| The new Post-9/11 GI Bill offers a timely and | | | | highest state-operated tuition. VA will match that |
| welcome alternative to members of the military | | | | same amount. |
| looking for job in a fluctuating economy. Those | | | | It's important to note that the Post-9/11 GI Bill does |
| looking to further their education rather than going | | | | not take the place of the Montgomery GI Bill. Rather, |
| straight into a post-military career may find this | | | | it is an alternative program that offers a different |
| newest assistance program, offered by the Veteran | | | | arrangement for giving out TA funds. The main |
| Affairs Department, an invaluable tool in pursuing their | | | | difference between the two is that the first provides |
| goals. | | | | a consistent monthly stipend to be used for all |
| In addition to covering up to 100 percent of tuition | | | | expenses (tuition, books, and cost of living) whereas |
| and fess at any state-operated college of university | | | | the latter provides separate payments for tuition and |
| for veterans with a minimum of 90 days of active | | | | fees, housing and books. Also, the Post-9/11 GI Bill |
| duty since September 11, 2001, the Bill also provides | | | | gives you up to 15 years to use your benefits, while |
| a monthly housing stipend and up to $1,000 per year | | | | the Montgomery Bill has a 10 year deadline. |
| to pay for books and other school supplies. If you | | | | Even though the new Bill has some attractive |
| have to relocate to be close to the campus, you will | | | | features, it may not be right for everyone. Before |
| receive a one-time stipend for those expenses. The | | | | you consider making a change, be sure to evaluate |
| plan also covers enrollment in accredited distance | | | | the benefits of each of the two programs. Then you |
| learning programs. | | | | can make an informed decision as to which one |
| For each recipient, the total amount of benefits | | | | offers you the most advantages and the greatest |
| increases with the amount of active duty served. | | | | amount of monetary assistance. |
| Eligible service members who have been honorably | | | | Whether you stay with the Montgomery GI Bill or |
| discharged and have at least 36 months of active | | | | switch over to the new Post-9/11 program, make |
| duty are entitled to 100 percent of the Bill's benefits. | | | | sure that you have done everything you can to |
| Those who have accumulated less than 36 months | | | | maximize your benefits. Considering the sacrifices and |
| will receive a prorated percentage. | | | | commitment you and your family have made for the |
| One of the main appeals of the new Bill is that the | | | | good of our country, you deserve to reap the |
| service member's tuition assistance (TA) benefits can | | | | benefits that go along with the pursuit of education. |
| be transferred to a spouse or children. This is | | | | For the latest details concerning Post 9/11 GI Bill |
| something that has long been desired by members of | | | | Tuition Assistance benefits and procedures, please |
| the military. Another perk is that a student can opt | | | | visit your education counseling office. |
| to attend a private college, regardless of the cost. | | | | *This article is based on publicly-accessible information |
| Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill's Yellow Ribbon Program, | | | | and has not been reviewed or approved by any |
| private universities listed as participants will waive or | | | | military branch. |
| offset up to half of what their tuition is above the | | | | |