Just because you are a member of the armed forces, it does not mean that educational prospects need to be restricted – you are entitled to significant military tuition assistance. In fact, not only can you pursue your education after joining the military, but Congress has empowered each individual department of the armed forces with the capacity to pay up to 100% of the tuition fees for their personnel.
Another interesting fact is that if the TA benefit of an individual is not fully utilized, it can be shared with their family members. This sharing option is a new development which was not available to military personnel prior to the “Post 9/11 GI Bill”.
Here, we take a look at some of the ways in which a person can avail of their military tuition assistance entitlement. There are conditions attached for availing these benefits, so we also discuss that aspect.
Military Tuition with the Post 9/11 GI Bill
The Post 9/11 GI Bill is the latest GI Bill for military tuition, and it mostly includes features of the previous GI bills, with a few new additions. This bill’s benefits are available to all military personnel who have a remaining aggregate of at least 90 days, after 10 September 2001. If a person chooses to avail of the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for military tuition, they have to elect for the program by submitting an application in writing through form VA Form 22-1990. This form can also be submitted online on www.gibill.va.gov.
Features of the Post 9/11 GI Bill
The salient features of military tuition under this program are:
- 100% fees are paid to your institution if your course is for 36 months or if you have 30 continuous days and are discharged through a service-related disability.
- Other than the above conditions, a percentage will be paid.
- An annual stipend of up to $1,000 is paid for books and supplies.
- Tuition fees are paid directly to the educational institution.
- A Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is available to residential students (but not for those military personnel who are on active duty).
There is a list of the various courses available for military tuition on the official website of the US Department of Veteran Affairs.
The normal eligibility for military tuition assistance is 36 months and is available to an individual over a period of 15 years.
One new feature of the Post 9/11 GI Bill is transfer of benefits to spouses and dependents. You can transfer unused benefits to your spouse or dependent, usually on the condition that you agree to at least another four years of service.
Another new feature is the Yellow Ribbon Program. The basic concept of this program is that the concerned institution makes a contribution to the tuition fees which are matched by a contribution made by the Department of Veteran Affairs.
The Post 9/11 GI Bill also now includes members of the National Guard, although the Coast Guard Reserve members are not included.
The Montgomery GI Bill
Another alternative to military tuition is the Montgomery GI bill. Passed in 1984, this was a path-breaking advancement in the history of military tuition assistance. The basic eligibility to the Montgomery GI Bill is that an active member of the military contributes $100.00 per month to the program for a year. There are two categories for those eligible under the Montgomery GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) and Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR).
Who is eligible under the Montgomery GI Bill?
You are eligible under the Montgomery GI Bill if you have:
- Paid $100 per month for the first year of your active duty
- Completed high school or equivalent
- Completed a minimum of two years of active duty
Although the Montgomery GI Bill is a great benefit for active service members of the military, it is also important to realize its limitations which are compensated for in the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The advantages of the latter bill are transfer of benefits to a spouse and other family members, MHA, the Yellow Ribbon Program and the inclusion of the National Guard to the program.
Other Alternatives to Military Tuition
Although the programs offered by the Department of Veteran Affairs are great sources of military tuition assistance, if you still have further requirements, you may like to consider vocational rehab funding or loans.
Vocational Rehab Funding
Although not specifically designed to cater to the needs of the US Military, this program called Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants founded and sustained by the US Department of Education. However, this program is meant for people with physical or mental disabilities. There is a fair percentage of military personnel with physical disabilities that could be eligible for this program. Grants are given on the basis of the extent of the disability.
Loans, Private and Public
The US Department of Education runs a department known as Federal Student Aid, which covers the specific needs of military personnel. Some of the highlights of these loans are:
- Special interest rates of 6% during periods of active duty
- Military Service Deferment (loan repayment can be postponed during or just after active duty)
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (Subject to conditions, part of the loan is waived)
- 0% interest while serving in a hostile area
- Part or whole loan repayment by the Department of Defense under certain conditions
- Heroes Act Waiver
- Discharge of student federal loans for disabled personnel
Private Military Tuition Assistance
If there are some specific educational requirements which are not covered under the programs mentioned above, you might have to seek a private educational loan. Although the interest rates may be higher, there are special rates for military personnel, and there are some other added benefits. However, caution should be exercised while registering for a private loan as all private lenders are not military-friendly.
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier, it is possible to continue with education while still in military service. Moreover, you can avail of benefits even after leaving the Armed Forces. It’s just a matter of choosing a suitable program and getting the paperwork in place. You can soon be well on the way to improve your career options, once you enroll with a program that provides you suitable military tuition assistance for earning your degree.
