Using Your Education Benefits Wisely

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Did you know that you may be eligible for more than one educational benefit at a time? In fact, you can save time and money by learning to use them at the right time. The GI Bill expires 10 years after discharge. However, the GI Bill is not the only veteran education benefit. Veterans have numerous other sources or assistance.

Read this before you start using your benefits.
The following Table shows some general comparisons between each of your benefit options:

Education Benefit       Highlights      Things to Consider     
Military Tuition Assistance     No cost

Worth up to $4,500 a year.
Simple process
Covers up to 100% tuition and some fees
Noncompetitive  Limited to:

Relatively simple process
Noncompetitive
Lump sum Paid to School         Charged against your 36 Months of GI Bill benefits
Must be GI Bill eligible
Must be used with TA   
Montgomery GI Bill (Chpt. 30)
Note: You should always consult your ESO or Navy College representative before using your GI Bill while on active duty. Pays up to $1075 for Full-time student

Noncompetitive
Cannot be used in conjunction with TA.
Money is direct deposited to your own Bank Acct.        Complex process
Must be GI Bill eligible.
Costs are taken from your 36 months of benefits.
You are responsible to pay the school. 
** Federal Student Aid (FSA)    Offers low-interest loans.
Offers grants
One application process all FSA.
Can be used to pay for books and fees in conjunction with TA
Needs based
Noncompetitive  FSA loans must be repaid.
Money goes to your school for dispersal.
Can be a more complex process. 
Scholarships & Grants   Usually no-cost
Process varies
Can be worth thousands
Many go un-claimed.
Thousands are designed for Military and dependents.
Scholarship finder
Many Service Aid Organizations offer non-competitive grants for education and books.    Process can be time consuming
Based on competition and/or student needs
Wide range in value
May require submitting an essay.