The GI Bill is one of the most valuable benefits veterans have available to them when the separate from the military. The GI Bill can go a long way toward helping veterans earn their degree, and with that, the opportunity to increase your income potential. But the GI Bill doesn’t always offer enough benefits to complete a college degree. The high cost of college can be a contributing factor. But that isn’t the only reason, especially for veterans who are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which covers tuition up to the cost of the most expensive state school. The biggest limitation with the GI Bill is the amount of benefits, which are capped at 36 months. It is possible to complete a college degree before you run out of GI Bill benefits, but sometimes it can be incredibly difficult, especially for those working on more advanced degrees.
Before we start: there are two primary versions of the GI Bill available to active duty veterans and some Guard/Reserve members: the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, or GI Bill 2.0. (Some Guard and Reserve members are eligible for these programs based on their service record, while other Guard and Reserve members may be eligible for different GI Bill programs). It’s important to note the difference in these benefits to understand how to use them to your advantage.
The Montgomery GI Bill offers veterans a flat monthly stipend that is paid directly to them each month based on the number of hours of school they are attending. That is not the case for veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The payment for classes goes directly to the university, with a housing and book stipend going to the student. This difference is important when paying for and completing your degree.
Tips to Complete Your Degree with the GI Bill
The goal, of course, is to complete your degree while you still have GI Bill benefits available. Doing so will minimize your out of pocket expenses and help you get back into the work force in a minimal amount of time. Completing your degree within the benefits period requires a plan and hard work. But it can be accomplished. Here are some tips:
Load up on classes each term. The more classes you take each term, the more quickly you will complete your degree. The downside on loading up on classes with the MGIB is that the monthly benefit is capped for full-time students. Students are required to pay for their classes out of their own pockets, and if their classes are more expensive than their MGIB benefits, they are forced to pay on their own. The Post-9/11 GI Bill works differently because payments are sent directly to the school. In this case, students can load up on classes and the courses will be paid for with the Post-9/11 GI Bill. 12 hours is considered a full time course load at most universities. Students can complete their degree more quickly if they take 15, or even 18 hours per term. This requires more work and balance, but it can save students a lot of time and money in the long run.
Use both the MGIB and Post-9/11. Many veterans bought into the Montgomery GI Bill when they were in the military. If you are also eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on your service dates, you can use this to your advantage. You can use all of your MGIB benefits, then apply to transfer to the Post-9/11 GI Bill. You won’t be able to use all 36 months of the MGIB, then all 36 months of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Instead, you can use the entire MGIB, then get up to one year of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. In a way, it’s a loophole, but it’s one that you can use to your advantage.
Test out of classes. Many colleges give students credit for life experience, military experience, or for testing out of courses. I highly recommend researching these options and taking advantage of them whenever possible. I tested out of a year of school when I completed my degree. It saved me a ton of time and money and enabled me to complete my degree while on active duty. Not all schools accept these tests or credits, so be sure to plan your path with a guidance counselor before spending too much time testing out of classes.
Use tuition assistance. The more classes you take while on active duty, the fewer classes you have to take after you separate from the military. If you have the ability, try to take some classes while you are still serving. Each branch of the service offers their troops a tuition assistance program. Start with the basic courses such as English Comp, history, economics, and other courses which are a part of almost every degree plan. It’s possible that not all classes will be transferable, but the odds of them being transferable are much higher if you complete at least an Associate’s Degree. These will reduce the time you need to complete your degree, and reduce your reliance upon the GI Bill.
Paying for College When You Run Out of GI Bill Benefits
All of the above tips are nice, but they aren’t always realistic for every student. Difficulty of courses, scheduling, family requirements, and other factors may make it difficult to load up on classes each term. Some colleges don’t accept many transfer courses or won’t allow you to test out of courses, and many military members aren’t able to take classes while on active duty. To top it off, many people change their degree program a year or more into school. Whatever the reason, there are some options to pay for your school when you run out of GI Bill benefits. But it will take a little creativity.
Understand how long your benefits are good for. GI Bill benefits are typically good for 36 months worth of classes. The MGIB is good for 10 years after separating from the military, and the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn’t expire until you have been out of the service for 15 years. If you are running upon your time limit for the MGIB, you may be able to transfer your benefits to the Post-9/11 GI Bill and extend the amount of time you have to use your education benefits.
Seek out other scholarships, financial aid, and veterans educational benefits. The first step is to see if you are eligible for any scholarships or financial aid, including grants such as the Pell Grant. The next option is to look at state benefits. Many states offer education benefits for veterans. For example, Texas has the Hazelwood Act which extends educational benefits at state colleges to veterans who enlisted in the state of Texas. Illinois, and several other states have similar programs.
