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After serving in the US Armed Forces many veterans entertain the idea of going to college for the right military scholarship, especially if they want a career outside the military. Thanks to the US government, former service members don’t have to worry about the expense of getting a college education. The various forms of the Montgomery GI Bill provide millions of dollars for service men and women to go to college and get their military degrees.

The GI Bill is not considered financial aid by colleges and universities, so veterans are still eligible for student loans and government grants.  It does grant money to veterans who have served at least 90 days since September 11, 2001. The soldiers must have been honorably discharged. Veterans discharged with service-related disabilities after 30 days may also qualify for funding.  This originated with the Montgomery GI Bill, created in 1944 after World War II.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill gives a potential bachelors degree candidate enough money for his or her course of study, provided that the tuition and fees do not exceed the highest amount at a public in-state institution. This means that the veteran will be able to study near his or her home, which can be an important factor for those with children.

A veteran can choose to attend college full time or part time. If school leaves no time for work, the gi bill has funding to help with housing. The bill provides a monthly allowance for housing expenses for veterans with families, a fact appreciated when the veteran has so many responsibilities.

Of course, the Post 9/11 GI bill is not the only grant option for veterans who want to become students. The Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty aims to assist a more select group of servicemen and women. Eligible individuals must have received an honorable discharge and already have a high school diploma or GED. This GI bill also provides up to 36 months of education benefits, allowing veterans to pursue the degree of their choice.

The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty has several clauses under which a soldier can qualify.  Soldiers can apply using a VA form 22-1990. The money from this bill isn’t just for college; it may also be used for flight training, apprenticeships, certification courses and fees for entrance exams to educational programs.

In addition to federal aid, there are over $300 million in private scholarships and grants for members of the military, veterans and their families. For example, there are scholarships for disabled veterans, veterans of foreign wars, and veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom. Even if your tuition is fully covered by the GI Bill, it’s a good idea to pursue private scholarships. Veterans with children might want to look into options that help them pay for housing or childcare, even if they choose to pursue an online degree, as the additional funds can help them study stress-free.

College military degrees are possible and more affordable to veterans and members of the military thanks to various military education benefits programs. This non-taxable money available through the GI Bill, scholarships and grants are like a thank you to military members for the service they gave to their country.