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Education Funding
Your guide to paying for college, certifications, and licenses with military education benefits. Last updated: July 2024
1) Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33): The Gold Standard
What It Is
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an education benefit for service members and veterans who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. It is one of the most generous education benefits available anywhere.
Why It Matters
It can pay for a full 4-year degree (or more), including tuition, fees, books, and a monthly housing allowance (MHA) that is paid directly to you. This benefit can save you and your family from hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loan debt.
Who Qualifies & How It Works
- You need at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after 9/10/2001. The benefit percentage (from 40% to 100%) scales with your total time in service. 36 months of service grants you 100% eligibility.
- Pays tuition and fees directly to the school, up to the in-state maximum for a public university.
- The Yellow Ribbon Program can cover costs at private or out-of-state schools that exceed the GI Bill cap.
- You receive a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) equivalent to the E-5 with dependents BAH rate for your school's ZIP code.
- You also get a book and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year.
Actionable Steps
Check Your Eligibility
Log in to the VA.gov eBenefits portal to view your Post-9/11 GI Bill Statement of Benefits. This will show your eligibility percentage and remaining months of entitlement.
Apply for the Benefit
You can apply online at VA.gov. Once approved, the VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to provide to your chosen school.
2) Tuition Assistance (TA): Pay for School While Serving
What It Is
Tuition Assistance is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. It is paid directly to the school by your branch of service to cover tuition costs.
Why It Matters
TA allows you to work on your degree or a certification *while still on active duty*, without touching your GI Bill. This is a powerful strategy to save your GI Bill for a family member or for a future, more expensive degree (like a Master's or PhD).
Who Qualifies & How It Works
- Eligibility rules vary by branch, but generally require you to be on active duty, have enough time remaining in service, and maintain a certain GPA. Your service's education office is the final authority.
- Each branch provides up to a certain amount per fiscal year (e.g., $4,500 for the Air Force and Army).
- There is a cap per credit hour (e.g., $250 per semester hour).
- You must apply for and get TA approved *before* the course starts.
- Using TA does not deplete your GI Bill entitlement.
Actionable Steps
Visit Your Base Education Office
This is your first and most important step. They will walk you through your branch's specific application process and eligibility rules.
Create an Education Plan
Most branches require you to have a formal degree plan on file before TA is approved. Your education office will help you with this.
3) Other Powerful Programs: COOL, USMAP, and MyCAA
What It Is
Beyond the big two, the military offers a suite of programs for certifications, licensures, and apprenticeships for both service members and spouses.
Why It Matters
These programs help you gain valuable civilian career credentials, making you more marketable during and after your military service, often at no cost.
Who Qualifies & How It Works
- Eligibility is program-specific.
- COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line): Each service has a COOL program that helps you find and pay for civilian certifications and licenses related to your military job.
- USMAP (United Services Military Apprenticeship Program): A formal apprenticeship program that allows you to document your military work experience and receive a nationally recognized journeyman certificate from the Department of Labor.
- MyCAA (My Career Advancement Account): A scholarship program for eligible military spouses, providing up to $4,000 for licenses, certifications, or associate degrees in high-demand fields.
Actionable Steps
Explore Your Service's COOL Website
Search for your MOS/AFSC on the COOL website to see what civilian credentials your military training already qualifies you for.
Register for USMAP
Visit the USMAP website to enroll and start logging your on-the-job training hours towards a formal apprenticeship.
Spouses: Check MyCAA Eligibility
Spouses of junior service members should visit the MyCAA portal to see if they qualify for the $4,000 scholarship.
FAQ & Glossary
Frequently Asked Questions
Glossary
- TA
- Tuition Assistance. A military benefit that pays for school while you are still in service.
- COE
- Certificate of Eligibility. The VA document that proves you are eligible for GI Bill benefits.
- MHA
- Monthly Housing Allowance. The housing stipend paid to you when using the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Yellow Ribbon
- A program that helps pay for tuition costs at private or out-of-state schools that exceed the GI Bill's cap.
Conclusion
Your military education benefits are a powerful vehicle for personal and professional growth, offering a path to higher education with little to no debt. The strategic use of Tuition Assistance while serving can preserve your more valuable Post-9/11 GI Bill for a future degree or for a family member. By planning ahead, understanding the eligibility requirements, and actively managing these benefits, you can secure a significant financial advantage that will pay dividends for the rest of your life.