How Military Veterans Can Finance a College Education

Serving in the military provides an essential service to America. Without a strong military, the country would face enormous threats that would quickly threaten the freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. To recognize the sacrifice and dedication of military personnel, the government provides veterans with many forms of financing a college education.

GI Bill

After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Congress passed the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which enhanced the benefits provided by the original GI Bill. According to Military.com, veterans who served 90 or more days in the military after September 10th, 2001 are eligible, as well as those who served more than 30 days and were discharged due to a service-connected disability. Eligible veterans receive assistance with a variety of degree types, including 4-year degrees, graduate degrees, and vocational training.

GI Bill Covers

GI Bill benefits cover up to 100 percent of tuition and fees, up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies, and a monthly allowance for room and board. Another amazing facet of the Post 9/11 GI Bill is that it makes unused benefits transferable to family members. Veterans interested in attending private schools that have tuition and fees which exceed the Post 9/11 GI Bill maximum should look into the Yellow Ribbon Program. Private schools that participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program agree to waive part of their tuition for veterans, and the VA matches the waived amount. This allows many veterans to attend very expensive schools without out-of-pocket expenses.

Online University Benefits

Many online universities provide incentives for veterans, such as tuition discounts, scholarships, grants, and support services for military and veteran attendees. Because so many an online university for military veterans provide flexible class schedules, they work well for active personnel and veterans with demanding work and family obligations. Many online universities offer hybrid courses, with both online and in-person instruction.

Additional Veterans Benefits

Veterans have access to many educational assistance programs beyond the GI Bill, as explained by Fast Web. The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) offers benefits that include interest-free loans and grants. The MOAA also provides assistance to the family members of service members killed in action through the American Patriot Scholarship.

Survivors and Dependents Benefits

Survivors have many educational assistance options as well, as Fast Web notes. The Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program provides benefits to the immediate family members or a veteran who died or became permanently disabled. Eligible family members receive up to 45 months of educational assistance. Children must be between the ages of 18 and 26 and spouses must use the benefits within 10 years of the veteran’s death. Other benefits for family members are available through many organizations, including the Army Emergency Relief, Air Force Aid Society, Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, and the Coast Guard Mutual Aid. In addition, the ThanksUSA Scholarship Program provides educational benefits to family members.

Serving in the military requires hard work and tremendous sacrifice. Veterans and their family members are offered many educational assistance opportunities in thanks for keeping America strong.