What will the GI Bill pay for?

Your GI Bill education benefits will pay for school tuition and fees, as well as provide monthly housing allowance, yearly books and supplies stipend, and in some cases, a one-time rural benefit.

The amount you can get depends on your eligibility, the amount of time you were on active duty, and the institution and program you want to pursue.  

You can use your GI Bill benefits for flight or helicopter school if you qualify for one of the following programs:

• Post 9/11 GI Bill
• The Fry Scholarship (gives Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to surviving spouses & their children)
• Montgomery Bill- Active Duty or Selected Reserve
• Reserve Educational Assistance Program

Here is a guide on how much you can get from your GI Bill benefits:

Your Three Options to Use The GI Bill For Helicopter Training

According to the official VA page, if you want to use your Post 9/11 GI Bill for helicopter pilot training, you have one of three options:

Option 1: Attend a Public University for Flight Training

In this case you would be attending a higher education university for flight training, and you would graduate with a four year degree. 

The Benefits of the Public University Option:

You get 100% of your tuition (to include flight training) paid for by the GI Bill, to include housing allowance, books and stipend. This option is the best one to get 100% of your flight training covered. See chart below for more specifics. 

The drawbacks of the Public University Option:

The biggest drawback is that you have to attend the University over many years, and if you're looking to become a helicopter pilot soonest, this could delay that process significantly. 

*Important new Legislation Change:

Congress recently passed a new bill as of 24 July 2018, that will cap the amount paid at a public university (for flight training) to the same levels of the private university (currently $19,198.31). This still has to pass the senate to take effect, so it’s unknown if this will become law at this point. To stay updated on the status of the bill, visit the govtrack bill page here.   

Option 2: Attend a Private University for Flight Training

An example of a private university for Flight Training is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Many people go here to pursue a two or four-year degree with the ultimate goal of becoming a commercial pilot. 

If you select this option you can be reimbursed up to the full cost of the training or the national maximum (currently $24,476.79) per academic year, whichever is less.

You may also receive a monthly housing allowance and books-and-supplies stipend.

The Benefits of the Private University Option:

You get to go to one of the best aeronautical universities that exist, and you possibly get the best training and follow on job opportunities.

The drawbacks of the Private University Option:

The amount of helicopter training the GI bill will pay for is capped, so you will likely have to come out of pocket as much as $50,000, depending on your training program, and pay for that with student loans.

Option 3: Attend a Vocational Flight School

The best example of this option would be going to your local airport flight school, like this one.  

However a big caution on this option:

You can't just go to any old flight school. They have to be approved by the VA, in order to use your GI Bill benefits. In this instance, you GI Bill usage would be classified as a license or certification, as opposed to a non-college degree.

There are about 316 VA Approved Flight Schools, and you can find a list of VA Approved Flight Schools here .  When you get to the explore page, select the Categories tab, then >> Flight Schools to browse all of them. 

When you use this option, Your GI Bill will pay for the lesser of

1) Total cost of the program and

2) the maximum amount authorized.

As of right now, that maximum amount is $13,986.72 per academic year. To stay updated on maximum amounts authorized year to year, reference  this VA page, that gets regularly updated each year. 

The Benefits of the Vocational Flight School Option:

The biggest thing that comes to mind is that you don't have to attend a traditional University education program. Also if you don't have the prerequisites, or don't think that you would qualify to get into a traditional university, this is a great option.

The best reason to use this option is for speed:

You can get exactly what you need, and get done fast, so that you can start your career as a freshly minted helicopter pilot.

The Drawback of the Vocational Flight School Option:

The most obvious drawback is that you will not get as much money as the other two options, and you will likely have to find funds elsewhere, whether that be loans, savings, or from family members.

Complete Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Breakdown

If you are eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, or the Fry Scholarship, here is a list of tuition, fees, and other educational benefits you can get:

What things are not covered by the GI Bill?

Sadly, the GI Bill does not cover a few things.

Survivors and dependents currently are not allowed to use the educational benefits for flight school, but even if you belong in a program that qualifies you to pursue helicopter training, your GI BIll benefit only starts once you are already enrolled.

Meaning:

You can’t use it to pay for fees on obtaining the requirements to get into a flight school. These include a second class medical certificate and a private pilot’s license.

The reasoning behind this is that acquiring a stand-alone private pilot’s license is not a guarantee that you will be using it for career advancement opportunities. Many people get a private pilot’s license for recreational purposes, which is not what the GI Bill is intended for.

But, we have good news for you!

Ways to pay for a Private Pilot’s License with the GI Bill:

If you decide to pursue a degree program at an institute of higher learning, specifically one with flight training, this includes a curriculum for private pilot training.

This means that if you take the 4-year course approach to become a helicopter pilot, the GI Bill pays not just for your helicopter training but for your private pilot’s license as well!

And if you are not keen on being in school for that long, another great news is that a recent legislation has been filed to lift this longstanding ban on using the GI Bill for a private pilot’s license. Isn’t that awesome?

**Although the bill has passed in the house as of July 2018, it still must pass in the Senate. You can track the status of this bill here. 

