3 Highlights of the Post 9/11 GI Bill

I remember the many choices and decisions surrounding my initial enlistment in the Army back in 1987. One of the decisions that came easy was choosing the Montgomery GI Bill and Army College Fund (Chapter 30) over an enlistment bonus. It seemed even then a smarter option (and eventually would be worth more money). I must admit though, it was hard for an 18 year old to say no to $8,000.00. Some of us remember a time when an $8,000.00 bonus for a three year enlistment was a lot of money.

I entered college after a year following my ETS. I was one of few freshman that didn't have to work during the semester. This afforded me more time to study (okay and party). However, it still was a bit of a struggle. I remember my benefit check was somewhere between $600.00-$650.00. After tuition, books and housing, there wasn't much left for anything else. What a difference 19 years make. Of course I am talking about the new Post 9/11 GI Bill. Today, soldiers can get enlistment/reenlistment bonuses as well as a great educational benefit. I won't go into to detail about the new GI Bill. However, there are three key aspects I will highlight.

First is the book stipend, which can be up to $1000.00 per year (depending on individual eligibility). My first semester I had to share books with other students until my first check arrived. Another semester I borrowed older editions from the library. Trust me it is hard to keep up when you start off a month behind. Oddly enough, once I had my own books I didn't spend as much time with them as I should have, but I digress.

Next, the dreaded and ever rising tuition costs. I think after academic probation there is no college list more dreaded than the bursar's office "hit list." If you don't know what I mean, visit your local college and notice the people walking the long way to class, avoiding the bursar's cashier window by "any means necessary". Sure there were loans, grants and scholarships available, but I had a GI Bill which I thought would be enough. It wasn't. The 9/11 GI Bill covers tuition up to the highest in-state tuition and fees of each states public institutions. That amounts to $5736.00 in New Jersey and $12,697 in New York. What's more, once you are certified as eligible, the VA pays the school directly--lucrative and convenient.

Finally, the biggest difference between the Post 9/11 GI Bill and those GI bills that preceded it-housing allowance. I worked hard in my last year in the army back in the '90s. I applied early, gather transcripts and even visited my first choice (Caldwell College in NJ) while still on active duty. I received an early out for education (30 day prior to scheduled ETS). I couldn't wait to get into my small Catholic college in beautiful northeastern New Jersey. It would not be. Most colleges will waive tuition and fees awaiting payment from scholarships or grants, many do not (and for legal reasons cannot) waive housing cost. The Post 9/11 GI Bill affords full-time students a monthly housing allowance (stipend) based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents. The stipend is based on the zip code of the school, not the student. That's up to $2744.00, depending on school, in New Jersey and New York. There isn't even a requirement to live on-campus!

Again, there are many rules and regulations governing the Post 9/11 GI bill that I didn't cover, so visit the official website ( www.gibill.va.gov) or speak to a VA counselor at the college of your choice. I hope my personal experience encourages those eligible to utilize this great veterans benefit. Oh and yes, I am headed back to school myself. See you on campus.