How Much Will the Military Pay for College?
Serving in the military can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it’s not just about serving your country – it’s also about gaining valuable education and skills that can benefit you for the rest of your life. One of the many benefits of serving in the military is the opportunity to receive financial assistance for higher education. But how much will the military pay for college?
What are the Military’s Education Benefits?
The military offers several education benefits to help service members and their families pursue higher education. The two main education benefits are the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
The MGIB is a tax-free education benefit that provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible service members. The amount of the benefit varies based on the service member’s length of service and the type of education they are pursuing.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a more comprehensive education benefit that provides up to 100% of in-state tuition and fees at public colleges and universities, as well as up to $24,476.14 per year for private colleges and universities. This benefit is available to service members who have served at least 90 days of active duty since September 10, 2001.
How Much Will the Military Pay for College?
The amount of education benefits that the military pays for college varies based on the service member’s eligibility and the type of education they are pursuing. Here are some general guidelines on how much the military may pay for college:
| Education Benefit | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) | $1,764 per month |
| Post-9/11 GI Bill | $1,785.59 per month |
As you can see, the maximum monthly benefit for the Montgomery GI Bill is $1,764, while the maximum monthly benefit for the Post-9/11 GI Bill is $1,785.59. However, these are just maximum amounts, and the actual benefit amount may be lower based on the service member’s eligibility and the type of education they are pursuing.
What Factors Affect the Amount of Education Benefits?
Several factors can affect the amount of education benefits that the military pays for college. Here are some of the most significant factors:
- Length of Service: The longer you serve in the military, the more education benefits you may be eligible for.
- Type of Education: The type of education you are pursuing can also affect the amount of education benefits you receive. For example, online courses and correspondence courses may not be eligible for the same amount of benefits as traditional classroom courses.
- Enrollment Status: Your enrollment status can also affect the amount of education benefits you receive. For example, full-time students may receive more benefits than part-time students.
- Residency: Your residency can also affect the amount of education benefits you receive. For example, service members who are pursuing education at a public college or university in their home state may receive more benefits than service members who are pursuing education at a private college or university.
Other Education Benefits
In addition to the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, there are several other education benefits available to service members and their families. These benefits include:
- Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA): The DEA is a program that provides education benefits to the dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or have died as a result of their military service.
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (SDEA): The SDEA is a program that provides education benefits to the dependents of service members who have died or are missing in action.
- Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP): The VEAP is a program that provides education benefits to service members who have made voluntary contributions to the program.
Conclusion
The military offers several education benefits to help service members and their families pursue higher education. The amount of education benefits that the military pays for college varies based on the service member’s eligibility and the type of education they are pursuing. By understanding the different education benefits available, service members and their families can make informed decisions about their educational goals and take advantage of the opportunities available to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I apply for the Montgomery GI Bill?
A: To apply for the Montgomery GI Bill, you must submit Form 22-1990, "Application for Education Benefits," to the VA.
Q: How do I apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
A: To apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you must submit Form 22-1990, "Application for Education Benefits," to the VA.
Q: Can I use my education benefits to pursue online courses?
A: Yes, you can use your education benefits to pursue online courses, but you must check with your education institution to see if they are eligible for the same amount of benefits as traditional classroom courses.
Q: Can I use my education benefits to pursue a graduate degree?
A: Yes, you can use your education benefits to pursue a graduate degree, but you must check with your education institution to see if they are eligible for the same amount of benefits as undergraduate programs.
Additional Resources
- VA Education Benefits: www.va.gov/education
- Military.com Education Benefits: www.military.com/education
- Education Benefits Overview: www.benefits.va.gov/education
By understanding the different education benefits available, service members and their families can make informed decisions about their educational goals and take advantage of the opportunities available to them.