Another great option is to apply for the Forces to Flyers Program of the DOT under their Volpe National Transportation Systems Center.

It’s an accelerated training program that takes as short as 4 months to complete. With this, you can get a private pilot’s license using their grant of up to $13,526 for training costs. You can also get other certification programs under the Forces to Flyers Program. 

For a full list of the programs they cover, and the requirements to qualify, visit their website here.

Step By Step Process to Use the GI Bill for Helicopter School:

The process of availing your GI Bill benefit for your helicopter school education is quite easy, and we have laid them down for you! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be up in the air in no time:

1) Obtain a first or second class medical certificate.

This ensures that you meet the minimum requirements in terms of vision, hearing, and overall health, and that you have no existing impairments or disabilities that would prevent you from safely operating an aircraft.

2) Acquire a Private Pilot’s License.

We provided you with some options above on how to get a private pilot’s license for free, so don’t forget to use it!

3) Check your eligibility for GI Bill benefits on flight training and get your VA Benefits COE. 

4) Compare the specific benefits you can get depending on the school you want to enroll in using the VA comparison tool.

Make sure your desired school is accredited by the VA. Find out how much their courses cost and how much can be covered by the GI Bill. Also, some schools offer additional discounts for veterans, so make sure to check that out!

5) Fill up the VA Form 22-1990 (Application for VA Education Benefits).

You will need to provide the following information:

• Social Security Number
• Bank account direct deposit information
• Education and military history
• The school or training facility you are attending

You can accomplish this via the VA.gov website, by mail, or at the nearest VA regional processing office.

After accomplishing these steps, all you have to do is wait! The VA takes up to 30 days to process your application. They will be sending your acceptance letter in the mail. Then, you can now study worry-free at your Part 141-accredited flight school!

Remember…

As you can see:

There are many ways the GI Bill can help you. The expenses of going to flight school may seem intimidating, but with the GI Bill, you can say hello to your dreams of becoming a helicopter pilot in no time!

Your GI Bill benefits are applied once you start your program at an accredited institution, and the rates vary depending on which academic year you started (not when you finished).

If you have already started on your education, or are planning to start in the next year or so, you can easily keep yourself updated on the appropriate rates on the VA website.

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The GI Bill can definitely help you pay for your tuition and other fees at a Part 141-accredited helicopter school.

Just be sure to determine which program you qualify for, so you can figure out how much benefits you are entitled to. To find out more about the FAA Part 141, keep reading.

FAA Part 141 vs Part 61 Flight Training for GI Bill?

Part 61 and Part 141 are FAA regulations on flight training.

You can choose between either one depending on how you want to approach your flight school education, but note that your GI Bill only applies to Part 141 flight training, it will not pay for Part 61 flight training.

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What is the difference between Part 61 and Part 141?

Simply put, Part 61 is a more casual and relaxed approach to flight training, while Part 141 is more rigorous and is FAA regulated.

A Part 61 flight training is typically done by hiring a certified flight instructor to teach you about the different aspects of flight, then going through a flight test and earning flight hours for each training you need to complete. This is something you can opt for if you want to take up helicopter training as a part-time engagement (although you will be paying out of pocket).

On the other hand, a Part 141 training is conducted at an accredited flight school. This comes with a pre-planned training program and a rigorous set of rules and regulations. However, the good thing is that you can finish your training with less flight hours, and you can use your GI Bill to fund for your tuition and other fees.

To reiterate, the GI Bill benefits can be used for a Part 141 training at an accredited school. If you plan on going with a Part 61 training, you can do the Part 61 for acquiring your stand-alone private pilot’s license (at your own expense), then go to a Part 141 school for the majority of your helicopter training.

What are the other options to pay for helicopter school?

The GI Bill is not the only way you can pay for your flight training. There are a lot of financial grants, scholarships, and in-school discounts that you can avail as a veteran.

The FAA regularly compiles a list of accredited scholarships and grants for flight school education that are open to the public. You can check out the grant programs here to see which ones you qualify for. 

There are also flight training grants and scholarships that are specific for veterans, such as the Stripes to Bars scholarship. This is offered by the Stripes to Bars Organization, a public charity that converts donations into scholarships.

The open scholarships and the requirements for each can be found here. 

Some scholarships and grants, as well as school discounts for veterans, can be used along with your GI Bill benefits. This is especially useful if you are attending a relatively expensive school or plan on taking a lot of specialized training units.

Now, to answer the big question:

Yes, the GI Bill will pay for 100% of graduate school tuition at a public university, or up to $24,476.79 at a private university. Depending on your status, you may also be eligible to receive a monthly housing allowance and a books/supplies stipend. If you have already used your GI Bill for an undergrad degree, you can still use it to go to Grad School, as long as you have enough remaining months of eligibility.

What is Considered “Full Time” for Graduate School?

The VA does not make it easy to determine what is considered Full-Time for for the GI Bill. For graduate and undergraduate school students, the school pre-determines what is considered full-time. 

If a university is under a semester or quarter hours system, 12 credit hours are typically considered full-time.

