What is GI Bill?｜Veterandegrees

The GI Bill remains one of the most important education and training benefits available to U.S. Veterans, service members, and eligible dependents. Since its origin in 1944, the GI Bill has supported millions of Veterans in earning degrees, completing technical training, gaining professional certifications, and accessing home loan guarantees.

Today, the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) is the most widely used program, providing comprehensive financial support for tuition, housing, books, training, and more. This guide explains:

1. What Is the GI Bill? A Historical Overview

The first GI Bill of Rights which is technically known as the Serveicemens Readjustment Act of 1944 was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to assist the veterans of the World War II to resume their livelihood in civilian life. The law granted:

Training and education support.
Unemployment compensation
Cheap, VA-guaranteed business and home loans.

The GI Bill has changed the American society by providing more people with access to higher education, giving people more homeownership rights, and empowering the middle-income population. Subsequent generations of the service members such as those during the Korean War, Vietnam War as well as the all volunteer era still enjoyed the updated forms of the benefit, currently mainly through:

Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
Montgomery GI Bill- Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR).
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the major education benefit applied by Veterans today.

2. GI Bill- Chapter 33 (post-9/11): Eligibility Requirements.

You also can be eligible to receive Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits under the condition that you satisfy one of the following:

You have at least 90 days of active duty on or since September 11, 2001. (Both continuous and service with interruptions or rests.)
You have been awarded a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, and honourably discharged at any length of service.
You enlisted on active duty at least 30 consecutive days, and were honorably discharged on a service-connected disability.
You are a reliant child on transferred GI Bill benefits. (Transferred by a qualified service member or Veteran.)

Periods of Non-Qualifying Service.

There are service periods that are not counted toward eligibility under GI Bill and these include:

Hours in designated civilian college courses the same as civilian residential courses.
Time as a service academy Midshipman or cadet.
Some training of National Guard and Reserve in Title 10 SS12103(d).
Will apply to ROTC scholarships, Service Academy service or Loan Repayment Programs.
Some of the National Guard activations that are not counted as GI Bill.

The qualifying and non-qualifying service is also a concept that you need to comprehend when determining your entitlement months.

Using Multiple Education Benefits: The Rudisill Decision (Up to 48 Months)

In 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Rudisill v. McDonough that eligible Veterans with two or more qualifying periods of active duty may use:

Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB-AD) and
Post-9/11 GI Bill

up to the combined maximum of 48 months of total benefits.

Key changes:

Veterans who previously relinquished MGIB-AD to switch to the Post-9/11 GI Bill may now qualify for up to 12 additional months of MGIB-AD.
Veterans currently using MGIB-AD may switch to Post-9/11 GI Bill without restriction to remaining MGIB months.

Do you need to take action?

If your last GI Bill decision was after Aug. 15, 2018 → VA will automatically review your case.
If it was before Aug. 15, 2018 → Submit VA Form 22-1995 and request a Rudisill review.

Tuition and Mandatory Fees

If tuition exceeds the cap, you may qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program, which covers the remaining costs at participating schools.

Learn More

Monthly Housing Allowance (BAH/MHA)

Many Veterans choose programs specifically because of the housing allowance.

Learn More

Books and Supplies

Up to $1,000 per academic year, prorated by course load.

Rural Relocation Grant

A one-time $500 payment if you live in a rural county and must relocate 500+ miles or fly to attend school.

Licensing & Certification Exam Fees

Up to $2,000 per test, including: PMP, CompTIA, Real estate license, Nursing certifications and more.

Tutorial Assistance

Up to $1,200 if you need academic support.

4. What You Can Use the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) For

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is far more flexible than many Veterans expect. You can use your benefits not only for traditional college degrees, but also for career training, licensing exams, and multiple modern learning formats. Below is an easy-to-understand breakdown of all the education and training options covered under Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Degree Programs

You can use the GI Bill at thousands of GI Bill–approved schools offering:

Undergraduate degrees (associate and bachelor’s programs)
Graduate degrees (master’s and doctoral programs)
Approved international degree programs
National exams and test preparation (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, and other qualified tests)

These options are ideal if your goal is long-term professional advancement, career change, or meeting degree requirements for government or private-sector roles.

