Thanks to VA education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, more than a quarter of veterans have now completed college or another postsecondary certification. This benefit covers those who served after 9/11 and can be transferred to their dependents, providing a way for service members to support their families.
Higher education offers a great pathway from military to civilian life. It can get you credit for the things you already know and ensure employers understand the unique skill set you bring to the job.
The right school offers support in the transition to life as a civilian and programs that help you prepare for the working world. Navigating the world of VA benefits can be challenging, especially if you’re also considering other forms of financial aid or are uncertain about how much aid you qualify for. Here are the most frequently asked questions we hear about VA education benefits.
Am I eligible for the GI Bill®?
Almost all veterans who have served on active duty for at least 90 days (either continuous or interrupted) after September 11, 2001, are eligible for education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. These benefits can also be transferred to the children or spouses of service members, depending on their length of service. The VA education department offers additional benefits through the Montgomery GI Bill® to people who serve at least two years of active duty.
The GI Bill® is just one of many benefits programs available to fund education through the VA. The most common programs SNU students use include:
- Chapter 33, the new GI Bill®, which pays for school or job training.
- Chapter 31, which helps disabled veterans obtain education and training services, develop job skills and gain access to accommodations for improved performance.
- Chapter 35, which provides educational benefits to veterans’ children and some other survivors and dependents.
In some cases, you may also qualify for other benefits programs or multiple benefits programs. This can help fund additional expenses, such as housing, childcare and more. To assess your eligibility, visit our free VA benefits assessment tool.
You may have to meet additional eligibility requirements while attending school, so work with the VA and the financial aid office to understand your obligations. For example, recipients of Chapter 33 benefits must call in to report their attendance each month.
How do I apply for VA education benefits?
You’ll need to meet basic eligibility requirements, usually including an honorable discharge. To apply for VA education benefits, visit the VA website at https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/ to fill out and submit the online form. You can also call the VA’s toll-free education benefits hotline at 888-442-4551 to speak with a VA Education Specialist. They can ensure that you apply to the correct educational benefit..
VA benefits aren’t included in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), and you can’t apply through the financial aid office. However, SNU’s VETS Center can help you assess your benefits eligibility and complete the right paperwork.
Can I get other educational benefits?
Serving in the military opens new educational benefit opportunities, but does not remove access to more traditional benefits like student loans. It’s wise to apply for VA benefits first to see what you get, then pursue other financial aid options. Some awards that may help include:
- Federal student loans: Need-based subsidized loans pause interest payments while you’re in school, lowering your overall student loan repayment bill.
- Private student loans: Private student loans function like other loans and will accrue interest while you’re in school. But if you’re not eligible for federal loans, they may help you pay for your degree.
- Grants: Grants are similar to scholarships in that you don’t have to pay them back. You generally have to apply and meet specific eligibility requirements.
- Scholarships: Scholarships reward academic achievement, but they’re not just for people with excellent grades or test scores. Many organizations offer need-based scholarships or scholarships to people with specific stories or talents. SNU also works with students to find scholarships, so visit our financial aid office for additional help.
Will the VA pay for my entire degree?
VA education benefits offer a specific dollar amount depending on your eligibility, years of service and similar factors. These rate tables can help you determine how much you could be eligible for. In some cases, you may get full tuition coverage. You may still need money for books and other expenses, and it’s also possible for your benefits to run out before you graduate.
Consider that attending school may cause you to incur hidden expenses, especially if you’re taking time off of work or need to pay for childcare. Factor this into your budget and pursue a financial aid package that takes these costs into account.
Work with the SNU VETS Center to get a clear understanding of your benefits eligibility and any obligations you’ll need to meet. Supplemental financial aid may help fill any benefits gaps.
Can I use VA benefits to pay for living expenses?
If you are eligible for enough money to cover living expenses, you can use VA benefits to cover these expenses. Again, eligibility varies. For example, survivors and dependents can get up to $1,000 in additional coverage for books and supplies each academic year.
If your VA benefits are insufficient to cover the full costs of college attendance, financial aid packages can help. Student loans can cover all costs associated with college, including childcare, moving expenses, supplies and even rent. Some grants and scholarships may also help fund these secondary expenses.
What benefits are unique to Oklahoma?
If your parent was killed in the line of duty, the Oklahoma Heroes Promise will help cover any gaps between what the VA covers and the costs of your education. This benefit is an additional option for in-state students. Additionally, Oklahoma veterans who were prisoners of war or who went missing in action, as well as their dependents, are eligible for free tuition at any Oklahoma technology career center operating under the State Board of Career and Technology Education.
Is SNU a Yellow Ribbon School?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill® doesn’t always cover the full costs of tuition, so the Yellow Ribbon Program offers additional funding at select schools. Not all schools offer this program, but SNU does as part of our commitment to those who have served our nation. For out-of-state students, the Yellow Ribbon program covers the out-of-state portion of tuition that is not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and ensure students can attend college free of charge.
Choose a Military Friendly School.
Transitioning to civilian life is no small feat. You’ll need time and support. This is why it’s so important to choose a Military Friendly School like SNU. In addition to an array of veteran-specific services, we also value what you’ve learned in the military. We offer up to a year of college credit for real-world knowledge via our prior learning assessment. This assessment allows many veterans to graduate early and incur fewer college expenses.
You’ve served your country. You deserve support and a chance to pursue the life you desire. The VA can help you reach your goals, and with the right financial aid package, you may get coverage for the full costs of attending school.