Why does this matter?

According to the VA: Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, a Veteran enrolled at more than one-half time can qualify for a monthly housing allowance based on the BAH rate for an E-5 with dependents.

Remember, it has to be MORE THAN 50%, as in 50.001%.

For example, if full time is 12 credits, and you are taking 6 credits (50%), you would need 7 credits or more to qualify for the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA). 

However:

Sometimes, online courses, summer courses, and certain graduate programs are under a different system. Make sure that you thoroughly review your options, especially when you choose to use your GI Bill for online classes. 

But not to worry...if this is the case, the VA will calculate a “weighted average” of the course load, and this will generally mean less than 12 hours is considered “full time”. 

*Note for graduate schools:

Because graduate-level programs vary in the number of credits required for full-time training, the school provides the training time information to VA in addition to the term dates and credit hours of the enrollment.

How Much Does The GI Bill Pay For Graduate School?

Tuition and Fees

If you are planning to go to a private school, make sure that it participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program so it waives the difference that the GI Bill could not pay. 

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If you are going to a public university, you will still need to make sure you confirm that you are paying in-state and not out-of-state tuition with the GI bill if you meet certain criteria.

However, with the Yellow Ribbon Program, you will likely still need to pay some amount.

Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) While In Graduate School

Your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) depends on the location of your school and generally based on the military Basic Housing Allowance (BHA) for an E-5 with dependents. It is paid every end of each month directly to you.

Here are the rates, depending on which type of school you are going:

Can I Use the GI Bill to go to Grad School While On Active Duty?

Yes, you can use your Post 9/11 GI Bill while on active duty status. In fact, this is exactly what I did my last 2 years of active duty to go to business school. I used the GI Bill part-time, and although it was stressful, it allowed me to collect a full paycheck while going to school. 

Keep in mind a few important stipulations:

1. You must have already served at least 90 days of active duty (subtracting basic training).

2. You won’t get a stipend for books and supplies, and you won’t get a housing allowance. 

3. The tuition payment cannot exceed the amount not paid by military tuition assistance and/or the total amount of tuition and fees.

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Montgomery GI Bill: An overview

Like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill is an education benefit that was a precursor to the 9/11 Bill.

It can pay up to $71,000 of your tuition throughout its 36-month limit.

It can be applied when pursuing certificates and training, and higher education degrees, like a master's degree.

There are two types of programs under this bill:

Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD), and Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) Benefits:

Click here to learn more about the Forever GI and to apply.

Related Questions:

Can I Use My GI Bill Again for Grad School If I've Already Used It?

Yes, you can use your GI Bill again, to get two degrees or more, as long as you have the remaining months of eligibility left. The GI Bill allows for 36 months of education, so if you spent 20 months using the GI Bill, you'd have 16 months left remaining for you to get a second degree or additional training. 

My GI Bill Allowance: Does my Length of Service Matter?

Yes. Under the Post-9/11 and Montgomery GI Bill, your length of service affects your allowance. Refer above for the rates according to your length of service.

Can I Use My GI Bill for Law School?

Yes. You can use your GI Bill for law school. 

Law school can cost you $12,000 to almost $70,000 a year, depending on if it’s a state university or private college. 

Columbia University is the most expensive private law school at $69,916 per year, and qualifies for the GI Bill, as well as the Yellow Ribbon Program.  

So, before enrolling, make sure that your school participates in these two programs.

You are also required to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which costs around $180. Your GI Bill reimburses it as long as you apply for reimbursement by completing this form. 

Then send it to the VA regional processing office that handled your application.

Can I Use my GI Bill for Business School?

Absolutely. I used the GI Bill to pay for 100% of my MBA at the University of North Carolina.

So the first thing you should do is search for a school that participates in the program, along with the Yellow Ribbon program (if looking for private universities). 

Find out here how, plus a short story of a veteran who served for 10 years, and was able to maximize his benefits pursuing an MBA degree.

Can I Use my GI Bill for Medical School?

Yes, the GI Bill can be used for medical school.

Just make sure you are eligible by reading the article above, then apply for your GI Bill benefits, even if you've used them once before (you can use it a second time if you have remaining eligibility). 

If you are planning to go to a public school, it’s most likely that the GI Bill will pay for all of your tuition, up to 36 months of eligibility. 

But if you go to a private university, make sure to apply for the Yellow Ribbon program too, so it waives a portion of the remaining amount that the 9/11 GI Bill can't. Through this, you pay a lesser amount out of your pocket or from student loans.

Before you enter a medical school, you have to take the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, which can cost $315. 

Luckily, as a veteran, the VA reimburses this cost with a program called National Standard Admission Test. 

If you’re eligible for the GI Bill, this will be paid for you. 

All you need to do is download the VA Form 22-0810, which is available here. And then mail the completed form to your nearest VA regional processing office. You may need to submit proof, like a receipt.

Read here an inspiring story of a veteran, who used his GI Bill to go to medical school, and at the same time pursuing an MBA.

What are my Next Steps After Using the GI Bill for Grad School?