Get a MGIB Refund. The Montgomery GI Bill requires eligible veterans to buy into the program at a cost of $1,200. The Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn’t have a buy-in requirement. If you are eligible for the program, you can use the benefits without paying anything into the program. If you use your entire Post-9/11 GI Bill, you can apply for a refund for the MGIB, which will be paid to you in a prorated amount based on the amount of MGIB benefits you used. For example, if you bought into the MGIB, didn’t use any of it, then you used your entire Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, you would receive the full $1,200 refund. To qualify, you must use your entire Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. More info about GI Bill refunds.
Guard and Reserve educational benefits may be worth researching. Another option would be to look into serving an additional term in the Guard or Reserve, which might help pay for college. Some states offer free state college courses when you serve in the National Guard or Air National Guard. Some states also only require a minimal commitment, depending on their needs, your career field and rank, and other factors.
Look into placement programs or government reimbursements. Troops to Teachers is a program that will help military veterans earn a teaching degree in exchange for agreeing to teach classes in a low income area for a certain period of time. There are also government grants and opportunities that will help pay students for their college courses. In return, you usually need to commit to working for a set time period.
Other tips to pay for school. You may be able to defray college expenses by working as a Resident Advisor. Many schools provide free room and board for RAs. Work study programs are another way you can earn money while attending school.
Student loans. The last option that I can think of is to take out student loans. I know most people want to avoid student loans, and that is recommended whenever possible but sometimes that is the best option you may have available to you.
It takes creativity, but you can pay for college when you run out of GI Bill benefits. Do you have any other tips?
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Audier Irizarry says
I got out the Marines on January, 2004. I was just recently got diagnose PTSD. Now I’m 70% service connected. I decided to start school and looked into the POST 9/11
however, upon further research I’m not eligible because it was extended to veterans who got out after 2013 and my 15 yrs are up. Why did they do it that way? There are many Vets who weren’t mentally or physically ready yet.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Audier,
Thank you for your comment. I recommend looking into Vocational Rehabilitation, which is an educational and training program for military veterans with a disability rating. You may qualify based on your service-connected disability rating. You can contact your local VA office, the VA customer service line, or your county VA office to learn more.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
LeaAnn says
Hello, my husband is splitting his GI bill up amongst our kids and each will receive 9 months. My son who will be starting school next fall at a private institution received a large academic scholarship that covers all but $10,000 of his tuition (which is $28,000) for the year. Is it possible for him to use just three months of the GI Bill each year to try and maximize his scholarship? Thanks!
Ryan Guina says
Hello LeeAnn,
This is a question I would run by the school administration office or the school’s veteran’s affairs office (most schools have a veteran’s department to help students maximize their GI Bill).
I recommend running this by the school since they will be best equipped to handle the nuances of how each program works. And they may be able to work with you to balance this in the most efficient way.
I wish you and your family the best!
maurice says
I used up my G.I Bill in January. How long can I use my Voc rehab?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Maurice, Voc Rehab benefits are handled on a case by case basis. You will need to work with the VA or your case manager for a more specific answer. I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Sherry Mooneyhan says
Good Morning,
I am returning back to school in October online thru SNHU to get my Masters in Healthcare Management. Their online program is five 10 week semesters. I have 9 months and 3 weeks left on my Post 9/11 left. Will I have enough to finish? Thank you for any information you can give.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Sherry, Thank you for contacting me. This is a difficult question to answer without having more information about how your classes are scheduled, and how they count toward the GI Bill.
I recommend contacting your school’s veterans service office. Most colleges and universities have an office that will assist veterans with applying for their GI Bill benefits, understanding exactly how their benefits work, and can also give you an idea of how long your benefits will last, based on your planned coursework. This is the most effective way to receive an estimate.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Danielle says
If you use all of your Post 9/11 GI Bill and receive the buy-in refund, can you then go on to apply for Vocational Rehab and use that for the additional 12 months? I am 60% disabled and qualify for Vocational Rehab. I only used one month of the MGIB before switching to the Post 9/11. I’m working on my Master’s currently and plan to switch over to Voc Rehab to cover the remaining semester. I just want to make sure that if you get the money back that you put in, that you are still eligible for Voc Rehab.
Julian Gutierrez says
Did you ever get a clear answer to this question? I am in the same boat.
Lyn says
I’m finishing up my post-9/11-paid Master’s program and may start up a Doctorate program using what’s left of my GI bill (11 months remaining), but there is a semester gap in the middle. I want to take a few (approved) credits during that gap to get ahead in the program, but want to save as much of my GI bill time for the heavier load of the semesters. Is it possible to ‘pause’ GI bill payments, pay out of pocket over that ‘gap,’ and then resume GI bill coverage for the remaining 11 months? The aim is to maximize GI bill time during the higher cost/credit-hour semesters. Would love your input! Thank You!