Career and Technical Training

If your next mission is to enter a skilled trade, earn a certification, or gain hands-on training, the GI Bill also covers:

Vocational and technical programs: Examples: HVAC technician, commercial truck driving (CDL), EMT, cosmetology
Non-college degree programs (NCD programs)
Apprenticeships
On-the-job (OJT) training programs
Flight training programs (for qualified pilot training schools)
Licensing and certification tests (plus eligible prep courses)

These programs are especially valuable for Veterans who want to enter the workforce quickly or build new skills without pursuing a full degree.

Flexible Learning Formats

You don’t need to sit in a traditional classroom every day to use your GI Bill. Chapter 33 supports multiple learning models, including:

Online and distance learning: Fully online programs or a mix of online and in-person classes (hybrid)
Correspondence training (self-paced, mail-based coursework at approved schools)
Co-op training programs: A blend of classroom instruction and paid work experience
Veteran work-study opportunities: Part-time jobs with VA-approved offices or partner organizations

These flexible options make it easier to balance school, work, and family responsibilities, especially for older students or Veterans transitioning into new careers.

5.1 Eligibility Tiers (How Much of the Full Benefit You Receive)

Effective August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026

Active-Duty Service Time	GI Bill Benefit Percentage
36+ months (or Purple Heart)	100%
30–35 months	90%
24–29 months	80%
18–23 months	70%
6–17 months	60%
90–179 days	50%

If you qualify for a percentage (e.g., 70%), multiply all listed rates by that percentage.

5.2 Tuition and Fee Maximums (100% Tier)

Public institutions:
VA pays the full in-state tuition and mandatory fees.

Annual maximums for other programs:

Program Type	Annual Maximum (2025–2026)
Private or foreign universities	$29,920.95
Non-college degree programs	$29,920.95
Flight training (non-degree)	$17,097.67
Correspondence training	$14,533.00
Co-op training	Full in-state rate (public) / $29,920.95 (private)

5.3 Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)

MHA is based on:

Your GI Bill eligibility tier
Rate of pursuit (must be >50%)
ZIP code where you attend most classes (location-based housing allowance)

You will not receive MHA if you are:

On active duty
A spouse using transferred benefits while the service member is on active duty
Enrolled half-time or less
Taking correspondence or flight training
On a school break

Online-only students receive a reduced national MHA rate.

6. How to Use the GI Bill

If you're looking for how to use GI Bill benefits, the process typically includes:

Step 1: Apply for Benefits

Apply online at VA.gov or submit a paper application for education benefits.

Step 2: Receive Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

VA will send a COE indicating:

Your eligibility tier
Your remaining months of entitlement
Whether your benefits are time-limited or covered under the Forever GI Bill

Step 3: Choose a GI Bill–Certified Program

You can use the GI Bill at:

Public universities
Private colleges
Foreign schools
Community colleges
Vocational schools
Apprenticeship programs
Flight schools
Technical and non-college degree programs

To verify whether a school accepts GI Bill benefits, check the GI Bill Comparison Tool.

Step 4: School Certifies Your Enrollment

Your school submits your enrollment information to VA.

Step 5: Verify Enrollment Monthly

If you're using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you must verify enrollment every month to continue receiving MHA.

7. Do GI Bill Benefits Expire?

It depends on when you separated from active duty:

✔ Service ended before January 1, 2013

Benefits expire 15 years after your last discharge.

✔ Service ended on or after January 1, 2013

Benefits do not expire
(covered under the Forever GI Bill).

