Overview
What it is
Service members, veterans, and their families have access to substantial education benefits — most notably the GI Bill. These can cover tuition, housing, and books, and in many cases can be transferred to a spouse or children. Benefits are administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (with active-duty tuition assistance through each service branch).
How It Works
How it works
- Post-9/11 GI BillThe primary benefit — covers tuition and fees (up to the in-state public rate, or a set cap at private schools), a monthly housing allowance, and a books/supplies stipend, based on your length of service.
- Montgomery GI BillAn older benefit paying a monthly amount toward education, for those who opted in.
- Yellow Ribbon ProgramAt participating schools, helps cover tuition above the GI Bill cap (the school and VA split the difference).
- Transfer of benefitsEligible service members can transfer unused benefits to a spouse or children.
Who Qualifies
Who qualifies
Eligibility depends on your service history (branch, length, and character of service). Dependents and survivors may qualify through transferred benefits or programs like the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) and the Fry Scholarship. Check your specific status with the VA.
How to Apply
Applying, step by step
- Confirm your eligibility with the VAApply for your Certificate of Eligibility
- Choose your benefitGI Bill, tuition assistance (active duty), or a dependent program
- Work with your school's VA certifying officialThey coordinate your benefits with enrollment
- Explore Yellow RibbonIf your school participates and costs exceed the cap
- Add state veteran benefitsMany states offer additional tuition benefits for veterans/dependents
Tips
Tips to maximize it
- Understand the housing allowanceIt's based on your school's location and enrollment
- Use Yellow Ribbon at pricier schoolsIt can cover the gap above the GI Bill cap
- Consider transferring benefitsPlan ahead — transfer rules have service commitments
- Stack with federal/state aidGI Bill benefits can combine with other aid
- Check state veteran programsIn-state tuition and extra benefits vary by state
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What does the Post-9/11 GI Bill cover?Tuition/fees (to a cap), a monthly housing allowance, and a books stipend, scaled by service.
- Can I give my benefits to my kids?Yes — eligible service members can transfer unused benefits to a spouse or children.
- What's the Yellow Ribbon Program?It helps cover tuition above the GI Bill cap at participating schools.
- Is tuition assistance the same as the GI Bill?No — Military Tuition Assistance is a separate active-duty benefit through your branch.
- Do states add benefits?Many states offer extra veteran/dependent tuition benefits.
At a Glance
Key facts
- Main benefitPost-9/11 GI Bill (tuition, housing, books)
- ExtraYellow Ribbon Program (above the cap)
- TransferableTo spouse/children
- Dependents/survivorsDEA & Fry Scholarship
- Active dutyMilitary Tuition Assistance
- Run byU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Official Sources
Where to learn more
Confirm your benefits with the VA: