How does college tuition work after military service?

I've researched a bit about GI bills and scholarships, but I’m still a little confused. How does one attend college after completing military service? I would appreciate insights from anyone who knows more about this.

The process to attend college after military service has been made easier with programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Essentially, this bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 continuous days.

Here's what the Post-9/11 GI Bill covers:

1. Tuition and fees: Which covers the full tuition and fees at public in-state schools and up to a certain amount at private or out-of-state schools. For the 2020-21 school year, the cap for private and foreign universities is $25,162.14.

2. Books and supplies stipend: Veterans can receive up to $1000 a year for books and supplies.

3. Housing allowance: If you're attending school more than half time, you are eligible for a monthly housing allowance. The allowance is equivalent to the basic allowance for housing payable to an E-5 with dependents, in the same zip code as the school.

To utilize these benefits, you have to apply to both college and for the GI Bill benefit. Once you’ve applied and been accepted to a college, the second step is applying for your GI Bill benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). You can complete this process online through the VA’s official website, or in person at a VA regional office.

Once you're approved, the VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility showcasing the benefits you're eligible for. You'd then present this certificate to your school's financial aid office, and they'd coordinate with the VA to arrange your tuition payments.

In addition to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program can be an excellent opportunity for veterans who plan to attend a private university or a public out-of-state school. The program allows approved institutions and the VA to partially or fully fund tuition and fee expenses that exceed the tuition payment caps for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. However, not all schools participate in the program.

Lastly, there are numerous scholarships specifically reserved for veterans and their families, which can provide additional financial aid.

Each individual's circumstances can vary, so it might be worth speaking to a college counselor or a financial aid officer who is familiar with military benefits. You can also use the GI Bill Comparison Tool on the VA's website to see what benefits you might get at different schools.