As we get ready to enter a new year, military members who will be separating soon and veterans alike might be thinking about how to best use their GI Bill benefits in 2025 and beyond.
9 Ways to Maximize Your GI Bill
Here are nine ways to maximize your GI Bill.
1. Choose the Right Program
Select a program that aligns with your career aspirations. Whether it’s a degree, vocational training, or a certification or two, ensure it offers the skills and knowledge you need for your desired career path. And talking about career path, make sure the training you receive, and your school has the accreditation your industry requires. This not only ensures a quality education in your field but also that your degree or certification(s) will be recognized in your industry.
2. Understand Your Benefits
There are two basic GI Bill programs – the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill. While some veterans will have only one or the other, some will have both. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers tuition and fees, provides a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies. Under this Bill, your school receives tuition and fees directly from the VA. You as the student, receive a monthly housing allowance based on your tier level and the zip code of your school in addition to a book stipend which can be up to $1,000 per year.
Under the Montgomery GI Bill, you receive a monthly benefit sent directly to you, and out of that amount (and other sources as necessary), you must pay all your own education expenses.
The Yellow Ribbon Program is a type of scholarship or waiver program that some schools offer to their veteran students. The award helps offset tuition and fees that exceed the in-state public undergraduate tuition rate. For example, students who pay out-of-state tuition, and attend private schools or graduate school can benefit from the Yellow Ribbon program. One caveat is that the student must use the Post-9/11 GI Bill to be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. It does not apply to students using the Montgomery GI Bill., Check to see if your school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
3. Utilize VA Resources
If you are unsure which school you want to attend, using the VA’s School Comparison Tool can help as it allows you to compare different schools, how much each will cost, and what portion your GI Bill covers, thus making the financial part of the process a little simpler.
Another great resource that many students do not use to its full potential is your VA Certification Official of which each school accepting the GI Bill has at least one. These individuals have direct access to the VA and can many times get a better and quicker answer to your question than you could by contacting the GI Bill help desk yourself. Don’t be afraid to use them as they are there to help you.
4. Financial Planning and Supplementary Aid
Depending on your situation, your GI Bill might not cover all your education expenses. In those cases, you might want to check out applying for scholarships and grants.
Many organizations offer scholarships specifically for veterans and applying for these can reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Also, don’t overlook filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for additional federal and state financial aid.
5. Consider In-State Tuition
The Choice Act includes provisions to ensure veterans who have been discharged for less than three years receive in-state tuition rates. However, if you have been out for more than three years, it’s important to understand and meet the residency requirements so you can take advantage of in-state tuition rates where you plan to attend school. With that said, some schools honor the in-state tuition rate for their veteran students who have been out for more than three years.
6. Plan Your Course Load Strategically
To get the minimum housing allowance under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, students must take over half the number of credits their school considers to be full-time. For example, many schools use 12 as the number of credits to be considered a full-time student. So, to get any housing allowance at all, they must take at least 7 credits.
Also, online-only students get half of the national housing allowance average (half is currently $1,777.50 per month) instead of the full housing allowance that students get by attending classes on campus. To get the full housing allowance, use the hybrid method by taking at least one class on campus and the rest can be online.
7. Balance Education with Life
Veterans going to school must balance education with other responsibilities like work and family; this can be challenging. Effective time management is crucial to staying on top of your studies and other commitments outside of school.
Doing this can take a toll on your mental health, so be sure to keep that in check and if necessary utilize counseling and wellness services offered by your school to manage stress and maintain a healthy school/life balance. If you are having a mental health crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line for confidential crisis support 24/7.
8. Connect with Veteran Communities
As a veteran going to school, many of your classmates will not understand or appreciate your status as a veteran. Most schools have Veteran Student Groups that provide support, networking opportunities, and camaraderie. Engaging with other veterans who have successfully navigated their GI Bill can provide valuable insights and encouragement as you continue your coursework.
9. Continuous Evaluation
Periodically evaluate your academic progress and ensure you’re on track to meet your educational and career goals. However, be flexible and willing to adjust your plans if necessary. Life circumstances and goals can change, so it’s important to adapt and overcome accordingly.
These strategies can help veterans effectively maximize their GI Bill benefits and achieve their educational and career objectives. The key is to be proactive, utilize available resources, and seek support when needed. With the right approach, the GI Bill can be a powerful tool for personal and professional development.
