If you’ve served in the U-S armed forces, the government wants to say thank you. Making a college education accessible is just one of the ways. Through pell grant and the GI Bill, the U-S government has millions of dollars available to veterans and their dependents to help pay for college. The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are just two places veterans and their dependents can look for education funding.
The government’s foundation for educating veterans is the Montgomery GI bill, or MGIB. President Roosevelt signed the bill into law in 1944 after World War II. Since then, it’s estimated the GI Bill has helped educate more than two million veterans. The plan gives veterans a monthly stipend for 36 months toward higher education. To qualify you must have served at least two years on active duty and have your high school diploma or equivalent.
The GI Bill is not considered financial aid by colleges and universities, because the money is paid directly to you. That means veterans are still eligible for student loans, scholarships, and Pell Grants. However, GI Bill payments reduce the amount of student financial aid you are eligible to receive. GI money can be used not only for tuition,but also, fees, books and living expenses. The tax-free money can also be used to pay for independent study programs, required continuing education, licensing, certification, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. Once you leave the armed services, you have ten years to use your benefits.
In 2009 congress updated the Montgomery GI Bill. The new Post 9/11 GI Bill provides education benefits for service members who have served on active duty for 90 or more days since Sept. 10, 2001. Tee new bill pays 100% tuition as well as a monthly housing allowance and up to $1000 a year for books and supplies. The Post 9/11 GI Bill cannot be applied to courses completed before July 2009.
Armed Forces Tuition Assistance, TA, is another benefit for eligible members of all the armed services. The Army, Navy, Air Force and the Marines all have the capability to pay up to 100% of tuition expenses for its members. TA is not a loan, it’s considered money a veteran has earned. Each division of the armed forces determines its criteria for eligibility, amount of service and application process. Unlike money from the GI Bill, tuition assistance is paid directly to the school.
In addition to federal and state aid, there are over $300 million in online degree grant for members of the military, veterans and their families. To name a few categories, there are scholarships for disabled veterans, veterans of foreign wars, veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom. Even if your tuition is fully covered by the GI Bill, it’s a good idea to pursue private scholarships. The money can be used to cover the cost of books, fees, and living expenses.
Did you know you may have already earned college credit before you get there? Many colleges and universities will count years in the service as class credit. The American Council on Education, ACE, can help you and your school determine how many credit hours you earned while serving.
The government has millions of dollars for veterans and their dependents through the GI Bill, Tuition Assistance,scholarships and grants. It’s money you use to help cover your educational expenses, in addition to financial aid.
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