Military service offers a tremendous array of education benefits that can be used while you are on active duty or after you leave the service. A good education is essential for your career both in uniform and out, so take advantage of the education benefits you've earned.
While in service, members have access to up to $4,500 a year in Tuition Assistance. TA is paid to the school on a per class basis. Servicemembers can also use GI Bill benefits, however, it is seldom a good idea to do so while on active duty.
The centerpiece of armed services educational benefits is the GI Bill which encompasses several Department of Veterans Affairs education programs including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, The Montgomery GI Bill for Active Duty and Veterans (MGIB-AD), Montgomery GI Bill for Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR),the Fry Scholarship, the Spouse and Dependents Education Assistance (DEA), and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program. You may be eligible for more than one educational benefit. Knowing when each is best for your situation can save you money and ensure you get the most out of your benefits. Click here to learn more about choosing between GI Bill benefit programs.
Finally, remember that each service has its own tuition assistance programs, college funds and other means that may be able to help you in ways beyond those of the "standard" benefits listed here. Talk with an Education Service Officer, Navy College counselor or military recruiter to find out more.
Summary of Education Benefits
The following table is a brief summary of each of the major education benefits offered to servicemembers, veterans and in some cases their families. Follow the associated links to learn more details about each program.
|
Program |
What is it? |
Who is Eligible? |
Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuition Assistance is a military benefit that pays the cost of tuition and some fees. |
Virtually all military servicemembers are eligible. However criteria for eligibility is determined by each branch. |
Tuition Assistance covers up to 100% Tuition and Fees Not to exceed:
$4,500 @ Fiscal Year |
|
| Post-9/11 GI Bill |
The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months (4 regular school years) of education benefits to eligible servicemembers and veterans for:
|
Servicemembers (Active Duty, Guard and Reserve) and Veterans who have served at least 90 days on active duty since 9/10/2001. Survivors of military member who died on active duty after 9/10/2011 may be eligible for Fry Scholarship program which pays the same as Post-9/11 GI Bill |
Paid Tuition and Fees, Living (Housing) Stipend and Book Stipend. Benefits are tiered based on number of days on active duty. Some limitations apply to those currently on active duty. Benefits can be transferred to Spouse or Family member. |
| Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty & Veteran |
MGIB provides up to 36 months (4 regular school years) of education benefits to eligible veterans for:
|
Active Duty members who have served at least two years on active duty. Veterans - there are four categories of veteran eligibility depending on when you enlisted and how long you served on active duty.
|
Up to $2,210 per month for full-time institutional education. |
| Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserves |
Same as MGIB-AD at reduced rates. |
|
Up to $439 per month for full-time institutional education. |
| Loan Repayment (LRP) |
Your service may partially or fully repay college loans. |
Generally for enlisted members only. Several factors determine your eligibility, including your branch, your MOS, and terms of your contract. Your loans must be in good standing, i.e. not in default. |
About repayment programs: There are also specialized loan repayment programs for health professional officers. |
| Tuition Assistance "Top-Up" Program |
An additional benefit intended to supplement tuition assistance from the military with GI Bill benefits. |
To be eligible for the Top-up benefit, the person must be approved for federal Tuition Assistance by a military department and be eligible for GI Bill benefits. |
Normally Tuition Assistance will pay up to 75% of the cost of classes, the top-up program will pay the remainder of the cost. |
| Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) |
Education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. May be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. |
You must be the son, daughter, or spouse of a servicemember who died, is missing, or was permanently disabled while on duty or as a result of a service-related condition. |
Up to $1,401 per month for full-time institutional education. |
| Work-Study Program |
If you're a full-time or 3/4-time student in a college degree program, or a vocational or professional program, you can "earn while you learn" with a VA work-study allowance. |
The VA work-study allowance is available to persons training under one of the VA benefit programs:
|
You'll earn an hourly wage equal to the Federal minimum wage or your State minimum wage, whichever is greater. |
| Tutorial Assistance Program |
Tutorial assistance for programs you are having difficulty with. If you have questions on this program please contact the VA's toll-free number 888-442-4551. |
If you are receiving VA benefits at a half-time or more rate, you are eligible. |
VA may provide you with a tutor or with information for finding one. |
Keep Up With Your Education Benefits
Whether you need a guide on how to use your GI Bill, want to take advantage of tuition assistance and scholarships, or get the lowdown on education benefits available for your family, Military.com can help. Subscribe to Military.com to have education tips and benefits updates delivered directly to your inbox.
