Are you ready to start building a career as a civilian? Not quite feeling the 4-year degree program route?
Then going to trade school or non-college degree program might be just for you!
If you want to know whether you can use your GI Bill benefits for trade school, the answer is YES. The GI Bill can be used to pay for trade school education and training through a non-college degree program up to $24,476 or an on-the-job training or apprenticeship. It can also be used for taking licensing and certification tests up to $2000. The amount of benefits you can get depends on:
The GI Bill program you are receiving benefits from,
The type of program you are attending,
Your eligibility percentage, and
Your rate of pursuit or training level
We will share with you everything you need to know about using your GI Bill benefits for trade school, or non-college related vocational training so keep reading!
What Exactly is a Trade School?
A trade school is a vocational or technical school that provides industry-specific technical skills. Attending a trade school can take anywhere from 10 weeks to 2 years, and results in a diploma, trade certificate, or associate degree.
Trade schools aim to prepare you for a specific job in your chosen trade or industry. Some of the most lucrative careers you can get into when you attend a trade school include:
- HVAC repair
- Carpentry
- Floral Design
- Jewelry Design
- Cosmetology
- Medical Assistance
- Billing and Coding
- Massage Therapy
- Veterinary Technology
- Automotive Service Technician
- Web Development (Coding School)
Since trade schools are short course programs with an open enrollment and a non-traditional education, you get a lot of hands-on experience on your own pace, and can finish your trade-specific education and training in a short span of time.
Moreover, trade schools are relatively affordable, with an average cost of $33,000.
Once you finish your program, you can start working immediately and earn a median salary of $35,720 (or even twice that amount, depending on the field you choose to enter).
However, $33,000 is still not a small amount, and can leave a significant dent on your finances. But, don’t worry! This is where your GI Bill benefits come in. If you’re wondering...
Can I Use the GI Bill for Trade School?
Absolutely yes. The GI Bill is a wonderful option for attending trade school.
With just a high school diploma or a GED, you can get admitted into most trade schools.
There are two options that you can choose from when pursuing your trade school education:
Non-college degree program
This educational benefit can be used by active duty service members, veterans, and eligible dependents. The VA will pay for tuition costs, as well as provide a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) and a yearly stipend for books and supplies. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Using Your GI Bill for Non-College Degree Programs.
This is a great option if you want a career in HVAC repair, truck driving, or emergency medical training, to name a few.
On-the-job training/ apprenticeship
On the other hand, the apprenticeship program is only for veterans and their dependents. The VA will pay a monthly stipend equivalent to your applicable MHA...
...and, since this program means training directly under an employer, you will also receive a salary during your training, proportional to your skill level.
Through this program, you can pursue a career in fields such as plumbing, firefighting, and hotel management. Many veterans have used the GI Bill to attend the Police Academy.
*Spouses using transferred benefits are not eligible for this benefit.
Furthermore, if the trade you want to pursue requires you to have a license or certification, you can also use the GI Bill to pay for up to $2,000 in licensing and certification tests after you complete your trade school training.
Pro-tip: Use the WEAMS Search Tool (or our easier-to-use Explore tool) to look for VA accredited schools, employers participating in the on-the-job training program, and covered licensing and certification tests.
What benefits you can get for attending trade school depends on the following factors:
- The GI Bill program you are receiving benefits from,
- The type of program you are attending,
- Your eligibility percentage, and
- Your rate of pursuit or training level
First, let's go over the different GI Bill programs that you can use for trade school.
What GI Bill Program am I Eligible For?
There are two GI Bill programs that cover trade school education and training- the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill. First, you want to figure out which GI Bill you have. Each program has its own eligibility criteria and payment rates, which we will discuss below.
Additionally, the VA also offers a Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (VR&E), which provides career counseling and assistance in resume building.
It also gives special assistance for veterans with disability looking to integrate successfully into civilian life.
Post 9/11 GI Bill
Are you eligible? The minimum requirement for eligibility for the Post 9/11 GI Bill is 90 days of active duty service on or after September 10, 2001 (or 30 consecutive days, if you were discharged due to a service connected disability).
Your eligibility percentage goes up the longer you serve in the military. Use this table as a guide in determining how much benefits you are eligible for:
Duration of Active Duty | Eligibility Percentage |
|---|---|
At least 36 months | 100% |
30 consecutive days or more of active duty and discharged due to service-connected disability | 100% |
30-36 months | 90% |
24- 30 months | 80% |
18-24 months | 70% |
12-18 months | 60% |
6-12 months | 50% |
3-6 months | 40% |
When can you use it? If your active duty service ended before January 1, 2013, you have 15 years to use your GI Bill benefits.
But, if you separated from the service on or after January 1, 2013, there is no time limit to your entitlement, thanks to the Forever GI Bill.
Montgomery GI Bill
The Montgomery GI Bill is divides into two programs- Active Duty (MGIB-AD) and Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR).
Are you eligible? There are 4 eligibility categories under the Montgomery GI Bill- Active Duty, which you can check out on the VA website, but basically, you need to have rendered at least 2 years of active duty service, and have been contributing $100 a month on your first year.
Your eligibility depends on whether you have completed 3 years of enlistment.
