GI BILL &
TUITION ASSISTANCE
The military pays for college. Both while you're serving and after you separate. Most service members don't use these benefits fully — here's how to maximize them.
Two Programs, One Goal: Free College
Tuition Assistance (TA)
Active duty- ✓Available while on active duty
- ✓Covers 100% of tuition up to $250/credit hour
- ✓$4,500 max per fiscal year
- ✓Apply through ArmyIgnitED (Army) or your service portal
- ✓Can stack with GI Bill after ETS
Post-9/11 GI Bill
After ETS- ✓36 months of full benefits after 90+ days active duty
- ✓Pays 100% of in-state public tuition
- ✓Monthly housing stipend (E-5 BAH rate for school location)
- ✓$1,000/year books & supplies stipend
- ✓Can transfer to spouse or children
Post-9/11 vs Montgomery GI Bill
| Feature | Post-9/11 GI Bill | Montgomery GI Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | 90+ days active duty after 9/10/2001 | 2-year active duty minimum + $100/mo x 12 |
| Tuition | 100% in-state public tuition | Flat monthly rate ($2,230/mo full-time 2026) |
| Housing stipend | E-5 BAH rate at school ZIP | None |
| Books & supplies | $1,000/year | Included in flat rate |
| Transferable | Yes - spouse or children | No |
| Duration | 36 months | 36 months |
| Best for | Most service members | Those who enrolled before 2018 |
Smart strategy: Stack TA + GI Bill
While serving: Use Tuition Assistance ($4,500/year) to complete as many credits as possible.
After ETS: Use GI Bill for the remaining credits — and collect the housing stipend while finishing your degree.
Result: Full degree paid, plus housing stipend for 1-3 years after separation.
GI Bill Housing Stipend by Location
Based on E-5 BAH rate for school location. 2026 rates.
| School Location | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA | $3,054 | $36,648 |
| Washington DC area | $2,892 | $34,704 |
| Honolulu, HI | $2,868 | $34,416 |
| JBLM / Tacoma, WA | $2,349 | $28,188 |
| Norfolk, VA | $2,031 | $24,372 |
| Killeen / Fort Cavazos, TX | $1,695 | $20,340 |
| Columbus / Fort Moore, GA | $1,596 | $19,152 |
Key Deadlines & Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill: Must use within 15 years of last discharge (no expiration for those who left service after Jan 1, 2013).
Transfer to dependents: Must apply while on active duty with 6+ years of service and commit to 4 more years.
Tuition Assistance: Apply at least 7 days before class starts through your service portal.
How to Apply
Tuition Assistance (active duty Army)
Login to ArmyIgnitED -> Education Plan -> apply per class. Submit at least 7 days before class starts.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
Apply at va.gov/education/apply -- takes 30 min. Receive Certificate of Eligibility in 30 days. Submit to school's VA certifying official.
Transfer GI Bill to family
Must be on active duty with 6+ years of service and commit to 4 more years. Apply through milConnect.dmdc.osd.mil.
Rates and eligibility based on current VA regulations. Always verify with your education office or va.gov.