Making the Most of Military Benefits for College

Hey, everyone! I'm currently in the military and I hear there are educational benefits for service members. I'm not quite sure how to take full advantage of them for my college education. Can anyone shed some light on how to make the most of the military benefits for college?

Hello there! You're right, as a service member you are eligible for quite a few educational benefits that can aid in your college education.

One of the biggest educational benefits provided by the military is the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This benefit can cover up to 36 months of education benefits, including tuition and fees, housing, and books/supplies up to a certain amount.

You do have some flexibility when it comes to using these benefits. They could be used while you're in service, but could also be saved for after your service ends. You can even choose to transfer these benefits to your dependents, such as spouse or children, under some conditions.

In addition to the GI Bill, look into the Yellow Ribbon Program. It’s an extension of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and applies to out-of-state, private school, or graduate school tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn’t fully cover. You may also want to check if the particular schools you're consider have a Veterans office, as the advisors in these offices can provide valuable assistance as you navigate these benefits.

Another option worth considering is Tuition Assistance or Top-Up programs. These benefits can cover tuition costs up to a certain limit per credit hour or fiscal year, and the Top-Up program can be used in combination with your GI Bill benefits. However, usage of these funds may reduce the amount of the Post-9/11 GI Bill you have, so weigh your options carefully.

Remember that you can also use your benefits for various types of education, not just traditional four year colleges. You can use them for non-college degree programs, on-the-job training programs, and even some classes taken online.

Last but not least, don't overlook the smaller scholarships and assistance programs that may be available for service members or related classifications, such as wounded warriors or children of veterans. Every little bit helps.

I encourage you to reach out to your base's education office, as they're likely equipped to help you better understand these benefits and how to apply them to your situation. Best of luck with your educational journey!