Your education benefits are there to help you during your service and after you transition to civilian life. But once you’ve used them, they’re gone. Maximize your benefits by choosing the school with the best value for your money and a degree that will help you get where you want to be.
While you’re still in the military, take advantage of the benefits offered.
- Your branch’s Tuition Assistance (TA) program could pay the cost of much or all of your studies. Learn more: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
- DoD’s TA DECIDE compares the schools you choose to see if they’re eligible to accept your benefits and if they meet your educational goals.
- Talk with someone in your branch’s Voluntary Education office. They’ll explain your benefits, eligibility requirements, funding, and programs.
- Active duty servicemembers also may take advantage of GI bill benefits. Research your options and decide whether to use your post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill benefits while you’re serving, during your transition to civilian life, or as a veteran.
As you’re planning to leave the service, research options for financing your education.
- The Transition Assistance Program prepares you and your family for pursuing education, a job, or business ownership in civilian life.
- Check with your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs office to find out what state veterans benefits you’re eligible for.
- Use the VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool to make sure your school or program is approved for GI Bill benefits, how much your benefits will cover, and how much you’ll need to pay.
- Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at StudentAid.gov. The FAFSA will help you get federal grants, work-study, and loans for college.
- Check with your school’s financial aid office about scholarships and loan options.
Don’t listen to companies that guarantee they can get you a scholarship in exchange for an upfront fee. If you pay, most give you nothing in return — and they make it impossible to get a refund. If you already have student loan debt, there are programs to reduce what you have to pay.
Understand some student loan basics. There’s a lifetime cap on the total amount of federal student loans you’re eligible for. Once you hit the cap, you can still take out private loans — but they usually cost more. You have to repay your loans whether or not you finish school.
Call the school’s financial aid office or bursar’s office. Ask the program’s total cost, including fees for things like equipment or labs. Find out whether you pay by the course, semester, or program.
Before you commit to taking out a student loan, make sure you understand:
- how much you’re borrowing and the interest rate
- when repayment begins
- how much time you have to repay the loan
