Hey, I've heard that some colleges offer a higher Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) than others. This could really impact my decision as I need the financial support. Does anyone know which colleges offer the most?
It's fantastic that you're considering the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) in your college decision; it's indeed a significant financial support for many service members and veterans. The BAH rates are actually determined by the Department of Defense (DOD), not the colleges themselves, and they vary by geographical location.
They basically depend on where your school is located, not which school you attend. More often, areas with a high cost of living like New York City, Washington, D.C., or San Francisco tend to have higher BAH rates. That said, the cost of attending a college in these locations could also be quite high, so it might be necessary to consider other financial factors (tuition affordability, prevalence of veteran resources programs, etc.) in tandem with the BAH rate.
Remember, BAH is a monthly payment, so you'll receive the allowance for the duration of your enrollment (but not during breaks between semesters or during summer if you're not taking any summer course). Check the current year's BAH amount for potential colleges by searching for the school's ZIP code on the DOD's BAH calculator.
Do keep in mind that while a higher BAH could be beneficial, other factors such as the quality of the education, availability of your desired major, and a supportive environment for veterans should also play vital roles in your decision-making process.
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