Grad school takes 2-3 years to graduate, although in some cases, it only requires you a year to finish. 

In case you still have entitlement left from your 36 months under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you can utilize the remaining months to achieve another degree, license, or certification. 

Or if you have used other programs, you might have entitlement left.

Check here to check how much benefit you have left.

Below are FAQ’s to shed light on some questions related to your next steps after acquiring your post-grad degree.

Can I get another degree after grad school?

Yes, if you already have a post-graduate degree, like an MBA, you can use the GI Bill to achieve another degree as long as you have enough months of eligibility remaining. 

You can go to med school, law school, or another qualified program. 

Although tuition assistance (TA) varies based on your length of service, you can have 100% entitlement or even 40%. With the Forever GI Bill, which will become effective on August 1, 2022, the lowest percentage you can get will be 60%. Generally, this all depends on how you use these programs.

Can I use both the Post-9/11 and MGIB to get multiple degrees?

Some veterans use both the MGIB and Post-9/11 programs. 

Although each gives you 36-month entitlement, it doesn’t mean you can have 72 months to use both. 

Instead, you can maximize your benefits to 48 months for combined bills. 

You can consume your 36-month entitlement under your MGIB-AD while on duty for your grad school, then use your remaining 12 months under the Post-9/11 after you are discharged for another degree. Yes, the latter pays more, but it doesn’t work vise versa.

How to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Tuition Assistance at the same time?

Some might not know that they can use both of these programs. 

In case your Tuition Assistance (TA) cannot pay all of your tuition ($4,500 maximum per year), the Tuition Assistance-Top Up covers for the remaining cost. 

Then it will be subtracted to your GI Bill entitlement. 

This says that you can also use your TA for grad school and the Post-9/11 covers for whatever is the remaining amount that you have to pay. After this, you can use the remaining entitlement from your GI Bill to gain another degree.

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

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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:

It is important to note that this benefit (GI Bill on-the-job training) is currently only available to military veterans, and not to their spouse or dependents, nor to individuals currently serving on active duty. 

This benefit can also be used for undergoing training for other public safety roles, such as firefighting, search and rescue, and emergency response. Technically police training is classified by the VA as on-the-job training, not to be confused with using your GI Bill for a non-college degree.

You can check out a list of approved participating employers on our database of over 2,934 GI Bill approved Police Departments and Academies.

We answered the most common questions about attending police academy using your GI Bill benefits, so keep reading!

How Do I Know if a Police Academy is VA approved?

First of all, it is important to note that the VA approves education and training programs instead of schools. Therefore, a school or training facility may have both approved and non-approved programs.

If you want to know whether the academy you plan on attending is covered by the VA, visit the WEAMS database with this link.

Otherwise, you can also inquire directly at the academy in question by reaching out to the administrative officer in charge of veterans matters. You should quickly be able to access if it is approved for the GI Bill or not.

You can also call the GI Bill hotline at 1-888-GI-BILL1 (1-888-442-4551) anytime from Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm, and ask to speak with an education case manager for all your related concerns.

Note:

If a school, training facility, or program is not on the list of those approved by the VA, you or the facility can reach out to the State Approving Agency. You may need to submit the VA Form 22-1995 (if you are applying) or the VA Form 22-1999 (if the facility is the one applying). You can get these forms here or at the nearest VA regional processing office.

How Much is the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) when Attending the Police Academy?

As we mentioned earlier, the GI Bill will provide a stipend that you can use during your training period in the academy. This stipend is equivalent to your monthly housing allowance, which is calculated based on the location of the facility where you are undergoing training. 

You can use this stipend for your housing expenses, or to supplement your salary from the academy.

This is paid directly to you monthly on an arrears payment scheme (end of the month). The rates on how much you can receive will vary depending on the GI Bill program you are receiving benefits from, and on what stage you are at in your training.

You can refer to the guide below:

Post 9/11 GI Bill OJT MHA

The Post 9/11 GI Bill program bases your receivable stipend on your applicable MHA.

• First 6 months of training: 100% of applicable MHA
• Succeeding months of training: a 20% reduction per 6 months of training time

*You may also receive a monthly books and supplies stipend depending on your eligibility.

Montgomery GI Bill OJT MHA

On the other hand, the Montgomery GI Bill program sets a fixed rate of how much you can receive, depending on whether you belong to the active duty or the Selected Reserve, and how far along you are in your training.

The rates of your receivable stipend is in the table below:

These figures are sourced from the current VA Rate Tables (2019).

Can I attend the Police Academy to be a Police Officer While Staying in the Military Reserve?

If you are a part of the Selected Reserve or the National Guard, don't worry- you can still pursue your dreams of becoming a police officer. 

Several law enforcement agencies employ flexible work structures to allow for the demands of being in the reserve and fulfilling military obligations.

Moreover, these law enforcement agencies typically have a reintegration program for officers returning from military duty. This is a coordinated effort between their academy and their behavioral sciences units, and is geared towards re-acclimating you to life as a local police officer.

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What are the Top Military Friendly Police Academy Programs for Veterans?

