Fun and Unconventional Ways to Use Your GI Bill

• The GI Bill covers more than college, from trade schools and certifications to flight training, SCUBA, and much more.
• Full-time students may qualify for a housing allowance to help cover living expenses while enrolled.

The GI Bill provides education benefits to eligible service members, Veterans, and certain qualifying dependents pursuing approved education and training programs.

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. From trade schools to flight training to, yes, DJ school, there are some surprisingly creative ways to put this military benefit to work.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a program run by the Department of Veterans Affairs that helps cover the 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 the Department of Veterans Affairs’ prior education benefits. These benefits date back to World War II, when returning Veterans were given 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 may be eligible to transfer benefits to qualifying dependents if they meet transferability requirements established by the Department of Defense.

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.

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.

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

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.

Know you want to use your GI Bill benefit but aren’t sure what program to consider? Depending on VA approval and program eligibility, there are many unique ways to use GI Bill benefits beyond a traditional college degree.

• Flight school: Eligible Veterans may use GI Bill benefits for certain approved flight training programs and advanced aviation certifications.
• 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.
• Cybersecurity: Take courses toward certifications in cybersecurity 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.

One major consideration when using your GI Bill is whether you will attend a program full-time or part-time. Benefit usage and housing allowance eligibility can vary based on enrollment status and program type, so students should review current VA requirements before enrolling.

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.

Looking for housing? Search For Housing Near Base Here.

If homeownership is a goal, the VA home loan benefit is worth exploring on its own. It requires no down payment and no PMI, and many Veterans don’t realize they’re already eligible. Your GI Bill housing allowance can also help cover rent or mortgage payments while you’re enrolled in school.

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.

Whatever direction you’re heading, it’s worth exploring what’s VA-approved before assuming you have to go the traditional route.