GI Bill, training and career guides
Post-9/11 and Montgomery GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon, transfers to family, VR&E, apprenticeships, licensing and certification.
GI Bill programs
GI Bill Programs Compared: Which Benefit Should You Use?
The GI Bill is a family of VA education programs: the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30) and Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606), plus related programs like VR&E (Chapter 31) and DEA (Chapter 35).
Post-9/11 GI Bill: 2026-27 Rates, Eligibility Tiers and How to Apply
For the August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027 academic year the Post-9/11 GI Bill pays full in-state public tuition, up to $30,908.34 at private or foreign schools, a monthly housing allowance based on E-5-with-dependents BAH at your campus ZIP (up to $1,261 for online-only), and up to $1,000 a year for books.
Montgomery GI Bill: Rates, Eligibility and How It Compares to Post-9/11
The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30) pays a flat monthly benefit directly to the veteran for up to 36 months: $2,518 per month full-time through September 30, 2026, rising to $2,601 on October 1, 2026, for those with 3 or more years of service.
Yellow Ribbon Program: How It Fills the GI Bill Tuition Gap
The Yellow Ribbon Program lets participating schools waive part of tuition that exceeds the Post-9/11 GI Bill cap ($30,908.34 for private schools in 2026-27), and VA matches the school's contribution dollar for dollar.
How to Transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits to Your Spouse or Children
To transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child you must have served at least six years, agree to serve four more, and submit the election in milConnect while still on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.
How to Choose a GI Bill-Approved School
To choose a GI Bill school, start with the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool to confirm the school is approved, see your estimated tuition and housing allowance, and check for caution flags.
Careers and job training
VA Career Training Programs: Your Options Beyond a Degree
VA pays for career training beyond college degrees: the GI Bill covers approved trade schools, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and licensing or certification exams (up to $2,000 per test); VET TEC 2.0 funds high-tech bootcamps without using GI Bill months; and VR&E (Chapter 31) provides training plus counseling for veterans with a service-connected disability.
VR&E (Chapter 31): How to Qualify, What It Pays and How to Get Approved
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31) helps veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% and an employment handicap prepare for, find and keep suitable work.
GI Bill Apprenticeship Programs: Earn a Wage and a Housing Allowance While You Train
Yes, the GI Bill pays during a VA-approved registered apprenticeship.
GI Bill On-the-Job Training (OJT) Guide
GI Bill on-the-job training (OJT) lets veterans earn wages from a VA-approved employer while also receiving a monthly GI Bill payment.
Professional Development for Veterans: Every VA-Funded Option
VA funds professional development for veterans through several free programs: Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) for those with a 10%+ service-connected rating, Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (Chapter 36) counseling for anyone eligible for VA education benefits, VA work-study for students enrolled at least three-quarter time, VET TEC 2.0 for tech training, and GI Bill reimbursement for certification exams.
Licensing and certification
Education for dependents and survivors
Chapter 35 (DEA) Education Benefits: The Complete Guide
Chapter 35 (Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance) pays eligible spouses and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from service-connected conditions, or who died on duty or from a service-connected disability, a monthly stipend for school or training.
Fry Scholarship Guide for Surviving Spouses and Children
The Fry Scholarship gives children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001 up to 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at the 100% level: full in-state tuition at public schools (up to $30,908.34 per year at private schools for 2026-27), a monthly housing allowance, and up to $1,000 a year for books.
Also relevant
- Chapter 35 (DEA) Eligibility for Spouses and Children: Who Qualifies and How to Applyin Family, Survivors & Caregivers
- Scholarships for Military Children, Spouses and Survivorsin Family, Survivors & Caregivers
- Education Benefits for Military Spouses and Veterans' Dependents: Which Program Fits Youin Family, Survivors & Caregivers
- Career Counseling for Veteran Spouses and Dependents: Chapter 36, SECO and MyCAAin Family, Survivors & Caregivers