A lot of law enforcement agencies actually prefer hiring individuals with a military training background. This is because most, if not all, of your military skills are either requirements or assets of a police officer's job role.

Not yet decided where you want to go? The Military Times listed the top-ranking law enforcement agencies for veterans, which are:

• Tucson Police Department, Arizona
• Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio
• Denver Police Department, Colorado
• Harris County Sheriff's Office, Texas
• Henrico County Police Division, Virginia
• Orange County Sheriff's Office, Florida

And don’t forget to ask potential units about this special benefit: 

Some agencies give you the option to count your time in the military towards your retirement pension as a police officer! This is, of course, when you opt to buy in the program. Still, it’s pretty amazing, right?

Check out our database of over 2,934 GI Bill approved Police Departments and Academies.

I was lucky enough to have the Air Force put me through all my flight training, but the good news is, the GI Bill is a commonly used benefit (available to all veterans) to become a commercial airplane pilot.

In fact, I had a navigator buddy who separated, and used the GI Bill to pay for all of his pilot training. 

If your ultimate dream is to become a commercially paid pilot, then you must be wondering if you can use your hard earned GI Bill benefits toward flight training.

Well, here’s the answer:

Yes, the GI Bill can be used towards attending a Part 141 accredited flight training program to get your commercial pilot license (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, and will pay for flights, tuition, books, fees, and supplies. You have three options available to you:

1. Go to a public university flight program and get 100% paid for,

2. Go to a private university like Embry-Riddle, and get up to $24,476.79 per year,

3. Go to a vocational (non-college) program and get up to $13,986.72 per year, or the total cost of training (whichever is less).

Veterans sometimes confuse a flight school as a GI Bill non-college degree program, but it's actually classified as a GI Bill certification or license.  

We will share with you everything you need to know about how to use your GI Bill benefits for flight training below:

What is a GI Bill Non-Degree Program?

A non-college degree program is a type of education that focuses on special topics and provides applied knowledge and skills training without resulting in a degree.

These types of programs are offered to both undergraduate and postgraduate students seeking to widen their knowledge and skills set.

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Because these are shorter and more specialized programs compared to typical college degrees, they are a great way to improve your resume and broaden your opportunities in advancing your career without spending 2 to 4 years (or more, especially if you are not studying full time) in college.

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These types of programs can be at universities and colleges, as well as trade schools, vocational schools, and skill training schools. Using the GI Bill to attend trade school is a great way to "fast track" your way to a great paying job. 

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However, these do not include flight school, correspondence school, on-the-job training, and licensing and certification programs, which the VA classifies as separate categories, and provide different payment rates and qualification metrics for each. An example of on-the-job training is using the GI Bill to attend the Police Academy. 

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If you are interested in finding more information about these other programs that you can use your GI Bill benefits for, you can check out these links:

• GI Bill for Flight School (which includes using it for helicopter school)
• On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeships
• GI Bill for Licensing and Certification

As long as you are enrolled in a VA approved program and school, and you have remaining entitlement benefits, you can take advantage of the many benefits in pursuing your non-degree education.

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What Kind of GI Bill Benefits Can You Get for Non-College Degrees?

Your GI Bill educational benefits can pay for your tuition costs, and provide you with a monthly housing allowance, as well as a stipend for books and supplies. How much you can get depends on several factors, namely:

• The GI Bill program you are qualified to receive benefits from,
• The duration of your service as an active duty service member,
• The type of school or learning institution you are attending, and
• Your rate of pursuit

For non-degree programs, the VA determines your rate of pursuit based on the number of clock hours you are attending each week (as opposed to enrolled credit hours you are enrolled in if you are attending a degree program).

The VA considers full-time training for non-degree programs as:

• 18 clock hours per week, if your classes are mostly in a classroom setting, or
• 22 clock hours per week, if your classes are mostly practical application such as shop practice

Here are the benefits that you can get for the Post 9/11 GI Bill and other GI Bill programs for a non-degree program:

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Post 9/11 GI Bill Non-Degree Benefits

If you are receiving benefits from the Post 9/11 GI Bill, the VA can pay:

The full in-state tuition costs of your non-degree education if you are attending a public school, or up to  $24,476.79 per academic year if you are enrolled in a private school.

Again, how much you can actually receive are dependent on the factors we mentioned above. The payment for your tuition costs are sent by the VA directly to your school.

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You are also entitled to receive a monthly housing allowance depending on the location of where you are taking most of your classes, as well as up to $83 per month for books and supplies.

These are paid to you directly every month via mailed checks or through direct deposit.

These benefits and rates are also applicable to qualified recipients of the Fry Scholarship. You can check out the current rates here.

Other GI Bill Programs

For all the other GI Bill programs such as the Montgomery GI Bill (both Active Duty and Selected Reserve), the Reserve Educational Assistance Program, and the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program, the VA pays a certain amount of your tuition on a monthly basis, again depending on your eligibility. 

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There are different rates for each GI Bill program, which you can check on the VA Rate Tables, which is updated each academic year.

