The GI Bill provides funding for qualifying active duty military members, Veterans, and their dependents to pursue higher education. Even though education may be the best-known and most widely used application of this benefit, there are plenty of ways to use your GI Bill beyond school.
What is the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a program run by the Department of Veterans Affairs to help cover costs of tuition, books, and living expenses for Veterans and some family members to attend college.
Also known as the Chapter 33 benefit, this program began in 2008 to expand previous education benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. These benefits go back as far as World War II, when returning Veterans were provided opportunities to attend college to readjust to civilian life.
To use the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you must have served in the military after September 10, 2001. Some military members and Veterans can also transfer their eligibility to their dependents.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers tuition costs and provides a stipend toward books. Full-time students can also receive a housing allowance based on their location. All this financial assistance is designed to make attending college more accessible for those who have served.
What Can You Use Your GI Bill For?
But the cost of college isn’t the only thing your GI bill benefit can provide. You can use the benefit for higher education or to develop specific skills, such as a trade school or even a professional certification program.
VA-Approved Non-College Degree Programs
The VA doesn’t approve all education programs for funding through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, but the list is quite long. Some approved programs include, but aren’t limited to:
- HVAC repair
- Electrical work
- Commercial truck driving
- Welding
- Cosmetology
- Construction
- Culinary arts
Non-Traditional Higher Education
For those planning to use the GI Bill for higher education, you don’t have to stay inside the four walls of a classroom. The GI Bill benefit can be used for virtual classes, online programs, and other non-traditional paths.
This is a great way to get an education while working, caring for your family, and keeping up with other responsibilities. It also opens up more opportunities without requiring a move to another city.
Unique Ways to Use Your GI Bill
Know you want to use your GI Bill benefit but aren’t sure what program to consider? There are plenty of unique ways to use your GI bill, whether you want to further your education, career, or interests.
Flight school: Use your GI Bill to pay for flight ground school and earn your private pilot’s license or advanced qualifications.
Craftsman courses: Learn how to do woodworking, painting, or another skilled trade or artistic endeavor.
Tattooing: You can learn to become a tattoo artist by taking classes funded by your GI Bill.
DJ school: Always wanted to learn to spin records? You can take classes to become a DJ.
Outdoor courses: Classes in wilderness expeditions can develop leadership skills as well as outdoorsmanship knowledge, such as fly-fishing, rock climbing, or mountaineering.
Study abroad: You can use the GI Bill to pay for courses at international institutions, including study abroad programs and even Semester at Sea.
Cyber security: Take courses toward certifications in cyber security and information technology.
SCUBA: Use the GI Bill to pay for required courses leading up to a SCUBA certification.
Paramedic and emergency services: You can use your GI bill benefits to pay required course costs and use the housing allowance to help cover your living expenses.
There are plenty of other creative ways to take advantage of your GI Bill benefit, whether you intend to pursue a degree or not. Inquire with the Department of Veterans Affairs to discuss your GI Bill options.
FAQ
How Can I Maximize My GI Bill?
- One major consideration when using your GI Bill is whether you will attend a program as a full-time or part-time student. To get the most out of your months of eligibility, register for more than part-time, which adds the housing allowance to your benefit.
Can I Use My GI Bill to Buy a House or Car?
- No, the GI Bill cannot be used to purchase a house or car, but your housing allowance portion can cover related lifestyle expenses while you attend school, for example, paying rent, mortgage, or car loan payments.
The Bottom Line
While the GI Bill is a great way to pay for a college education, the benefits aren’t limited to degree-seeking students. You can use your GI Bill in unique ways to further your career, start a second career, invest in your side gig, or just learn a new skill or interest.