Military education benefits have gotten complicated with all the program changes and eligibility rules flying around. As someone who’s helped service members maximize their education benefits, I learned everything there is to know about picking the right program. Today, I will share it all with you.
Between Tuition Assistance, Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and various other programs, choosing the right benefit for your situation matters enormously.
Start with Tuition Assistance
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. For active duty members, Tuition Assistance should generally be your first choice while serving. It covers up to $250 per credit hour and doesn’t reduce your GI Bill entitlement. That’s what makes TA so valuable – it’s essentially free money that preserves your GI Bill for higher-cost programs or post-service education.
Post-9/11 GI Bill Considerations
The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers the most comprehensive benefits but is best used strategically. Housing allowance based on BAH rates makes it most valuable at expensive schools in high-cost areas. You can also transfer it to dependents under certain conditions. Consider whether saving it for a graduate degree or transferring to children makes more sense than using it for undergraduate work you could complete with TA.
Montgomery vs. Post-9/11
Montgomery GI Bill occasionally beats Post-9/11 for specific situations – typically when attending part-time or at very low-cost schools. Run the numbers for your specific situation rather than assuming Post-9/11 always wins.
Education benefits represent significant value – potentially over $100,000. Choosing the right program for your goals and circumstances maximizes what you actually receive.
Recommended Resources
Retirement Planning Guidebook – $32.95
Navigate important financial decisions for retirement success.
Federal Resume Guidebook – $14.67
The definitive guide to writing winning federal resumes.
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