You can also find out how much you can get depending on the school you want to attend by using the GI Bill Comparison Tool.

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Types of Non-Degree Programs that Qualify for the GI Bill?

There are a lot of accredited non-college degree programs that you can use your GI Bill benefits on. Many veterans are interested in using their GI Bill to get Tactical Training...this is also possible. From being a chef to a dog trainer, and even to an emergency medical technician, you have unlimited options.

These include:

• Automotive Diagnostics
• Barber/Beautician School
• Bible College
• Computer Training
• Cosmetology School
• Culinary College
• Dog Trainer
• EMT Certification
• Fire Academy
• Gemological Institute of America
• HVAC Certification
• Hospitality
• Interior Design
• Massage Therapy
• Maritime Institute
• Nursing
• Occupational Training
• Truck Driving/School
• Vocational Schools

Is the field you are interested in not on the list? 

Don’t worry! You can use the WEAMS tool, or our GI Bill Approved Search Tool to search for all VA approved non-degree programs (and more). You can also check out whether the school you want to attend is accredited by the VA by using this School Locator.

Once you are ready to start receiving GI Bill benefits for taking up a non-college degree program, just follow these simple steps:

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How Can I Apply for Non-Degree Programs that are Eligible Under the GI Bill?

In order to receive educational benefits for your non-degree program, here are what you should do:

1. Make sure that you are eligible to receive GI Bill educational benefits, and which GI Bill program you are eligible to receive benefits from. Generally this is called your Certificate of Eligibility for your GI Bill Benefits, or COE. 
2. Fill out the appropriate application form. Be ready to provide the following information:

• Your basic personal and contact information
• Your Social Security Number
• Your education and military history
• Your bank account direct deposit information
• Basic information on the school or institution you are attending
• You can find your application form as well as other instructions here.

3. Once you submit your application, simply wait for 30 days in order for your application to be processed. You should receive your approval letter in the mail. Or, if the VA needs more information in order to process your application, they will notify you via mail as well.

You can also apply by mail. To do this, call the GI Bill hotline at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (888-442-4551), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m to request a copy of the application form, which will be sent to you via mail.

Once you receive it, fill it out and sent it to the nearest VA regional claims processing office. You can search for the nearest processing office in your area by clicking through this link.

Alternatively, you can also apply in person by going to the nearest VA regional claims processing office, or with the help of an accredited representative. Click here to get help in filing your application. 

That’s it! Studying and opening doors of opportunity for veterans like you has never been easier through the help of the GI Bill.


Want to find out about the 29,000+ amazing opportunities that you can use your GI Bill benefits on? Check out our huge database here: milversity.com/explore

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GI Bill- Benefits and Limitations

GI Bill education benefits are provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs for former military service members who are already discharged from active duty, as well as, in some cases, their eligible dependents.

It can also be used by active duty members, although this comes with some limitations.

Depending on the GI Bill program you are eligible to receive benefits from, as well as your eligibility and other factors, you can get up to $24,476.79 in tuition costs annually (or the full in-state cost if you are attending a public school).

Again, these amounts vary on several factors, such as whether you are under the Post 9/11 GI Bill or the Montgomery GI Bill.

Here are some of the key differences between the two:

Post 9/11 GI Bill vs Montgomery GI Bill

The Post 9/11 GI Bill is a more recent GI Bill program that pays up to $24,476.79 in tuition costs each year, and provides a Monthly Housing Allowance (the rate depends on where you are taking most of your classes, as well as your eligibility percentage and your rate of pursuit), as well as a yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 each year.

On the other hand, the Montgomery GI Bill is an older program that pays up to $1,994 monthly for tuition and fees. The actual rates you can receive depends on several factors, such as:

• Whether you belong under the Active Duty or Selected Reserve category
• The duration of your service as an active duty service member
• Your rate of pursuit or training time
• Other eligibility factors

Whichever GI Bill program you are on, whenever you use your benefits (which you earn based on how long you were on active duty, and the circumstances of your discharge), your benefits entitlement will be charged or reduced in proportion to how much benefits you use.

Generally, you can be entitled to up to 36 months of benefits.

Tuition Assistance- Benefits and Limitations

Tuition Assistance is an educational benefit provided by the Department of Defense through its individual service branches exclusively for active duty service members of each branch.

Depending on the Tuition Assistance program you are under, you can get up to $4,500 in tuition costs annually (or up to $250 per credit hour). The actual rates of how much you can receive is determined by your service branch, as they set their own requirements, qualifications, and payment rates. 

With the Tuition Assistance, there is no charge whatsoever to you or your entitlement benefits under the VA programs. 

However, since this program only pays a small amount, in a lot of cases, it is not enough to cover all your education related expenses. 

But, here is the good news:

You can also use this program in partnership with a GI Bill program that you are qualified for, as well as another program called Tuition Assistance Top Up.

We will discuss how to do these in a bit. 

