GI Bill
Education Benefits
Up to 36 months of education benefits — tuition, housing allowance, and books. One of the most valuable benefits you've earned.
Which GI Bill Is Right for You?
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
Most CommonFor veterans who served after September 10, 2001. At 100% eligibility: covers full in-state tuition at public schools (up to $28,937/year at private schools), monthly housing allowance (BAH rate), and $1,000/year for books. Requires 36+ months of service for full benefit.
Montgomery GI Bill — Active Duty (Chapter 30)
Contributed $1,200 during servicePays a monthly stipend directly to you (~$2,122/month for full-time in 2024). You pay the school directly. Requires you contributed $100/month for 12 months during service.
Montgomery GI Bill — Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
Reservists & GuardMonthly stipend (~$436/month for full-time). Must maintain Selected Reserve membership to use benefits.
Veteran Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31)
Service-connected disabilityFor veterans with a VA disability rating. Covers full tuition, fees, books, and a housing stipend. Priority over other chapters — if you have a rating, explore this first.
Post-9/11 Eligibility Tiers
| Service After 9/10/01 | Coverage |
|---|---|
| 36+ months | 100% |
| 30 months | 90% |
| 24 months | 80% |
| 18 months | 70% |
| 12 months | 60% |
| 6 months | 50% |
| 90 days | 40% |
How to Apply
- 1Apply at va.gov/education/apply-for-education-benefits/
- 2Complete VA Form 22-1990 (first-time application).
- 3Choose your school and notify the School Certifying Official (SCO).
- 4VA sends your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — give it to your school.
- 5School certifies your enrollment; VA pays school directly (Ch. 33) or you monthly (Ch. 30).
💡 Pro Tips
- ★Check the Yellow Ribbon Program — participating private schools cover tuition above the cap.
- ★Post-9/11 GI Bill has no expiration (as of 2013). Take your time.
- ★You can transfer benefits to a spouse or dependent child if still serving with 6+ years.
- ★Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool at va.gov to compare schools before enrolling.
Not sure which GI Bill chapter to use?
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