4 Reasons to Choose Your GI Bill Carefully

By Terry Howell

Several readers have asked "what's the big deal about choosing the Post-9/11 GI Bill over the Montgomery GI Bill." In fact, one reader asked, “I don't understand this. How can another program be better for me if I want to attend college? Isn't the reason for the new Post-9/11 GI Bill to pay for any state tuition of my choice?”

Many veterans think this is a no-brainer, but there are several factors that can severely limit your GI Bill education benefits. And, since you cannot change your mind once you make the switch, choosing carefully is your best option.

As a friend of mine likes to say, "the devil's in the details." Well, here are some of those details - reasons to choose carefully:

1. Payment rates are set for undergraduate tuition rates – this could mean that veterans who wish to attend grad school will need to pay the difference out-of-pocket.
   
   
2. The housing stipend is not available for students taking all their courses through non-traditional classes – online and other distant learning students won’t receive payment for cost of living. In addition, veterans talking courses on a half-time rate and active duty servicemembers are also excluded from the housing stipend.
   
   
3. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is set at the in-state undergraduate tuition rate which varies from state-to-state. In some states the tuition rate may severely limit a student's education options. For example, the tuition rate for California is $0 and Massachusetts is only $71. That won’t go very far in a private college or master's degree program.
   
   
4. The new Post-9/11 GI Bill does not cover trade schools or on the job training and apprenticeship programs like the Montgomery GI Bill.

I am not the only one warning servicemembers and veterans about making an uneducated decision about their education benefits. Department of Veterans Affairs officials are also encouraging anyone considering enrolling in the Post-9/11 GI Bill program to learn the facts and make sure the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the right fit for them.

The VA recommends getting answers to the following before changing programs:

1) Which benefit will pay more?
2) What tier of benefit am I eligible for under the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
3) What type of training do I want to pursue? 
4) How long do I expect to take to use the benefit?
5) Do I plan to attend school less than full-time?

The Bottom Line 
If you plan to attend classroom based courses at a state operated college on a more than half-time basis - or - you intend to transfer your benefits to a family member, then the Post 9/11 GI Bill most likely fits your needs perfectly. Otherwise, take your time - don't be in a rush.

Learn more about comparing the GI Bill programs.

If you have questions about your personal eligibility or need more assistance, please call the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 or visit the VA's GI Bill website at www.GIBILL.VA.gov.

Comments

[aka jon stone]

Viet. vets Do we still have benefits? I have allready gotten my electrician,s jourenymans cert.under the GI bill.

[david shaw]

It says on the gi bill website that college funds will be distributed in lump sums quarterly. However those who paid the extra 600 dollars for the buy in will not get anything from it. I have the college fund but as for those who did the 600 dollar buy in.......id be asking the government for a refund because basically they just stripped you of 600 bucks.

[Erik]

I just retired from the Navy in Dec 2008. I have one class to go for my Bachelors Degree. My last class I took online, after I retired, and used the Chapter 30 benefit for it. I never used the GI Bill on Active Duty, just used TA, so after that class I still have 35 months and 9 days of benefits remaining.

Me personally, I would benefit more using the MGIB, because I don't want to go to a brink and mortar school, but I enjoy online classes more. The school I am looking at going to for my Master's Degree considers an 8 week class to be 3/4 time. Based on that, here is what I will be receiving:

Tuition costs: $825.00(8 week/3 SH class

MGIB Benefit: $1,981.50 ($990.75/mo)

Therefore, I will be pocketing $1,156.50 (minus books) per course.

It works better for me, because I just am not enthused about going to school full-time. I like being retired and going online a little each day, and knocking out some school work. I also work 20-30 hours per week at the base golf course and umpire/referee sports for a little extra cash.

Like Terry said, sometimes it might benefit you more using the MGIB. In my case it does!

[Ray Flores]

Terina,

I've looked over the info numerous times and I'm sure that the Kickers are still in place.

[Terina Folsom]

I got the Army College Fund with my GI Bill. I get a little extra each month than the regular GI bill rate. The new GI Bill will not give you that though, you would lose the "kicker" if you went with the new bill. That is what I got from what is posted on the VA website about the new bill. www.va.gov.

[Matthew Knox]

I am active duty in getting out of the military in about a year. I have a question concerning the post 911 GI Bill. I have the Navy College Fund and am wondering how this "kicker" will be applied towards my GI Bill. I have looked through the FAQ's and have not found a solid answer to this question.
thanks.