First, here is how you can determine whether you are eligible for the Tuition Assistance:

Tuition Assistance Eligibility

In order to be eligible to use Tuition Assistance for pursuing your education, here is what you need to do:

• Request Tuition Assistance from your respective military service branch, and
• See your Education Services Officer or Education Counselor

How the Post 9/11 GI Bill works with Tuition Assistance 

You can use the Tuition Assistance with whatever benefits you have already earned on your Post 9/11 GI Bill. That is, if you are still on active duty.

This is because, as we have mentioned earlier, the Tuition Assistance is only for active duty service members.

However, before deciding to use your GI Bill benefits while on active duty, do make sure to first consult with your ESO or Navy College Representative.

Steps to Supplement Your VA benefits with Tuition Assistance

If you want to use your GI Bill benefits with your Tuition Assistance, here are the steps that you need to follow:

1. First, you need to apply for GI Bill benefits through the VA website (if you haven’t done so already)
2. Then, make sure to check if the school or training facility that you want to attend is accredited by the VA and the DoD. You can use this School Locator to find accredited schools.
3. Finally, you must reach out to the school’s School Certifying Official so that they can process your enrollment documents for VA benefits.

Tuition Assistance for Reserves

We have mentioned that the Tuition Assistance is a benefit for active duty service members. But, what if you are part of the military reserves? 

Well, here’s the thing: Members of the Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard Reserves are eligible to use Tuition Assistance.

The qualifications and requirements for each service branch are slightly different, but you can get up to $4,500 annually if you are part of the Army or Air Force Reserves, or up to $2,500 if you are part of the Coast Guard Reserves.

You can check out these links for more information about Tuition Assistance for Reserves:

• Army Reserve (USAR)
• Air Force Reserve (USAFR)
• Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR)

Tuition Assistance Top Up

The Tuition Assistance Top Up is an additional education benefit offered by the VA to qualified GI Bill recipients who are on active duty and are using Tuition Assistance. This works by your service branch paying your full tuition cost directly to the school, and billing to the VA whatever amount is in excess of the TA you are entitled to. 

If you are under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you are charged on the basis of a semester’s worth of entitlement, while if you are using Montgomery GI Bill benefits, your entitlement benefits are charged the dollar amount of what is in excess of your allotted TA.

How the Top Up works with Tuition Assistance

In order to use DoD’s Tuition Assistance with VA’s Tuition Assistance Top Up, you must be:

• In active duty service,
• Eligible to receive GI Bill benefits,
• Studying under a TA and GI Bill approved program, and
• Studying in an accredited school, institution, or training facility

Federal Student Aid

The FSA is a financial aid provided by the Department of Education in the form of a loan or a grant. It can be used to pay for tuition costs, as well as books and other fees, and can also be used along with Tuition Assistance.

There are different types of aids you can qualify for based on your eligibility. You just need to file one application with the FSA and they will determine whether you are qualified to receive financial aid and under what program. If it is through a loan, you will have to repay this within the agreed upon terms.

Scholarships and Grants

There are hundreds and thousands of different scholarship programs and grants offered by various states, government agencies, schools and institutions, and corporate or private entities.

A lot of these are specifically catering to military service members, especially veterans and their dependents. 

Depending on which one you are applying for, these scholarships and grants can pay for your entire tuition costs and provide additional benefits like stipends. Many of these are also non-competitive, but the requirements and process for application vary a lot.

You can use this Scholarship Finder to look for scholarships and grants that you can apply for.

To find out more about the 29,000+ opportunities that you can take advantage of with your GI Bill benefits, visit milversity.com/explore

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What Does the GI Bill Consider as Full Time Credit Hours?

The usual number of credit hours considered as full time for undergraduate courses is 12 units. For graduate studies, your school sets the requirements and criteria on how many units is considered full time, and the VA follows this rate in paying you your benefits.

For accelerated courses and short classes such as summer classes, these rates are calculated based on the regular term length equivalent.

*Note: Your school, not the VA, is the one that determines what is considered full time. Usually it  is somewhere around 12 credit hours.

Can I Get a Monthly Housing Allowance as a Part-Time Student?

In any scenario, the VA requires you to be studying at least at a ½ full time rate in order to qualify for a housing allowance.

This means that if your school considers 12 units as a full time rate, then you have to be taking at least 7 units per semester if you want to get a housing allowance.

Also note:

If you are still active duty, you can not get a monthly housing allowance. This was the case when I was going to grad school on the weekends my last two years of active duty.

Can I use the GI Bill for online courses?

Another consideration is regarding the nature of the institution you are attending:

Whether it is a physical school or an online program.

If you are taking a 100% online course, the GI Bill currently only pays for half of the maximum amount, which means you can only get up to $894.50 per month for your housing benefit.

How to get started with the GI Bill Part Time

If you have not yet availed of your GI Bill education benefit for pursuing your college education, you may do so by filling up the VA Form 22-1990 (Application for VA Education Benefits). 

Send in your completed application form online to the VA.gov website or to the nearest VA regional processing office. 

Take into account that it takes around 30 days for your application to be processed and approved.

If you are already receiving GI Bill benefits, but are planning on changing your course load, reach out to your school’s Certifying Official so they can send proper documentation to the VA. Otherwise, your status will not be updated, and you can either get overpaid or underpaid.

