The GI Bill, in plain English.

Which GI Bill is yours?

There are several. The right one depends on when you served and what your goals are. Most modern veterans use one of these:

Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

For service after September 10, 2001. The big one. Pays:

• 100% of in-state public tuition at any public school, or up to $28,937.09/year (2025-26) at private/foreign schools
• Monthly housing stipend equal to local E-5-with-dependents BAH for the school's ZIP code
• Up to $1,000/year for books and supplies
• Yellow Ribbon Program — covers tuition gap above the cap at participating private schools
• 36 months of benefits, transferable to spouse or dependents (with 6+ years of service and 4 more years of obligation)

You earn the full benefit at 36 months of qualifying service after 9/11/2001. Reduced percentages for shorter service periods.

Montgomery GI Bill — Active Duty (MGIB-AD / Chapter 30)

For pre-2001 service members and some still on active duty. Pays a flat monthly amount — about $2,358/month (2025) full-time. Less generous than Post-9/11 for most, but doesn't run on academic schedule and works overseas.

Montgomery GI Bill — Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR / Chapter 1606)

For Reserve and National Guard members with a 6-year obligation. Pays about $466/month (2025) full-time. Often combined with state tuition assistance.

Survivors' & Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA / Chapter 35)

For spouses and children of veterans who died from a service-connected disability or are 100% disabled. Up to 36 months of benefits.

Fry Scholarship

For children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after 9/11/2001. Provides full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

What you can use it for — beyond a 4-year degree

• Trade and technical schools — welding, HVAC, electrical, CDL, A&P
• Apprenticeships and on-the-job training — earn while you learn, with monthly stipend
• Certifications — IT certs (CompTIA, Cisco), project management (PMP), industry licenses
• Flight training — private pilot through ATP
• Entrepreneurship training — VetFran, Boots to Business
• Tutoring and licensing exam fees
• National testing programs — SAT, GRE, LSAT, AP

How to apply

1. Get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). File VA Form 22-1990 on VA.gov. Takes about 30 days.
2. Pick a school approved for VA benefits. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool — it shows graduation rates, default rates, salary outcomes, and known complaints for every school.
3. Apply to the school like any other student.
4. Submit your COE to the school's VA certifying official (every school has one).
5. Track your benefits at va.gov/education.

Schools to be careful about

Predatory schools target veterans for the GI Bill money. Red flags:

• Aggressive recruiters who keep calling, texting, or DMing
• "Lock in your tuition today" pressure
• High default rates (under 10% is healthy)
• Job-placement claims that aren't backed up by data
• Programs that aren't accredited by a recognized agency
• Anything advertised primarily to veterans rather than students generally

Predatory school recruiters are #4 on our scam alerts list.

The 90/10 Rule (and why it matters)

Federal law requires for-profit schools to get at least 10% of revenue from sources other than federal aid. GI Bill funds were once exempt — letting some schools recruit aggressively from veterans. Closing that loophole was a major Veteran of Foreign Wars and Student Veterans of America priority. Schools relying on veteran money to game this rule are a red flag.

Transferring to family

Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits can be transferred to your spouse and/or children if you've served at least 6 years and commit to 4 more. You must initiate the transfer while still serving — you cannot transfer after separation.

Combining with other aid

You can stack the GI Bill with state veteran tuition waivers, Pell Grants, ROTC scholarships, and many private scholarships. The Yellow Ribbon Program covers gaps above the private-school cap. Use the comparison tool to model exactly what you'll pay.

If your benefits get cut off

Common reasons: school stopped certifying enrollment, you withdrew from courses, your school lost approval, or VA processing delay. Call the GI Bill hotline first: 1-888-442-4551. If unresolved, contact a VSO or Student Veterans of America chapter.

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