Does the GI Bill Cover Real Estate School?

The earliest versions of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) GI Bill from the 1940s gave opportunities to service members returning from European and Pacific regions. This provided funds to pursue higher education so they could transition back to civilian lives. These military education benefits give modern veterans and active-duty service members monthly stipends to cover tuition, mandatory fees, and supplies.

There are two modern versions of these benefit packages: the Post-9/11 and the Montgomery GI Bill. These two bills offer different benefits, but both can be used to pay for higher education, including college degrees, professional certifications, and licensing programs.

A real estate career provides opportunities for veterans to return to civilian work without completing a degree. They can become real estate agents with training or certification. GI Bill benefits can be used for non-degree education programs, but restrictions may differ.

Can I Use the GI Bill for Enrollment in Real Estate School?

You can use GI Bill benefits for real estate education programs, but using your benefits won't be as straightforward as applying them to a degree program. The GI Bill programs allow veterans to apply for test reimbursement, instead of an upfront tuition coverage.

VA education benefits can cover costs associated with real estate licensing courses from accredited schools and programs, but you should verify eligibility before taking the course and applying for reimbursement.

What Education Does the GI Bill Cover?

The GI Bill covers higher education programs, like college degrees; however, these benefits can also be used to pay for continuing education, pre-licensing courses, and certification tests or licensing exams. The VA realizes that the path to civilian careers will be different for everyone, and not all veterans will want to complete a degree program.

Alternate forms of education covered by the GI Bill benefits include:

• HVAC repair
• truck driving
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training
• barber or beautician school
• real estate exams and training

Tips for Using the GI Bill for Real Estate School

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, real estate agents and brokers have a positive growth outlook, making it an appealing career choice for military veterans. Veterans seeking to join the real estate industry must complete relevant courses and examinations.

Benefit programs like the GI Bill and military scholarships can cover these costs, but there are several steps to consider.

1. Verify Eligibility and Accreditation

Like degree programs, real estate courses and exams must be accredited to qualify for VA benefits. Before enrolling in any higher education program, use the tools and resources on the VA's website to confirm your benefits can be used for your program.

2. Seek Guidance

Veterans enrolling in a real estate program can benefit from additional guidance. Using VA benefits isn't always easy; understanding how to use your benefits and apply for reimbursement can be challenging. You can use several resources for guidance through the process.

Veteran Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs is the first resource you should use. The GI Bill programs are coordinated through the VA and you'll have access to experts who can help you apply your benefits properly.

School's Veterans Office

Some real estate agents earn a degree or take their licensing programs through community colleges or universities. Higher education institutions often have a veterans office on campus that supports veteran students. All veteran students will have access to their school's veterans office without additional cost.

3. Understand GI Bill Coverage

Each type of GI Bill has different coverage amounts and benefits. With these VA resources, you can learn which educational programs can qualify for reimbursement. These coverages are generally based on how long you served, but the costs of licensing programs are handled differently than a full degree program.

4. Keep Track of Your GI Bill Benefits

Your benefits aren't unlimited, even if you qualify for 100% of your financial aid package. You can use your VA account to keep track of your benefit usage, but you should also monitor your benefit usage through a personal method (e.g., spreadsheet or journal) to ensure you know where your benefits sit at any point.

5. Budget for Costs

VA benefits applied for degree programs are submitted directly to your school, but non-degree education programs are generally handled separately. Instead of a direct tuition payment, you might need to apply for reimbursement.

Make sure you budget for any spending related to your licensing program, including supplies and testing fees. Keep receipts or payment confirmations from your education program if you need to submit any required VA forms.

6. Explore Additional Funding

The GI Bills are some of the most comprehensive educational benefits available to veterans and active-duty service members, but they aren't the only options. If you are completing your real estate licensing courses or exams, consider some of the other financial aid programs available to members of the armed forces.

Tuition Assistance

Each military branch offers tuition assistance programs to active-duty service members. These programs provide varying tuition payments for degree and non-degree educational programs. Each branch has unique restrictions you should familiarize yourself with before applying.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)

When veterans leave the service due to a service-connected disability, their ability to pursue civilian careers can be affected. The Veterans Readiness and Employment program helps veterans learn more about available educational and career opportunities. The program then helps veterans access the training they need to pursue these opportunities, like real estate courses.

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

Selected Reserve service members can use REAP benefits to pay for degrees or vocational programs, including real estate or broker's license programs. This program sometimes overlaps with eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. You might benefit more from using one program instead of the other.

Military Scholarships

There are multiple military-based scholarships available to veterans, active-duty service members, and qualified dependents. Most of these free money programs are intended for degree programs, but some can be used for non-degree education, like certificates and licenses.

State-Specific Benefits

Some states offer programs for veterans independent of the federal government or individual schools. Applying for these benefits generally comes with residency requirements and not all state-based programs will cover non-degree programs.

7. Submit Proper Documentation

Service members and veterans applying for reimbursement must submit relevant documentation to the VA. These forms can be submitted electronically via the VA website or your local VA office. Proper documentation includes payment confirmations and receipts from your real estate examination and any pre-licensing courses to help determine total costs and coverage.