You can also manually update your status through these links:

• For Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits recipients: Ask A Question
• For Montgomery GI Bill benefits recipients: Web Automated Verification of Enrollment

Related Questions

Does the GI Bill pay for failed classes?

Yes, the GI Bill will pay tuition costs for failed classes, provided that;

1. You have remaining entitlement benefits

2. The failed classes are required for your course in order for you to graduate

This means that the GI Bill benefits will pay for the class that was failed, and for retaking that class until it is passed.

If you’re ready to get started, search our list of 29,000+ GI Bill approved schools & opportunities here: https://milversity.com/explore/

For undergraduate courses, 12 credit hours is typically considered as the number of credit hours for a full time rate of pursuit. Whereas for postgraduate courses, it is usually around 6 to 9 units.

However, these numbers may slightly vary from school to school. Therefore, the school you are attending (or plan to attend) is the one who determines how many credit hours they consider as full time, and that school relays that information to the VA.

The VA then follows this as a guide on calculating how much of your GI Bill benefits you are entitled to use.

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How Many Credit Hours is Full Time for Summer Classes?

Summer classes and other accelerated programs have a different consideration for full time studies, which can go anywhere from 6 to 9 units.

Again, this varies depending on your school, so the VA follows the school’s prescribed full time rate.

Furthermore, payments of tuition costs for the summer term are calculated based on the equivalent rates for regular semesters. 

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How Many Credit Hours is Full Time for Online Classes?

Sometimes, online classes follow the class structure of a physical brick-and-mortar school, but a lot of other institutions and programs have an entirely different structure on their own. This also goes for prescribing requirements on the number of credit hours you need to be considered as a full time student.

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Because of this, the VA also bases your payment rates on a school-to-school basis with regard to GI Bill benefits for online classes.

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Nonetheless, whether you are studying during the regular semester, during the summer, or through an online program, the amount of money you can receive from your GI Bill benefits should be the same, provided that you are studying at a full time rate.

Otherwise, your receivable benefits amount is prorated based on your rate of pursuit.

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Am I Eligible to Receive a Monthly Housing Allowance?

While a lot of GI Bill and other VA programs can be used in paying for college and postgraduate tuition costs, the Post 9/11 GI Bill is currently the only GI Bill program that provides a monthly housing allowance for eligible recipients.

You can receive this Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) benefit, also referred to as BAH, provided that you:

• Are eligible to receive benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill,
• Are studying at a VA approved school/ institution/ training facility,
• Are not an active duty trainee/ receiving transferred benefits, and
• Are studying on at least a 50% rate of pursuit (greater than half-time)

The MHA rate is based on the average Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents, and is further calculated based on the physical location/ zip code of where you are attending most of your classes (not where your school is located).

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You can check how much you can receive based on your school by doing a search on the GI Bill Comparison Tool. Access it through this link.

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Can I get a Monthly Housing Allowance if I’m Taking Online Classes?

If you are pursuing your education through an online program, we have good news for you: you can still get a monthly housing allowance!

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The thing is, if you are taking all of your classes online, you are entitled to only half of the national average, which is around $894.50. 

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Here’s a great way around that one:

If you have at least one class that you are taking at a physical school, then you can take advantage of the full MHA rate, so make that extra effort to drive out once a week and go to that class!

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Moreover, while the minimum requirement to qualify for a housing allowance is a 50% rate of pursuit, how much you can actually get still depends on whether or not you are studying full time. 

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The more classes you have during the semester, the more money you can get from your GI Bill benefits!

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How Long Does It Take to Get My Post 9/11 GI Bill Money?

Applying for GI Bill benefits and using them to pay for your education is as easy as logging on to your VA eBenefits Portal account and filling out an application. If you provide complete and accurate information, your application can be processed within 30 days. 

And, as soon as your application is approved, you can start receiving money!

Here’s how GI Bill payments generally work

• The tuition costs are paid by the VA directly to your school at the end of each semester
• The monthly housing allowance is paid to you at the end of each month
• The books and supplies stipend is provided to you immediately upon approval of your application

What Other Benefits Can I Get From the GI Bill?

Aside from paying for your tuition costs, as well as providing a monthly housing allowance and a yearly books and supplies stipend (which can be as much as $1,000 depending on your eligibility), the GI Bill also offers other added benefits to assist you in pursuing your education.

These include:

• A one-time rural benefit of $500 is provided for covered individuals who are relocating from highly rural areas in order to attend an institution of higher learning that is either at least 500 miles away from his or her current residence, or can only be reached by air travel from the individual’s current residence.
• Tutor assistance is also provided for covered individuals who are having difficulty with a classes and require help. The VA provides up to $1,200 (with a maximum of $100 per month) for accredited tutors and comes at no additional charge to your entitlement benefits. This is provided that you are receiving benefits under a GI Bill program, have a deficiency in a required course, are studying on at least a 50% rate of pursuit, and requiring tutor assistance during the semester in which your course falls under.