Today, one of the wisest and easiest ways to pay for college is through the GI Bill college education benefits. This college financial assistance is offered by the government to those who have served the army. In fact, for as short as two years of military service, one can qualify for the college financial assistance and can receive at most $50,000 in tuition assistance from the government.
However, while it may the one of the easiest ways for some people to afford a college education, not everyone may qualify for this scholarship. Calculations, its requirements, and rules and regulations to avail the program may be among the most complex.
What Are the GI Bill College Education Benefits?
The GI Bill offers a monthly GI benefit of $1,368 that is reset every October 1, depending on whether you are half or part-time student. The maximum benefit one can receive this monthly benefit for up to 36 months, totaling up to $49,248. Not everyone who qualified this benefit, though, can receive this amount. Exceptions to this policy are those who participate in some programs, such as the Marine Corps College Funds, Army, Navy, Buy up, and Top Up programs.
Generally, eligible service people have served the military for 10 years.
Another great benefit is that dependents of qualifiers may also be eligible to participate in their parent’s GI Bill benefits.
Below are the criteria to be eligible for the GI Bill College Education Benefits:
- You may qualify if you are contributing $100/month into the GI Bill program for the first year of your active duty.
- You are a high school graduate before you apply for the program.
- You have at least two years of active duty service.
The rules and regulations vary depending on the military classification of the applicant. The rules for active duty applicants vary from veteran, selected reserves or national/air guard.
To apply, there are two primary steps to take to avail the GI Bill benefits. First, choose from a list of eligible training programs or schools. Second, fill out the VA form 22-1990 and send it to your Veteran’s Administration Regional Processing Office.
The office will then send you a letter about the benefits you may be eligible for, and a list of requirements you should comply to be able to use your GI Bill college benefits. Availing this program, you may enroll in top business schools such as University of Michigan, Duke University, Dartmouth College, Carnegie Mellon, and University of Carolina.