The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most valuable and widely used education benefit available to veterans. It can cover the full cost of in-state tuition at public colleges and provide significant funding for private or out-of-state institutions. In addition to tuition, eligible veterans receive a monthly housing allowance based on the cost of living in their college’s ZIP code, as well as a stipend for books and supplies. These benefits help veterans transition into new careers through traditional degrees or technical training programs.
Eligibility typically depends on the length of active-duty service since the events of 9/11. Veterans who served at least 36 months of qualifying service generally receive the full benefit, while others may receive a prorated percentage. This program is flexible and can be used for undergraduate degrees, graduate programs, trade school, apprenticeships, or even online learning.
Many veterans also appreciate that unused GI Bill benefits can sometimes be transferred to a spouse or dependent, depending on service requirements. This makes the Post-9/11 GI Bill one of the most far-reaching education tools available to military families.
The Montgomery GI Bill offers educational assistance for veterans who paid into the program during their service. Unlike the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which covers full tuition directly, MGIB provides a monthly payment that veterans can use toward tuition and fees at approved institutions. Many veterans use the MGIB when attending shorter programs or technical schools where fixed monthly payments align well with tuition costs.
The MGIB can be applied to college degrees, vocational training, apprenticeships, flight schools, and certification tests. Veterans generally have a window of time after service to use these benefits, making planning important for maximizing eligibility.
The Yellow Ribbon Program helps veterans attend private universities or out-of-state institutions that exceed the standard GI Bill tuition allowance. Participating schools agree to share the remaining tuition costs with the Department of Veterans Affairs, allowing eligible veterans to attend high-cost programs without incurring out-of-pocket expenses.
This program is especially beneficial for veterans pursuing degrees at private colleges, graduate programs, law schools, or medical schools. To qualify, veterans must be eligible for the full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit level.
Beyond the GI Bill, veterans can qualify for several federal grants that help cover education costs. These programs can supplement GI Bill benefits or provide aid to veterans who may not be eligible for full GI Bill tuition coverage. Federal grants provide critical financial support without requiring repayment.
Yes. Veterans can apply for multiple federal, state, and private grants to help supplement tuition and living expenses. Many veterans stack these grants with their GI Bill benefits to reduce or eliminate remaining educational costs. State education agencies often offer special grants based on residency, military service, or intended career path.
Additionally, private organizations and nonprofit groups offer grants for veterans pursuing specific degrees such as nursing, engineering, cybersecurity, and skilled trades.
Most U.S. states offer educational grants specifically for veterans who attend in-state colleges or universities. These grants supplement federal benefits and often provide additional assistance for tuition, fees, textbooks, and lab expenses. Programs vary by state but typically emphasize supporting veterans returning to school after service or transitioning to careers in high-need fields.
Many state grants prioritize veterans pursuing careers in healthcare, education, public safety, or skilled trades. Veterans should check with their state’s education authority or veterans’ affairs office for current eligibility criteria and application requirements.
Several states offer tuition waivers that allow eligible veterans to attend public colleges tuition-free. These waivers apply to undergraduate and, in some cases, graduate programs. Some states extend waivers to dependents, particularly the children of service members who were disabled or killed in the line of duty.
Tuition waivers can significantly reduce college costs for veterans who have exhausted GI Bill benefits or prefer to save their benefits for graduate school or dependents.
Members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard may qualify for state-funded tuition assistance programs. These programs typically cover full or partial tuition at public institutions, offering service members a path to affordable education while serving in the Guard.
Many states also provide additional benefits for Guard members who pursue degrees related to emergency management, cybersecurity, and public service.
Veterans can apply for numerous scholarships that recognize military service, leadership, and academic excellence. These awards help reduce tuition costs and are available for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees, graduate programs, or technical education. Scholarships for veterans are offered by universities, nonprofit organizations, and private foundations.
Disabled veterans have access to specialized scholarships that support their education and career advancement. These awards recognize the sacrifices made during military service and help veterans pursue degrees, certifications, and vocational training without incurring significant financial burden.
Several organizations provide scholarships designed specifically for veterans coping with PTSD. These programs aim to support academic success, personal resilience, and successful reintegration into civilian life. Funding often includes financial support, mentorship, and mental health resources.
Veterans pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or healthcare fields can apply for specialized scholarships that help grow the nation’s technical and medical workforce. These awards support career paths in engineering, cybersecurity, nursing, healthcare administration, and biomedical sciences.
Women veterans can access scholarships that recognize their service and help support their educational goals. These awards often highlight leadership, academic excellence, and contributions to the military community.
Many programs support dependents of veterans, including children and spouses, by offering scholarships that help them pursue higher education. These awards honor the service and sacrifice of military families.
Spouses of veterans and active-duty service members can apply for scholarships that support career development, degree completion, or workforce training. Some awards focus on high-demand fields like nursing, education, and technology.
Some veteran-focused organizations provide scholarships for grandchildren of service members. These awards honor family military heritage and help younger generations pursue higher education.
Active-duty service members can use military tuition assistance programs that cover up to 100% of college tuition for approved courses. These programs are provided by each military branch and help service members earn degrees while serving.
Active-duty members may also qualify for federal grants when enrolled in accredited degree programs, depending on financial need.
High school seniors with military ties or career aspirations can apply for scholarships that support education and leadership development. These awards help students pursue college degrees or prepare for future service in the Armed Forces.
Service members transitioning to civilian life can benefit from scholarships that support retraining, skill development, and degree completion. These programs help ease the shift into new careers and offer financial support for education.
Disabled veterans have access to specialized grant programs that help them pursue degrees, certifications, and vocational rehabilitation. These grants provide funding for tuition, books, supplies, and in some cases, specialized equipment.
One of the most significant programs is the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program, which supports disabled veterans preparing for new careers.
The VR&E Program assists disabled veterans in preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining suitable careers. This program can cover tuition, fees, books, and supplies for approved education programs. In addition to financial support, VR&E provides counseling, job placement services, and rehabilitation planning.
Veterans with disabilities that impact employment opportunities often use VR&E as an alternative or complement to the GI Bill.
Veterans pursuing skilled trades or technical careers can apply for scholarships that support training in areas like HVAC, welding, electrical work, cybersecurity, and logistics. These awards help veterans enter high-demand fields quickly and affordably.
Yes. Veterans should always submit the FAFSA, even if they are receiving GI Bill benefits. FAFSA-based aid can include Pell Grants, federal work-study, and subsidized loans. In many cases, FAFSA aid stacks with GI Bill funding to reduce or completely eliminate remaining educational expenses.
Veterans can qualify for Pell Grants based on financial need. These grants do not affect GI Bill benefits and can be combined with other forms of aid to maximize support. Many veterans qualify for Pell Grants when attending community college, vocational school, or undergraduate programs.
Yes. Veterans can combine federal, state, and private scholarships with the GI Bill to reduce remaining tuition costs, cover housing expenses, or pay for books and supplies. In many cases, scholarships are applied first, and the GI Bill covers the remainder, ensuring that veterans keep more of their benefits for future use.
Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025. Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.
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