Will military benefits cover private college tuition?

Hey all, I'm a rising junior in high school and I've been considering a stint in the military before college. I know the military helps with tuition, but I'm also looking at some private colleges. Would military benefits cover tuition at a private school or is it limited to public institutions?

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is one of the key benefits provided to service members which covers educational costs. This benefit is not limited to public universities; it can also apply to private institutions.

For private schools, the benefit covers up to the national maximum rate set by the Department of Veterans Affairs each year. For the 2024-2025 academic year, that amount is $28,937. If your tuition and fees exceed that cap, you may be eligible for additional assistance through the Yellow Ribbon Program.

The Yellow Ribbon Program allows universities to enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition and fee expenses that exceed the national maximum rate. The university can contribute up to 50% of those expenses and the VA will match the same amount.

So, the military benefits could potentially cover full tuition at private universities, but it largely depends on the specific school's participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program. You would need to confirm the school's participation in the program and their contribution amount. In addition, keep in mind that eligibility for these benefits varies depending on factors like length of service and duty status. You might want to talk with a military representative or school financial aid office for more personalized, in-depth guidance.