GI Bill Resources Help Military Personnel Pursue Online Education Goals

by Lori Johnston

The path in search of college financial aid is different for those who have sacrificed to protect our country, or with family members with military experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a several education benefits for active duty or retired military personnel as well as reserve members, all with a variety of guidelines and award amounts.

Many of those benefits can be used toward online education, a popular option for most military personnel due to its flexibility. With online learning, you can log on and learn when it's convenient for you and your schedule. Here's a look at the array of military education benefits available and some important resources you'll need to explore while researching the best route to pay for your online college degree or educational endeavor.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill website gives the lowdown on how much money you could receive for college or other educational training and pursuits, how to find a qualified school, how to compare the Post-9/11 GI Bill with other GI Bills, and how to apply for benefits.

Among the benefits you may be eligible for if you qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill:

In-state tuition and fees

A monthly housing allowance

$1,000 in books and supplies annually

With the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other benefits, your school choice can be important. You will want to find a school where you can receive the most dollars possible from the program you have chosen. Determine your best college education option by looking at the type of training or degree you're pursuing, where you will be taking classes - at a school near you or via online learning - where you will be living, if you will be studying on a full-time or part-time basis, and if you want family members to benefit from these programs.

Also, check out these benefit comparison charts that compare types of training and monetary benefits.

If you're considering attending an out-of-state school, you will want to check out which schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. You could receive extra funds if you are enrolled at a Yellow Ribbon Program institution.

Beyond the Post-9/11 GI Bill
Although many military personnel find the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the best option for pursuing an online degree or other educational goal, there are other military programs that could be helpful, based on the type of education or training you're considering and the benefit levels, according to Veterans Affairs:

The Montgomery GI Bill for active duty or selected reserve members, may be best for you. You can receive up to 36 months of education benefits for degree and certificate programs, technical or vocation courses, correspondence courses, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, licensing and certification tests, flight training, and more. Look at the current payment rates for members of the military considering the Montgomery GI Bill as part of your research.

The Reserve Educational Assistance program, also known as REAP, provides assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty if the President or Congress declares a response to a war or national emergency. Look for the current payment rates to determine if the education program offered here would work for you.

The Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) uses contributions from military pay to receive benefits for up to 36 months for degree, certificate, correspondence, apprenticeship/on-the-job training programs, and vocational flight training programs, and remedial, deficiency, and refresher training in some instances.

The Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program benefits children or spouses of veterans or service members who have died, been disabled, been missing in action, been forcibly detained or hospitalized for a disability. Up to 45 months of education benefits can be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training.

Other benefits include the Educational Assistance Test Program and National Call to Service Program Free vocational and counseling service also are available to service members in certain situations.