
Residency
Veterans using benefits are generally entitled to in-state tuition rates, regardless of their residency. Nevertheless, state residency policies can vary, particularly for state benefits, so awareness is valuable for both students and SCOs. Your school Registrar is a wealth of information on this topic. Other helpful resources below:
Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program can help pay for higher out-of-state, private school, foreign school, or graduate school tuition and fees that the Post-9/11 GI Bill does not cover. Click below to find out which students are eligible and which schools take part in this program.
VA Work-Study
Students using VA benefits and pursuing an education at least three-quarters time can also get paid to work a part-time job while studying.
Student Organizations
Student organizations support student veteran success by providing resources, network support, and advocacy on campus.
Veterans Service Organizations
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) offer a range of services for veterans, service members, dependents, and survivors. Some VSOs may provide programming for veterans in their communities, such as job fairs; others may organize events to raise money for a subset of veterans, such as housing for veterans experiencing homelessness. These organizations can students stay engaged, obtain financial resources, and connect with others. As an administrator, these groups give you another resource to support student retention and offer military-connected students a sense of purpose and belonging.