What Degrees Does the GI Bill Cover?

The GI Bill has been a lifeline for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families by helping them afford education and training opportunities after military service.

But what degrees does the GI Bill cover? We'll discuss the current Veteran Affairs educational benefits that the GI Bill can help fund, including traditional college degrees, vocational programs, certifications, and more.

Understanding what options are available can help you use your military benefits and achieve your educational and career goals.

Overview of the GI Bill

The GI Bill, originally passed in 1944, has gone through several revisions over the years, the most recent being the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides financial assistance for tuition, housing, books, and other education-related costs for veterans who have served after September 10, 2001.

One of the most appealing aspects of the GI Bill is its flexibility, offering veterans the opportunity to pursue a variety of educational programs at different types of institutions. Here's a breakdown of the types of degrees and programs that are covered.

1. Associate Degrees

The GI Bill covers associate degrees, which typically take two years to complete and are often offered at community colleges or technical schools. Associate degrees are a great option for veterans looking to enter the workforce quickly or who want to eventually transfer to a four-year institution.

Types of associate degrees include:

• Associate of Arts (AA)
• Associate of Science (AS)
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

An associate degree can provide foundational knowledge in a specific field, making it a valuable credential for careers in fields like healthcare, IT, and business administration. Many veterans opt for this path to gain practical skills that can lead to immediate job opportunities.

2. Bachelor's Degrees

The most common degree pursued with the GI Bill is the bachelor's degree, a four-year undergraduate program offered at colleges and universities. A bachelor's degree provides more in-depth knowledge of a particular field and is often a requirement for many professional careers.

Types of bachelor's degrees include:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Science (BS)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

With the GI Bill, veterans can use their benefits to cover tuition, fees, housing, and even a stipend for books at both public and private institutions. This allows flexibility for veterans to attend prestigious universities or local state colleges, depending on their preferences and career goals.

Learn more: Tips for Going to College as a Veteran

3. Master's and Advanced Degrees

For those interested in furthering their education beyond a bachelor's degree, the GI Bill also covers graduate-level programs. Master's degrees typically take one to three years to complete, depending on the field of study, and can significantly enhance your career prospects.

Examples of master's degrees include:

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Science (MS)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Master of Education (MEd)

Veterans can also use the GI Bill to cover other advanced degrees like doctorate programs (PhD, EdD, JD) or professional degrees in fields like medicine, law, and engineering. Advanced degrees are ideal for veterans who want to enter high-level professions or pursue academic or research careers.

4. Vocational and Technical Training

The GI Bill isn't limited to traditional academic degrees. It also covers vocational and technical training programs, which are ideal for veterans who want to enter the workforce quickly with hands-on skills. These programs are often shorter than traditional degree programs and focus on practical training in specific trades or industries.

Examples of vocational and technical programs include:

• HVAC certification
• plumbing
• welding
• automotive repair
• electrical technology

Vocational and technical programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical schools, or specialized training centers. These programs are especially attractive for veterans who want to gain immediate employment in high-demand fields like construction, manufacturing, and technology.

5. Flight Training

Veterans interested in becoming pilots can use the GI Bill to fund flight training programs. This can be particularly appealing to those who served in aviation-related roles during their military careers and want to transition into civilian aviation.

Flight training can be expensive, but the GI Bill helps cover the costs of flight school tuition and fees, allowing veterans to earn pilot certifications for commercial or private piloting.

6. Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training

The GI Bill also provides benefits for apprenticeships and on-the-job training (OJT) programs. These programs combine hands-on work experience with classroom instruction, allowing veterans to earn while they learn.

Examples of apprenticeships include:

• electricians
• plumbers
• carpenters
• machinists

Apprenticeships and OJT programs are often offered through unions or employers in various trades and industries. Veterans participating in these programs can receive a monthly housing stipend while learning a trade, making it an attractive option for those looking to transition into skilled professions.

7. Certification and Licensing Programs

If you're looking to gain specific certifications or licenses in your field, the GI Bill can help cover those costs, too. Many careers require industry-recognized credentials, and the GI Bill can be used to pay for certification exams, prep courses, and licensing fees.

Examples of certifications and licenses include:

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
• IT certifications like CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft

Veterans can also use their benefits to cover the cost of obtaining or renewing professional licenses, such as teaching certifications or healthcare credentials.

8. Entrepreneurship Training

For veterans interested in starting their own businesses, the GI Bill offers benefits for entrepreneurship training. These programs provide veterans with the skills and knowledge needed to launch and manage a successful business.

Many colleges and universities offer entrepreneurship programs, or veterans can opt for programs like the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Boots to Business program, which is specifically designed for veterans and service members.

9. Correspondence Courses and Distance Learning

Veterans can also take advantage of distance learning opportunities, such as online courses or correspondence programs. This flexibility is especially useful for veterans who may have work or family obligations that make attending in-person classes difficult.

Online education has become increasingly popular, and many accredited institutions offer entire degree programs online. The GI Bill covers the tuition and fees for these programs, and veterans enrolled in online-only programs may also receive a housing stipend.

Learn more: Best Online Colleges for Veterans

FAQs About Using the GI Bill To Cover Your College Degree

To provide you with more information about the GI Bill, we've answered some frequently asked questions below.

Does the GI Bill Cover Four Years of College?

Yes, the Post-9/11 GI Bill generally covers 36 months of full-time college enrollment, which is approximately equivalent to four academic years. This means that most veterans can use their GI Bill benefits to cover the costs of a four-year bachelor's degree, assuming they attend school full-time.

The coverage includes tuition, fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies. However, it's essential to check your specific eligibility and whether the school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can help with tuition costs at private or out-of-state schools if tuition exceeds the cap.

Will the GI Bill Pay for Two Degrees?

Yes, the GI Bill can pay for multiple degrees, but only as long as you do not exceed your 36 months of entitlement. If you finish your first degree and still have benefits remaining, you can apply the remaining funds toward a second degree, such as a graduate program or a second bachelor's degree.

Additionally, veterans can also use their benefits for professional training, certifications, or technical programs after completing a degree. The key is to manage your benefits effectively to cover multiple educational goals.

What College Expenses Does the GI Bill Cover?

The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers a wide range of college expenses, including:

• Tuition and fees: It covers up to 100% of in-state public tuition and fees or a portion of private or out-of-state tuition (up to a certain cap).
• Housing allowance: A monthly Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is provided for veterans attending school more than half-time. The amount depends on the school's location.
• Books and supplies stipend: Veterans receive up to $1,000 annually to help cover the cost of books and supplies.
• Yellow Ribbon Program: For veterans attending private or out-of-state institutions, the Yellow Ribbon Program can help cover tuition costs beyond what the GI Bill typically covers.

How Many Times Can I Use My GI Bill?

You can use the GI Bill once, but you can spread the benefits across multiple programs or degrees until you've exhausted your 36 months of eligibility. This means you could potentially use your benefits for an undergraduate degree, then later for a graduate program or vocational training, as long as you don't exceed the time limit.

Additionally, some veterans may be eligible for more than one version of the GI Bill, such as the Montgomery GI Bill or Post-9/11 GI Bill, but they will need to choose which benefit to use because you cannot receive benefits from both programs simultaneously.