Educational Information

The centerpiece of armed services educational benefits is the GI Bill which encompasses several Department of Veterans Affairs education programs including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, The Montgomery GI Bill for Active Duty and Veterans (MGIB-AD), Montgomery GI Bill for Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR),the Fry Scholarship, the Spouse and Dependents Education Assistance (DEA), and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program. Depending on the the indidividual, he or she may be eligible for more than one educational benefit.

Keep in mind that each service has its own tuition assistance programs, college funds and other means that may be able to help you in ways beyond those of the "standard" benefits listed here.

The following table is a brief summary of each of the major education benefits offered to servicemembers, veterans and in some cases their families.

For me, I decided while I was in the Military to apply for the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Through this program, I got the chance to takes classes while on active duty and transferred up to one and a half (1 1/2) year's worth of education benefit to my wife so she could takes classes. Today she has a B.A as a Veternary Technician, and for me I am continuing my education towards getting an A.A or B.A in Web Development. Not sure where I want to go, but at least I well have the degree. Plus I recieve Veterans Benefits from the Veterans Administration (VA).

Summary of Education Benefits
Program	What is it?	Who is Eligible?	Benefit
Tuition Assistance	Tuition Assistance is a military benefit that pays the cost of tuition and some fees.	Virtually all military servicemembers are eligible. However criteria for eligibility is determined by each branch.	Tuition Assistance covers up to 100% Tuition and Fees Not to exceed: $250 @ Semester Credit Hour $166 @ Quarter Credit Hour $4500 @ Fiscal Year *Navy has a 16 credit hour Annual Limit.
Post-9/11 GI Bill	The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months (4 regular school years) of education benefits to eligible servicemembers and veterans for: College Business Technical or Vocational Courses Correspondence Courses Apprenticeship/Job Training Flight Training Licensing & Testing Programs	Servicemembers (Active Duty, Guard and Reserve) and Veterans who have served at least 90 days on active duty since 9/10/2001. Survivors of military member who died on active duty after 9/10/2011 may be eligible for Fry Scholarship program which pays the same as Post-9/11 GI Bill	Paid Tuition and Fees Living (Housing) Stipend and Book Stipend. Benefits are tiered based on number of days on active duty. Some limitations apply to those currently on active duty. Benefits can be transferred to Spouse or Family member.
Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty & Veteran	MGIB provides up to 36 months (4 regular school years) of education benefits to eligible veterans for: College Business Technical or Vocational Courses Correspondence Courses Apprenticeship/Job Training Flight Training	Active Duty members who have served at least two years on active duty. Veterans - there are four categories of Veteran eligibility depending on when you enlisted and how long you served on active duty.	Up to $2,050 per month for full-time institutional education.
Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserves	Same as MGIB-AD at reduced rates.	Six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve. Officers must agree to serve six years in addition to their original obligation. High school diploma/GED. Maintain Selected Reserve Status.	Up to $392 per month for full-time institutional education.
Loan Repayment (LRP)	Your service may partially or fully repay college loans.	Generally for enlisted members only. Several factors determine your eligibility, including your branch, your MOS, and terms of your contract. Your loans must be in good standing, i.e. not in default.	About repayment programs: Army Student LRP Navy Ed Programs Marines Ed Programs Air Force Programs There are also specialized loan repayment programs for health professional officers.
Tuition Assistance "Top-Up" Program	An additional benefit intended to supplement tuition assistance from the military with GI Bill benefits.	To be eligible for the Top-up benefit, the person must be approved for federal Tuition Assistance by a military department and be eligible for GI Bill benefits.	Normally Tuition Assistance will pay up to 75% of the cost of classes, the top-up program will pay the remainder of the cost.
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA)	Education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. May be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training.	You must be the son, daughter, or spouse of a servicemember who died, is missing, or was permanently disabled while on duty or as a result of a service-related condition.	Up to $1,248 per month for full-time institutional education.
Work-Study Program	If you're a full-time or 3/4-time student in a college degree program, or a vocational or professional program, you can "earn while you learn" with a VA work-study allowance.	The VA work-study allowance is available to persons training under one of the VA benefit programs: GI Bill Vocational Rehabilitation (for Veterans) DEA, Dependents may also be eligible	You'll earn an hourly wage equal to the Federal minimum wage or your State minimum wage, whichever is greater.
Tutorial Assistance Program	Tutorial assistance for programs you are having difficulty with. If you have questions on this program please contact the VA's toll-free number 888-442-4551.	If you are receiving VA benefits at a half-time or more rate, you are eligible.	VA may provide you with a tutor or with information for finding one.