Your Guide to Veteran Education Benefits
The U.S. government has offered a variety of benefits to veterans, service members, and qualifying family members since the introduction of the GI Bill in 1944. These benefits are designed to provide veterans and their families with new opportunities after leaving the Military Services, and they include medical benefits, confidential counseling, pensions, home loans—and veteran education benefits.
While some 900,000 people use their veteran education benefits annually, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), this number represents only about 40% of those who are eligible. This may be because many people believe their benefits only apply to traditional college or university programs. However, they can also help pay for other important types of education, including professional certificates that can propel your career forward.
What Are Veteran Education Benefits?
Veteran education benefits provide veterans, service members, and their families with funding to help them obtain degrees, diplomas, professional certificates, and more in the fields of their choice. These benefits are part of the GI Bill, which was introduced in 1944 in an effort to provide World War II veterans more opportunities after leaving the military.
In June 2008, President George W. Bush signed the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act. This legislation nearly doubled the funding available to those who qualify and provided more freedom of choice. The Act also made it possible for career service members to pass their benefits to dependents or other qualified family members.
Types of Education Benefits for Veterans
Veteran education benefits cover a wide range of expenses associated with higher learning. These include tuition, books, fees, and a living stipend. These benefits cover a spectrum of educational opportunities, as well.
- Public Institutions: Benefits cover tuition and mandatory fees associated with attending a public higher learning institution, such as a state university, technical college, or community college. In some situations, veterans can qualify for reduced in-state tuition rates even if they are not residents of the school’s home state.
- Private Institutions: Those who choose to attend a private college, university, or school can receive the same benefits as those in public institutions, but in-state tuition rates are not available.
- Foreign Schools: Benefits are also available to veterans or their family members who choose to attend a public or private higher learning institution outside of the United States.
- Non-Degree Programs: Non-degree programs vary greatly, and they tend to cover trade-based training. Veteran education benefits also cover these programs at the same rate as degree programs.
- Continuing Education: Individuals who work in fields that require licensure or certification can use their benefits to cover any costs associated with continuing education, including testing fees.
Do You Qualify for Veteran Education Benefits?
If you served on active duty for at least 90 days after September 10, 2001, you, your spouse, and your dependents may qualify for veteran education benefits. Situations that disqualify individuals include those who have non-upgraded Dishonorable, Other Than Honorable, or Bad Conduct discharges; those who received General Court-Martial sentencing; or those who were Absent Without Leave (AWOL) for a continuous period of 180 days or more.
Career service members, or service members who do not plan to use their benefits for themselves during their military career, may transfer their benefits to a spouse or dependent. Surviving or dependent spouses and children may be able to use veteran education benefits, as well.
How Much Do Veteran Education Benefits Cover?
Veteran education benefits can vary from one veteran to the next. Some may qualify for 100% of the full benefit—which tops out at $27,120.05 per year as of October 2023—while others may qualify for a lower percentage of the full benefit based on the amount of time they served on active duty. To qualify for 100% of the benefit, you must meet at least one of the following requirements.
- Actively served for a total of at least 36 months
- Received a Purple Heart during active duty on or after September 11, 2001
- Served for a total of at least 30 days consecutively, but were discharged because of a disability resulting from your service
Those who served on active duty for less than 36 months may qualify for a lower percentage of the full education benefit based on the length of time they served.
- 30 to 35 Months: 90%
- 24 to 29 Months: 80%
- 18 to 23 Months: 70%
- 6 to 17 Months: 60%
- 90 Days to 5 Months: 50%
Tips for Obtaining Your Veteran Education Benefits
Obtaining veteran education benefits can seem overwhelming at first, but the process can be simplified by following a few tips and some guidance.
Seek the Help of a Sponsor
As a veteran of the Military Services, you have the right to a sponsor who can help you with post-service life, from transitioning back into civilian living to applying for veteran benefits. Though sponsors are not managed by the VA directly, they are trained to aid veterans using VA materials and guidelines through the Veteran Sponsorship Initiative (VSI). You can register for the VSI via the VA website.
Determine Your Eligibility
Before beginning the application for benefits, determine your eligibility. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, if you are not sure whether you meet the criteria, or if you need assistance for the duration of the application process, visit your local VA Regional Office or call 1-800-827-1000.
Gather the Required Documents
When you apply for veteran education benefits, you will need specific documents to prove your eligibility. These include the following.
- Your Social Security card and your sponsor’s Social Security card if you have a sponsor
- Information about the school or facility you want to attend
- Information about the specific program you wish to pursue
- Direct deposit information for your bank account
- Your education history
- Your military separation paperwork, often referred to as discharge papers
Fill Out the Application
Once you have the required information, the next step involves filling out the application. The secure online application is the most convenient, but you can also visit your local VA Regional Office or call the office to ask for a paper application to be mailed to you. Fill out the application completely and legibly, then submit it online, return it to the VA Regional Office, or mail it back to the VA along with any required documents.
Obtain Your Certificate of Eligibility
If you are deemed eligible for veteran education benefits, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) after your application has been processed. The length of time it will take the VA to process your application varies based on several factors. These include the method of application, the completeness of your application, and the inherent complexity of your unique case. If you apply online, you may be able to get your COE in just seconds.
If you are not eligible for education benefits, you will instead receive a Letter of Decision by mail. This letter will provide the reasons why you were deemed ineligible and give you the steps and resources to appeal the decision if you believe it is incorrect.
Present Your Certificate of Eligibility to the School
Finally, you will need to present your COE to the school of your choice to help cover the financial obligation associated with your education. Your veteran education benefits may cover some or all of the associated costs. The school’s financial advisors can help answer any questions you might have about your balance, and the VA Benefits website can help you keep track of the status of your benefits, payment history, and more.
Earn a Professional Certificate with Your Veteran Education Benefits
If you, your parent, or your spouse is a veteran of the Military Services, you may qualify for veteran education benefits that can help you reach the next level in the career of your choice.
Discover how you can use your benefits to further your career with the Suffolk University Center for Continuing & Professional Education’s Professional Certificates. Choose from seven online certificates in areas such as Leadership, Digital Transformation, Design Thinking, Marketing Strategy, and beyond.
Learn how Suffolk University can prepare you for a new career, a promotion, or even a new business venture.
Recommended Readings
The Future of Work: Why Is Continuing Education Important?
How to Write Your Career Roadmap
Financial Planning for Education: Tips and Strategies
Sources:
Military.com, “Do Veterans Benefits Expire?”
Military.com, “What Benefits Are You Eligible For as a Veteran?”
USA.gov, Military Tuition Assistance
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, About GI Bill Benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Sponsorship Initiative
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) Rates
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Education and Training Benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Education Benefits for Survivors and Dependents
VA Claims Insider, “Who Is Eligible for VA Benefits? The 2 Critical Factors Revealed!”