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How To Use Military Benefits for College in the U.S.

How To Use Military Benefits for College in the U.S.

Military benefits provide veterans and active-duty service members with financial assistance so that they can pay to attend college and earn their degrees.

If you are a veteran or active-duty service member, you can use military education benefits to pursue a degree at one of the many VA-approved colleges in the U.S.

Military scholarships and Veteran Affairs (VA) education benefits, like the GI Bill and Tuition Assistance, provide financial assistance that can help cover your college tuition costs and other education-related expenses.

Whether you are planning to attend college during military service or after your time in the military, it is important to understand the different programs so you can take advantage of your well-earned education benefits.

Steps for Using Military Educational Benefits for College in the U.S.

As a veteran or active duty service member, there are various military discounts and education programs available that can provide you with the financial support you need to pursue a college degree in the U.S. These steps outline how to effectively utilize the programs so you can get the most out of your military benefits.

Understand Your Benefits

Understanding the programs and benefits such as the GI Bill, Tuition Assistance, scholarships, and college funds can help you decide which ones to utilize when pursuing college.

Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides veterans, service members, and qualifying family members with 36 months of benefits that they can use to pursue education programs like college degrees, vocational schools, and flight training. If you meet certain criteria while attending college classes, you can also qualify to receive funding for housing costs and course materials.

If you are eligible for 100% of the bill's education benefits, meaning you served on active duty for at least three years, received a Purple Heart, or were discharged due to a service-related disability, the bill will fully cover your tuition and fees at in-state public colleges. If you choose to attend a private college, the Post 9/11 GI Bill will cover up to $28,937 of your tuition costs.

Montgomery GI Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill has two different educational assistance programs. Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) is intended for current active-duty service members and veterans who served active duty for at least two years. The GI Bill benefits can be used for educational programs like four-year degrees, apprenticeships, and job training.

The amount of benefits you can receive through the MGIB-AD is based on several factors, which include the following:

  • the length of time you served
  • the type of program you're attending
  • whether you qualify for a military college fund
  • how much you contribute to the bill's Buy-Up program

Military Scholarships

Many schools, organizations, and specific branches of the military can help support your education goals for veterans and military members who are pursuing a degree program.

If you are currently serving or have served in the Marines, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Navy, you could qualify for a scholarship for your degree. Military scholarships can help you with partial or full tuition costs so you can decrease your education expenses while earning a degree.

Military College Funds

Military college funds, which are part of the GI Bill program, can increase your total amount of education benefits by $24,000 or more. The Navy, Army, and Marine Corps College Funds provide service members 36 months of additional financial assistance for their education.

VA Tuition Assistance

The Tuition Assistance (TA) program is a military education benefit that provides students up to $4,500 yearly for tuition costs, or $250 per credit hour. You need to be currently serving to take advantage of the program, and you can combine it with other education benefits with military tuition assistance.

If the program doesn't cover all your yearly tuition expenses, the VA's Top-Up Program can cover the rest if you qualify.

Check Eligibility

Each benefit program has its distinct eligibility requirements, though they're typically based on your years of service and the branch you served in. Checking your eligibility can help you determine which military benefits you qualify for and how much financial assistance you can plan to receive.

To be eligible for education benefits from the Montgomery GI Bill, you must serve on active duty for at least two years. The Post 9/11 GI Bill's benefits eligibility depends on the length of time you served, with partial benefits starting at 90 days and full benefits starting at three years.

Additional military benefits, like housing allowances and living stipends, are awarded based on enrollment, so full-time students are eligible for more assistance.

Apply for Benefits

Once you know which programs you are eligible for, you can apply for VA education benefits. You can fill out and submit your application on the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website.

Gather Required Documentation

Before you start applying, make sure you have all the required documents readily available. The VA uses the documentation you provide on the application to confirm your benefit eligibility and calculate how much assistance you qualify for.

Required documents include:

  • Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active-Duty
  • Notice of Basic Eligibility
  • copies of military orders (if in Selected Reserve)
  • college fund contracts
  • Buy-Up Program contribution statements

Choose a VA-Approved School

Even though most schools accept VA tuition assistance benefits, there are some that don't participate in the programs. These VA-approved schools encourage military students to use their benefits and provide them with continuous support.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University actively supports veterans, service members, and their spouses by providing a 30% tuition discount. In addition to discounted tuition, military spouses can also receive a full-tuition scholarship through SNHU's partnership with Operation Homefront.

The military admissions staff at SNHU can guide you through the admissions and financial aid process to ensure you get the most out of your education benefits.

Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University is another VA-approved school that helps make higher education more accessible for service members and veterans with flexible online programs. Aside from accepting military education benefits like the TA program, the Post 9/11 GI Bill, and the Montgomery GI Bill, they also provide resources to access additional military-based funding opportunities like the Kansas Military Service Scholarship.

Post University

Post University provides individual support for military students and their families through the Post Eagle Program. Not only does Post encourage the use of military benefits, but they also offer reduced tuition rates and free course materials for veterans and service members.

If you choose to attend in-person classes at their main campus, you can receive a military scholarship through the school.

Speak With Your School's Veteran's Office

To ensure you are taking advantage of all the military education benefits you qualify for, it is a good idea to speak with the veteran's office at your school.

To support students who are either veterans or currently serving in the military, the veteran's office staff can answer your questions and provide information about the different military education benefits. They can help you plan how to use your benefits in the most effective way and even point you toward additional military-student opportunities.

How Long Do You Need To Serve in the U.S. Military To Qualify for Educational Benefits?

The amount of time you need to serve in the U.S. military to qualify for educational benefits varies depending on the program. For example, you can qualify for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits after 90 days of active duty, whereas the Montgomery GI Bill requires two years of active-duty service to qualify.

If you are the spouse or dependent (child) of a veteran or active-duty service member, you can qualify for education benefits, such as military scholarships, without serving at all.

Is It Worth Joining the Army To Receive Free College?

If your goal is to receive educational benefits, then joining the Army might be worth it for you. Serving in the military gives you access to a significant amount of financial assistance that can help you avoid student loans.

The active-duty and veteran education benefits that you can receive have the potential to cover the entire cost of your degree. Even though joining the Army can lead to a free college education, there are many other commitments and responsibilities to consider when deciding whether or not to join.

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