8. Additional Benefits for Dependents

Yellow Ribbon Program
Transfer of Benefits (ToE) to spouse or children
Fry Scholarship for children or surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty
STEM Scholarship for additional funding in STEM degree programs

9. How to Find Schools That Accept the GI Bill

You can use the GI Bill at any VA-approved, GI Bill–certified school, including:
- Universities
- Community colleges
- Vocational and technical programs
- Apprenticeship and OJT programs
- Many foreign institutions
To find schools that accept GI Bill benefits, use:

➡ GI Bill Comparison Tool (Official VA Tool)

This tool helps compare:
- Tuition costs
- MHA estimates
- Graduation rates
- Student Veteran support services
- Yellow Ribbon participation
- School accreditation

10. Other Resources

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides powerful education and career training support for Veterans and their families. Whether you plan to pursue a degree, gain technical skills, enter an apprenticeship, or earn a professional certification, the GI Bill can help reduce financial barriers and expand your opportunities.

Understanding eligibility rules, payment rates, and the types of GI Bill–certified programs available ensures that you maximize every month of your entitlement.

If you need assistance, consider contacting:

Your school’s VA Certifying Official
A VA Regional Office
The GI Bill hotline: 888-442-4551

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GI Bill and how does it work?

The GI Bill is an education benefit for Veterans, service members, and eligible family members. It helps pay for college, graduate school, trade programs, and professional training. Once you apply and receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), your school certifies your enrollment and the VA pays tuition, housing allowance (BAH), and book stipends based on your benefits.

Am I eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)?

You’re eligible if any of the following are true:

You served 90+ days of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001
You received a Purple Heart after 9/11 and were honorably discharged
You served 30 continuous days and were medically discharged due to a service-connected disability
You’re using transferred benefits from a qualifying service member

Your length of service determines your eligibility percentage (50%–100%).

What does the GI Bill cover?

The GI Bill can pay for:

Tuition and fees
Monthly housing allowance (BAH)
Books and supplies
Licensing and certification exams
Professional training
Apprenticeships and OJT programs
Flight training
Online/hybrid degree programs

It is one of the most flexible education benefits available.

How much does the GI Bill pay for tuition?

The GI Bill pays:

Full in-state tuition at public schools
Up to $29,920.95/year (2025–2026 rate) at private, foreign, and non-degree schools
Schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program may cover additional tuition not covered by the cap.

Do online or hybrid students receive BAH (housing allowance)?

Yes — but the amount depends on the program format:

Hybrid (at least one in-person class): Full BAH based on the school’s ZIP code
Fully online: Reduced national online BAH rate

This is why many Veterans choose low-residency or hybrid programs.

Can I use the GI Bill for trade schools or technical programs?

Absolutely. You can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for:

HVAC, welding, plumbing
CDL / truck driving
EMT, medical tech
Cosmetology/barbering
IT certifications and cyber bootcamps
Non-degree vocational schools

Trade and technical programs are one of the most popular options.

Can I use more than one GI Bill benefit? (48-month rule)

It depends; normally, it is 36 months. Under the Rudisill decision, some Veterans may qualify for up to 48 months of combined benefits if they have more than one qualifying period of active duty and eligibility for both MGIB-AD and Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Do GI Bill benefits expire?

It depends:

If you separated before Jan 1, 2013, benefits expire 15 years after discharge
If you separated on or after Jan 1, 2013, benefits never expire (Forever GI Bill)

How do I apply for the GI Bill?

You can apply in three simple steps:

Submit an application on VA.gov
Receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Provide the COE to your school’s VA Certifying Official

Once certified, your tuition, BAH, and book stipend begin automatically.

How do I find schools that accept the GI Bill?

You can:

Use the VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool
Search for “GI Bill certified programs” on school websites
Work with advisors who specialize in veteran-friendly and VA-approved programs
Ask whether the school participates in Yellow Ribbon for additional tuition support

Most public universities, community colleges, online programs, and technical schools accept the GI Bill.

What is GI Bill?