When can you use it? For the MGIB-AD, you have 10 years to use your benefits, while for the MGIB-SR, you can use your benefits for as long as you are in the Reserve.
If you believe that you are eligible for both GI Bills, you will have to choose which one to use- and this is an irrevocable decision.
The best way to go about this is to consult with a career counselor in your service branch, so you can weigh your options and figure out which GI Bill you can benefit the most from.
How Much GI Bill Money Can I Get for Trade School?
Let's say you are already under a GI Bill program. Now, you have to decide on which approach to take to take regarding your trade school education.
To help you do so, we have outlined the benefits you can get for each option.
Non-College Degree Program Payout
Post 9/11 GI Bill: The VA will pay up to the full in-state cost or the national maximum of $24,476.79, depending on your eligibility percentage. You may also get an MHA based on the location of your classes, as well as up to $83 a month for books and supplies.
Note: If you take a fully online program, your MHA will only be half of the national average.
Montgomery GI Bill- Active Duty: The VA will pay up to $1,994 a month on tuition costs if you have completed at least 3 years of enlistment, or $1,619 if your active duty service was less than 3 years.
Montgomery GI Bill- Selected Reserve: The VA will pay up to $392 a month on tuition costs.
These rates further depend on your rate of pursuit. Use this table as a guide on how much you can receive depending on whether you study full time or less:
Rate of Pursuit | Eligibility Percentage |
|---|---|
Full Time | 100% |
3/4 Time | 75% |
1/2 Time | 50% |
Less than ½ time but more than ¼ time | 50% |
1/4 Time | 25% |
On-The-Job Training/ Apprenticeship Payout
Post 9/11 GI Bill: The VA will pay you a monthly stipend based on your applicable MHA. These rates vary depending on your training level. Use the table below as a guide:
Training Period | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
First 6 months of training | 100% of applicable MHA |
Second 6 months of training | 80% of applicable MHA |
Third 6 months of training | 60% of applicable MHA |
Fourth 6 months of training | 40% of applicable MHA |
Remaining Pursuit | 20% of applicable MHA |
Montgomery GI Bill: For both the MGIB-AD and MGIB-SR, the VA will pay you a monthly stipend at a fixed monthly rate based on how long you were on active duty service. Use the table below as a guide:
Training Period | MGIB-AD | MGIB-AD | |
|---|---|---|---|
First 6 months of training | $1,495.50 | $1,214.25 | $294 |
Second 6 months of training | $1,096.70 | $890.45 | $215.60 |
Remaining pursuit | $697.90 | $566.65 | $137.20 |
Note: All the rates mentioned above for all GI Bill programs are based on the payment rates for Academic Year 2019. These rates may vary each year. You can check out the current rates at the VA Rate Tables.
Licensing and Certification Payout
For both the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty, the VA will reimburse you the actual test cost for the licensing or certification test you took, whether you passed or failed (up to $2000).
You can retake the test as many times as you need, and the VA will pay for it as long as you have remaining entitlement benefits.
Note: This benefit is currently not applicable to MGIB-SR.
Pro-tip
Here is the best part yet: You don’t have to choose just one program in pursuing your trade school education!
You can study at a non-college degree institution, then take your apprenticeship with a VA accredited employer, and then get your license or certificate- and all of it will be covered by the GI Bill (provided, of course, that you have enough entitlement benefits)!
What Trades or Skills Can I Learn Using the GI Bill?
Earlier, we mentioned some of the most popular and in-demand career options that you can get into when you study at a trade school. Truthfully, you can be anything from being a yoga or dive instructor. The possibilities are endless!
But, you can also choose a career that is closely related to your role when you were in the military. This way, you already have the essential skills set, and can transition more easily to civilian life.
Here are some of the top career choices related to your Military Occupation Specialty (MOS):
Army: You can easily start a career in construction and heavy equipment operation, and earn a salary ranging from $45-71,000. Here are some jobs in this field:
- Architectural Drafting
- Carpentry
- Construction Management
Other lucrative options include truck driving and security related work.
Navy: The field of information technology (IT) might be right up your alley. You can earn anywhere from $62-82,000 by doing:
- Computer Network Support
- Computer Programming
- Web Development
Or, you can also pursue a career in aviation or dental hygiene.
Air Force: Your ideal career would be in the field of aviation, where you can earn a median salary of $52-62,000. Some of your job options include:
- Aircraft Maintenance
- Avionics Technician
- Airfield Operations Specialist
Army National Guard: You might be looking for a career in the surveillance and law enforcement fields, where you can make $44-69,000 by becoming a:
- Security Systems Technician
- Municipal Firefighter
- Police Officer
You can even try out jobs in helicopter repair or food service.
Coast Guard: You know the ins and outs of operating water vessels, so it would be easy for you to get into the same field in the civilian community. Some of your career choices include:
- Vessel Operator
- Human Resources
- Ship Engineer
Marine Corps: The ideal choice of career for you lies in the clerical field, where you can make a median salary of $24-39,000. Some clerical jobs are:
- Accountant
- Medical Secretary
- Library Technician
Or, you can try a career in navigation and flight.
With the GI Bill, your opportunities are endless. Once you are ready to start on your journey to success in your civilian career, you can apply for veteran benefits at the VA website by using the Ask a Question button.
