Veterans Services

Federal GI Bills

Montgomery GI Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is available to those who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces. There are two main programs:

  • Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty
    For active duty members who enroll and pay $100 per month for 12 months and are then entitled to receive a monthly education benefit once they have completed a minimum service obligation.
    Benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from honorable active service.
  • Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve
    For Reservists with a six-year obligation in the Selected Reserve who are actively drilling.
    Your eligibility for the program ends the day you leave the Selected Reserve.

Post 9/11 GI Bill

Benefits you can get through the Post-9/11 GI Bill

  • Tuition and fees. If you qualify for the maximum benefit, we’ll cover the full cost of public, in-state tuition and fees. We cap the rates for private and foreign schools, and update those rates each year.
    Check the current payment rates for the Post-9/11 GI Bill
    Find out if you can get in-state tuition rates as an out-of-state student
  • Money for housing (if you’re in school more than half time). We’ll base your monthly housing allowance on the cost of living where your school is located.
  • Money for books and supplies. You can receive up to the maximum stipend per school year.
  • Money to help you move from a rural area to go to school. You may qualify for a one-time payment if you live in a county with 6 or fewer people per square mile and you’re either moving at least 500 miles to go to school or have no other option but to fly by plane to get to your school.

If your release from active duty was before January 1, 2013, there is a 15-year time limitation for use of benefits.  For individuals whose last discharge date is on or after January 1, 2013, the time limitation has been removed. 

Forever GI Bill

The Forever GI Bill, also known as the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, is a law that was signed in 2017 to improve veterans’ education benefits. The law made several changes, including: 

  • Eliminating the 15-year time limit. The 15-year time limit for using the Post-9/11 GI Bill was removed for veterans who left active duty on or after January 1, 2013. 
  • Providing assistance for students affected by school closures. Students who were affected by school closures or program disapprovals may be eligible to receive back entitlement. 
  • Allowing independent study. Beneficiaries can use their educational assistance to pursue accredited independent study at non-institutions of higher learning (IHLs). 
  • Expanding the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program was extended to Fry Scholarship recipients and certain Purple Heart recipients. 

For more information click HERE.