What If Your GI Bill® Doesn't Cover Your Entire Education?
There are two kinds of GI Bill®, or educational benefits, allotted to discharged service members, and they each come with their own set of rules. The one most people refer to when talking about their GI Bill®️ is the Post 9/11 GI Bill®️, however, some veterans may still be able to use the Montgomery GI Bill®️.
Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®️, the VA will pay for up to 36 months of educational benefits. This includes tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, money for books and a one-time relocation stipend if you live in a rural area and move more than 500 miles away for school.
Most college degree programs are designed to be completed in four years, which may mean your GI Bill®️ could run out before you finish. Although if you attend school ¾ time, you can extend the benefit from 36 months to 45 months.
What happens if your GI Bill®️ runs out?
If you think your GI Bill®️ is going to run out before you’ve finished your degree program, there are a few options. The VA may pay for the entire term for some veterans unless you have used all 48 months or reached the deadline to use your benefits. It pays to plan ahead, and here's some more information on those options.
STEM Extension Scholarship
For those pursuing a degree in the Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) field, the Forever GI Bill®️ STEM extension can help. Since many STEM degrees take more credits to complete, this program is designed to help veterans finish while still receiving the benefits from the GI Bill®️. The extension will cover up to nine additional months of benefits, not exceeding $30,000.
Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill®️ that can help students attend more expensive schools at little or no out-of-pocket cost. The Yellow Ribbon Program at GGU will pay up to $14,000 per student per term and the VA will match it, potentially giving you some wiggle room.
Veteran Readiness and Employment
Formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and sometimes referred to as Chapter 31 caters to veterans with a service-connected disability and a minimum of 10% rating. VR&E provides resources for veterans including VA-funded job training with a focus on getting veterans employed. It's recommended that you use VR&E first and then your Post-9/11 GI Bill®️ to maximize your educational benefits.
Scholarships
For the final term or few months of college, traditional scholarships may be a good option. You can check with veteran organizations like the VFW or local organizations like Kiwanis. Many installations also have scholarship opportunities from spouses' clubs or service organizations like the Association of the United States Army.
If you're worried about your GI Bill®️ benefits running out, don't panic. Talk to an advisor who can help you work it all out.