The Post-9/11 GI Bill members do not have to pay. They are eligible after 90 days of active duty service post- September 11th or 30 days if they are discharged due to disability. Their tuition benefits are paid to their college of choice. The Post 9/11 GI Bill offers students living stipend similar to BAH, which is paid monthly to the students, and a books & supplies stipend paid to the students at the beginning of the school semester. Students still have 36 months’ worth of schooling covered under the Post 9/11 GI Bill but have 15 years to use it instead of 10. Check out this field manual for maneuvering through the GI Bill.
Both of these bills cover traditional schools, technical schools, flight training, correspondence courses, and licensing programs. It is also possible to defer benefits to dependents if the member desires to do that. For more information on these two GI Bill programs, the VA Benefits Website offers a comprehensive breakdown as well as comparison charts to see which is best for you. Or check out gijobs.com for a simple breakdown of these bills and other education options.
With options like the ones I’ve mentioned, as well as a handful I didn’t go into, there is no reason for service members not to pursue some sort of advanced education while they have the chance. You never know when your career in the military may be cut short and having other options, as a backup plan, is smart. Also, think about it this way. The average new recruit is 19 years old. After a 20-year career they retire at 39. That is not exactly social security, move to Florida, and start using a walker retirement age. With a degree, it’s possible to start a whole second career and retire again at 59, collecting a 2nd retirement. Who wouldn’t want that if they can make it happen?
There are also education options for being a military spouse!
Not sure how to choose a school? Check out the GIJobs School Matchmaker for easy comparison of schools with student veteran reviews!
