| You've served your country, now it's time to see what | | | | In 2009 congress updated the Montgomery GI Bill. The |
| Uncle Sam can do for you. Well when it comes to | | | | new Post 9/11 GI Bill provides education benefits for |
| getting your college degree, he can do a lot. There are | | | | service members who have served on active duty for |
| millions of tax-free dollars available to veterans and | | | | 90 or more days since Sept. 10, 2001. Tee new bill |
| their dependents, consider it a thank you for your | | | | pays 100% tuition as well as a monthly housing |
| service. The Department of Defense, Department of | | | | allowance and up to $1000 a year for books and |
| Veterans Affairs and many states offer programs to | | | | supplies. The Post 9/11 GI Bill cannot be applied to |
| help vets pay for college. There are also millions of | | | | courses completed before July 2009. |
| dollars available in scholarships and grants for | | | | Armed Forces Tuition Assistance, TA, is a benefit for |
| members of the military. | | | | eligible members of all the armed services. Each |
| The best known military education program is the | | | | division can pay up to 100% of tuition expenses of its |
| Montgomery GI bill, or MGIB. The bill became law in | | | | members. TA is not a loan, it's like money a veteran |
| 1944 under President Roosevelt. Since World War II | | | | has earned. Each arm of the military has its own |
| the bill allowed more than two million veterans to | | | | criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application |
| attend college. The GI bill provides monthly benefits for | | | | process. Unlike money from the GI Bill, tuition |
| active duty service members, reservists and veterans. | | | | assistance is paid directly to the school. |
| To qualify you must have served at least two years | | | | In addition to federal and state aid, there are over |
| on active duty and have your high school diploma or | | | | $300 million in private scholarships and grants for |
| the equivalent. The GI bill pays for 36 months of | | | | members of the military, veterans and their families. To |
| education benefits, an estimated $40,000 value. | | | | name a few categories, there are scholarships for |
| The GI Bill is not considered financial aid by colleges | | | | disabled veterans, veterans of foreign wars, veterans |
| and universities, because the money is paid directly to | | | | of Operation Enduring Freedom. Even if your tuition is |
| you. That means veterans are still eligible for student | | | | fully covered by the GI Bill, it's a good idea to pursue |
| loans, scholarships, and Pell Grants. However, GI Bill | | | | private scholarships. The money can be used to cover |
| payments reduce the amount of student financial aid | | | | the cost of books, fees, and living expenses. |
| you are eligible to receive. GI money can be used not | | | | Don't forget your years in the service gave you |
| only for tuition,but also, fees, books and living expenses. | | | | valuable experience and training. Much of that can be |
| The tax-free money can also be used to pay for | | | | used for college credit. The American Council on |
| independent study programs, required continuing | | | | Education, ACE, can help you and your school figure |
| education, licensing, certification, apprenticeship, and | | | | out how many college credit hours you've completed |
| on-the-job training. Once you leave the armed | | | | even before you arrive on campus. |
| services, you have ten years to use your benefits. | | | | |