Ryan Guina says
Hello Lyn, Thank you for contacting me. Yes, you should be able to contact the VA and pause your benefits. I recommend calling the VA customer service line and ask them to walk you through the process. It’s likely you can pause benefits through the online portal. They should be able to guide you. Additionally, it would be a good idea to have them verify the status of your benefits, just to make sure your calculations of remaining benefits are correct, or to see if there is anything you missed. It never hurts to ask, and should only take a few extra minutes.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Jose says
My question is a little outside the subject but can someone theoretically be on voc rehab (Chapter 31) while serving in the guard?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Jose, Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, I don’t have a firm answer to your question. I think you can, as I know you can serve in the Guard or Reserves and use the GI Bill. But I’m not sure if this also applies to Voc Rehab. I recommend contacting the VA for more information. I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Jonathan says
Hello All,
Question here. I have exhausted all of my 36 months of Post 9/11. I am in a program that is 4.5 months long, I had 2.5 left on my 9/11 benefits, and I thought the VA would pay for the remaining 2 months, since it is 2 months instead of leaving me with a bunch of debt. Is there anything I can do? Put in a waiver? The school doesn’t have scholarships and I’m trying to stay away from student loans.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Ryan Guina says
Jonathan, I am not aware of any benefit extensions for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. I recommend contacting the VA to see if they have a program in place. You could also speak with an agent at your school registrars office to see if they have any ideas to make this more affordable. Beyond that, you might look into private scholarships. However, you need to take action quickly, as time is running short. I hope this points you in the right direction. Best of luck, and thanks for your service!
sal says
They do at least for regular college. Mine exhausted this oct and they covered me till the quarter ends on dec 12. It may be problem on their part. I would call the VA.
Derek says
Also. If you were medically discharged from the military before you completed your enlistment, then you can use however many months of MGIB that you were in the service. Then after you have exhausted that, you can apply for the Post 911 GIB and receive 48 months minus however many months you used of the MGIB. Or, you can use 48 months minus however many months you used of MGIB for vocational rehab if your disability is 20% or more.
Veterans with more serious disabilities will sometimes be determined to have a “serious employment handicap.” If the veteran has a serious employment handicap, the counselor can waive the 48 months cap. Thus, the disabled veteran could get more educational benefits if necessary.
Megan says
I have a question. I am doing 18 CR a semester and I estimate I will get my BA in Psych in 1y 9m. My MOS gave me a ton of electives (30) and that made it so much easier. My question is… will I be able to transfer to an other school to get my masters and use the GI bill with the remainder 1y 3m? I have read that you can get a masters in 1 year if you buckle down on classes, and almost 98 CR and just over 1 year later later I figure I am totally capable of that. If my masters is covered by the GI bill I will be so relieved. Also, If I still have that 3 months left, could I use it for certification classes that are required for the field I am choosing to go in? (Social work)
Ryan Guina says
Megan, Thank you for contacting me. Yes, you can continue using your GI Bill for approved programs until your benefits run out. One of our podcast guests used his GI Bill to obtain 3 Master’s Degrees, each of which was a one year program. You can hear his story on our GI Bill podcast. Best of luck with your classes and your transition, and thank you for your service!
Quinnia Pitcock says
This website provides information about every question I can think of, from GI Bill questions to voc rehab questions.
http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/factsheets.asp#BM3
Justin says
Can anyone give me info on the voc rehab deal you can get? I heard you have to sign your GI Bill away but it covers you until you graduate. Im not sure if that is strictly for wounded soldiers or what
Ryan Guina says
Justin, Your best bet is to contact the VA and ask to speak with an education benefits representative. They will be able to tell you which specific benefits you are eligible to receive based on your service dates, discharge status, disability status, or other factors. This is the most accurate way to determine benefits eligibility.
Greg Shelton says
One thing that surprised me was that I was eligible for grants that would put some money in my pocket since the GI Bill paid my tuition. It is a handy way to get some extra money in case you reach the Post 9/11 cap. Also, if choosing between a Yellow Ribbon School and a non-Yellow Ribbon School, choose the Yellow Ribbon school. They will cover costs over the GI Bill cap. But make sure they have slots available. I’m going to Saint Leo University, and they have an unlimited number of Yellow Ribbon spots. This has really helped me.
Greg Shelton says
You get those grants by filling out your FAFSA and your income is low enough.
Christian L. says
Ryan,
This will answer a lot of questions we get. Thanks a bunch.
As for other tips, I know some schools—often state universities—have offices for veterans returning to school. They’re there to help veteran students assimilate and get in the groove. I’d definitely recommend service members and veterans to look for these. I’ve heard from a few vets who appreciated what they had to offer.
-Christian L. @ Smart Military Money
Ryan Guina says
Great tip, Christian. I always recommend visiting the veterans office when you attend a college. Many of the people working in the office are veterans and they often have a wealth of knowledge about how the system works.