GI Bill and Other Education Benefit Rates: A Comparative Overview
The various education benefit programs offered to veterans, service members, and their families have different payment rates. Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed decisions about educational pursuits. This overview provides a comparative view of the existing tariff of duties, outlining the rate structures for several key programs.
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers comprehensive coverage for tuition, housing, and other educational expenses. Rates vary based on factors such as the institution’s location and the student’s eligibility percentage. For those attending a public school in-state, tuition and fees are generally covered in full. A housing allowance is also provided, calculated based on the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for an E-5 with dependents in the locality of the school.
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
The Montgomery GI Bill encompasses two distinct programs: Active Duty (Chapter 30) and Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606). Both provide a monthly stipend directly to the eligible individual. The amount of the stipend differs between the two programs and is subject to periodic adjustments.
$600 Buy-Up Program for MGIB
Participants in the Montgomery GI Bill can contribute up to $600 to increase their monthly benefit payments. This voluntary contribution provides a higher monthly stipend for the duration of the benefit period. The specific increase in monthly payments depends on when the contribution was made.
Rogers STEM Scholarship
The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship is designed for individuals pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) degrees. This scholarship provides substantial financial assistance for tuition, fees, and a monthly housing allowance. The scholarship amounts can be significantly higher than those offered by the standard GI Bill programs.
Transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits
Service members can transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their spouses or dependents. The rates for transferred benefits mirror those of the original beneficiary, ensuring that family members can access the same educational opportunities.
Chapter 35: Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
This program provides educational benefits to surviving spouses and children of deceased service members whose deaths were service-connected. Chapter 35 offers a monthly stipend and covers certain educational expenses. The specific rates depend on the program and the beneficiary’s training status.
Fry Scholarship
The Fry Scholarship offers benefits similar to the Post-9/11 GI Bill for eligible children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. The Fry Scholarship covers tuition and fees at the in-state rate for public schools and provides a monthly housing allowance based on BAH rates.
Conclusion
Comparing the existing tariff of duties across various education benefit programs reveals a range of options for veterans, service members, and their families. Each program offers distinct benefits and payment structures. By carefully considering these differences, individuals can choose the program that best aligns with their educational goals and financial needs. Consulting official resources and utilizing comparison tools is recommended for personalized guidance.
