One of the features of the Post-9/11 GI Bill is that the VA will pay your tuition and fees directly to the school. Besides paying your college costs, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay you a Monthly Housing Allowance which is based on the military Basic Allowance for Housing, and up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies.
The actual amount you receive is determined by your length of active duty service after Sep. 10, 2001. See our Post-9/11 Overview page for details.
Post-9/11 GI Bill Payments for Colleges and Universities
If you are attending a public college or university the GI Bill will pay your full tuition and fees.
If you are attending a private or foreign university the GI Bill will pay your tuition up to an annual maximum amount, determined by Congress. The current annual tuition reimbursement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill for private or foreign colleges & universities is $26,381.37, that will increase to $27,120.05 on Aug. 1, 2023.
If you are attending a private college or university that is more expensive than the annual cap you may be eligible for extra payment under the Yellow Ribbon program.
To qualify to receive the Yellow Ribbon benefits you must meet the following criteria:
- Served at least 36 months of active duty after Sep. 10, 2001;
- Been honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and have served a minimum of 30 continuous days after Sep. 10, 2001;
- Be a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran's service under the eligibility criteria listed above.
Post-9/11 GI Bill Payments for Non-college Degree Granting Institutions
If you are attending a non-college degree school like a technical school, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay the actual net costs for in-state tuition & fees not to exceed $26,042.81.
Post-9/11 GI Bill Payments for Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training
If you are enrolled in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program, your GI Bill payment is based on the Monthly Housing Allowance payable for the ZIP code where your employer is located.
| Training Period | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| First six months of training | 100% of your applicable MHA |
| Second six months of training | 80% of your applicable MHA |
| Third six months of training | 60% of your applicable MHA |
| Fourth six months of training | 40% of your applicable MHA |
| Remaining pursuit of training | 20% of your applicable MHA |
For more information see our GI Bill Apprenticeship and OJT page.
Post-9/11 GI Bill Payments for Vocational Flight Schools
If you are attending a vocational flight school, the GI Bill will pay the actual net costs not to exceed $15,075.05 per academic year, increasing to $15,497.15 on Aug. 1, 2023.
The cap applies to all classes and/or enrollments that begin during that academic year, regardless of when they are completed.
For more information see our Flight Training page.
Post-9/11 GI Bill Payments for National Testing Programs/Licensing & Certification Tests
You can be reimbursed up to $2,000 per test for Licensing & Certification tests, there is no maximum amount for National Testing Programs. Your entitlement will be charged one month for every $2,200.96 paid to you, increasing to $2,260.00 on Aug. 1, 2023.
For more information see our National Testing Programs page, or our Licensing and Certification page.
Post-9/11 GI Bill Payments for Correspondence Schools
If you are enrolled in correspondence training, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay the actual net costs not to exceed $12,813.78 per academic year, increasing to $13,172.57 on Aug. 1, 2022.
Post-9/11 GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance
Your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is based on the military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. Your MHA is based on the ZIP code for your school or campus where you are taking the majority of your classes. MHA rate increases based on BAH increases are effective Aug. 1 (the beginning date of the academic year).
The housing allowance is paid at a percentage based on your active duty service, as listed above.
MHA Rate Exceptions
| Type of School | MHA Rate |
|---|---|
| Foreign School | $1,801.00 |
| Schools in US Territories | E-5 with dependents OHA Rate for school location |
| Exclusively Online Training (No Classroom Instruction) | $900.50 |
| Attending classes at ½ time or less | NOT PAYABLE |
| Active Duty Trainee (or transferee spouse of servicemember) | NOT PAYABLE |
For more details see our Post-9/11 GI Bill Overview page.
Books/Supplies Stipend
For most training you will also receive a yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000.00 paid proportionately based on enrollment. See our Post-9/11 GI Bill Overview page for more details.
Keep Up With Your Education Benefits
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