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New Educational Benefits for U.S. Veterans

New Education Benefits for US Veterans

Guide to Online Education > Online Education Trends > Hot Topics in Online Education > New Education Benefits for Veterans

"Support our troops," should amount to more than just a slogan. Given the monumental sacrifices veterans make on our behalf, we owe our servicemen and women real thanks and substantive recognition. Last summer, Congress made strides towards tangible troop support, with a piece of legislation that amped up military members' educational benefits.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill, sponsored by Virginia Senator Jim Webb, is now effective. For some servicemen, the New GI Bill coverage will amount to a full college scholarship! And, to help offset discrepancies for veterans who didn't serve after 9/11, or for those who prefer the terms of the preexisting program, Montgomery Bill benefits have been upped by 20 percent.

This is all great news for veterans who are heading back to school. It's also great news for our eLearner service members, because both plans can be applied to accredited online schools. A recent poll in The Chronicle of Higher Education showed that most veterans do elect to continue their studies online, listing schools like the University of Phoenix and American InterContinental University among their top choices. Online colleges and universities are often a more attractive option for veterans because of their flexible scheduling, and their unique appreciation for nontraditional students.

At the same time, some veterans are voicing concern about the overall complexity that characterizes these new bills. Variables including school choice, length of service, and transferability all make a big difference in determining which benefit best applies. The following outline offers a brief comparison on some key points.

Funding & Dispersal

• Montgomery Bill: Under the newly revised terms of the Montgomery Bill, veterans could receive approximately $1,300 - $1,800 per month — a sum dispersed directly to the individual, and to be put towards any aspect of an educational budget.
• Post 9/11 GI Bill: This new option provides full tuition (up to the amount of the most expensive school in the veteran's state), plus stipends for housing and books. This plan delineates its payouts, and subtracts for any potential overlaps (e.g. active duty members who already receive a housing allowance, or veterans whose states already waive tuition costs.)

Academic Program Limitations

• Montgomery Bill: Almost any type of educational program or vocational training is covered. Veterans are also free to choose whichever academic institution they prefer. Again, the funding is a blanket amount, regardless of school choice. That means veterans who elect to study at a community college might be fully covered, while those who opt for pricier schools would be left footing a remainder of the bill.
• Post 9/11 GI Bill: Veterans must select a program from a degree-granting institution. Organizations that only offer certifications for apprenticeship or job training do not qualify. Accredited online schools are acceptable, but if selected, would preclude veterans from the housing stipend portion, which averages about $1,200 per month. (Many advocates are contesting the equity of this preclusion. And since so many veterans do prefer online schools, it's a stipulation that may have to be revisited.)

Logistical Limitations

• Montgomery Bill: In order to qualify, military members must invest in this program upfront, contributing $100 per month during their first year of service. If they later switch plans, they may reclaim the $1200 investment, but only after exhausting the full award of Post 9/11 Bill coverage.
• Post 9/11 GI Bill: The terms of the newly passed bill offer full benefits only to those veterans who - since 9/11 - completed 36 months of active due or were separated due to disability. Veterans who served between 90 days and 36 months receive variable percentages of the aid. Additionally, once committed, veterans cannot later decide to switch plans. They must also be enrolled as full time students, or else be precluded from the housing stipend portion of funds.

Timelines

• Montgomery Bill: Veterans are encouraged to apply their benefits in a timely manner; the funding is only usable within 10 years of active service.
• Post 9/11 GI Bill: The funding will remain viable for 15 years after service.

Clearly, there's a lot to consider. But one of the best components of the Post 9/11 Bill is transferability. Qualifying veterans can transfer their education benefits on to a spouse or a child. The military is hoping the clause will act as a retention tool, since qualification is contingent on continued service. Nevertheless, the option opens a world of possibilities to military families who are struggling to finance education.

And here's another big plus: the U.S. military and Veterans' Affairs offices are making a concerted effort to help explain the pros and cons of both plans, as they pertain to individual family situations. The VA outlines the details of the 9/11 Bill on its Web site, www.gibill.va.gov. Veterans are also encouraged to call
1-888-GI-BILL-1 with any additional questions or concerns.

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