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 The transition from military to civilian life can be a challenge. To make it easier, many veterans decide to get a college education once they leave the military. Then when school is over, they're trained in a new career and can more easily enter the civilian workforce. An exciting, new development for veterans is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which took effect on August 1, 2009, and provides veterans and other service members with financial aid to earn a college or university degree at minimal or no cost to them. If you're a veteran returning to civilian life, you now have access to this new veteran benefit that can make your college dream a reality.  What Are the Veteran Benefits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill? As an alternative—and a potentially better option—to existing education financial aid such as the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), the new GI Bill helps veterans cover the cost of certificate programs, 4-year college degrees, graduate school education and other types of training at a public college or university. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) explains the specific benefits of the new GI Bill: - Direct payment of tuition and fees to the school you attend
- A monthly housing allowance
- A book stipend of up to $1,000 per year
Your tuition reimbursement can be as high as the tuition and fees at the most expensive public institution of higher learning in your state. Veterans who choose to attend a private institution are eligible for funding equal to the cost of attending a public college in their state. Some private institutions also participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which offers additional scholarships and tuition forgiveness to cover the difference between their tuition and the new GI Bill benefits. Tuition and book stipends are available even if you do your studies online, but the Post-9/11 Bill does not provide a housing allowance for online study. However, if you take even one on-campus course, you will qualify for the housing allowance. The housing allowance ranges from $667/month in Salina, KS, to $2,512/month in San Francisco, CA. Veterans who serve less than three years on active duty qualify for a percentage of this allowance. Who Qualifies for the New Veteran Benefits? To qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you must have at least 90 days of service since September 11, 2001, or have been discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days or more. Veterans need to have an honorable discharge to take advantage of this education benefit. If you served at least 36 months since 9/11, you can receive full tuition and fees at a public college or university. Veterans who have served less than 36 months, but more than 90 days, are eligible for a percentage of the full benefit amount. For example, if you were honorably discharged after six months, the new GI Bill still covers half of your tuition, and you receive 50 percent of the living allowance, plus a percentage of the books and supplies stipend. Is the Post-9/11 GI Bill Right for You? One important factor to consider is which GI Bill will offer you the most money for your education. The Post-9/11 Bill isn't always the best choice. As the VA explains, some state colleges have low costs, and some do not require veterans to pay tuition. In those cases, other GI Bills might offer you better veteran benefits. Always compare the benefits offered by the different GI Bills before deciding which one is best for you. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) provides a GI Bill benefits calculator that you can use to determine which education financial aid program best suits your individual needs. While the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides the best benefits for most veterans, your primary goal is to determine which GI Bill maximizes your college financial aid. The New GI Bill Helps Veterans Go to College You've served your country, and now your country wants to do what's best for you. The Post-9/11 GI Bill helps eliminate the worry of paying for your education. Not only will you receive substantial financial aid to get the education you need to find the civilian job you want, but you will start your post-military career debt free. If you are ready to take advantage of the new GI Bill, take a look at the careers you can enter with a criminal justice degree. Whether you study for a career in paralegal arts, law enforcement, corrections, forensics or another area of criminal justice, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can help you achieve your education—and career—goals. Learn more about criminal justice degrees and find a school so you can start your future today. Related Articles: Source: www.giBill.va.gov Criminal Justice Home
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