MGIB or Post 9/11, Decisions, Decisions…
As a former Service Member, you worked hard while serving your country. Now it’s time for you to start the next chapter of your life by pursuing your college education with your G.I. Bill. Chances are high that if you were active duty (under Title 10, Title 32 or “state” orders) after September 11, 2001, you now have to choose between two versions of the GI Bill: the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Once the decision is made, though, it’s final, so research between the two bills is crucial before deciding.
In order to help you understand the basics, we’ve provided a general comparison here for you to review.
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Montgomery GI Bill
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Post 9-11 GI Bill
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Training Types
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Distance Education; Institution of Higher Learning; Non-College Degree; OJT & Apprenticeship; Flight Training; Correspondence; Licensing & Certification; National Testing
Program; Entrepreneurship Training; Accelerated Payment; Co-op Training; Work-Study Program
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Distance Education; Institution of Higher Learning; Non-College Degree; OJT & Apprenticeship; Flight Training; Correspondence; Licensing & Certification - limited to one test; Work-Study Program - if part of a degree program
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Payment Rate for Full-time
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Maximum of $1,321 per month; paid to student
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Rate based on in-state undergraduate tuition & fees charged at the most expensive public institution of higher learning; Tuition cap of $17,500 per academic year for private institutions; paid to school
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Eligibility
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Active duty service after 6/30/85 with honorable discharge
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Active duty service or Guardsmen (activated under title 32 U.S.C. orders) since 9/11/01with an honorable discharge
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Stipends
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None
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Housing stipend equal to BAH for E-5 with dependents (If you are enrolled in distance learning programs, you qualify for half of the BAH for E-5 with dependants); uses zip code of college or university
Book and supplies stipend up to $1,000 per year
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Months of Entitlement
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36 months
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36 months
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Expiration
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10 years from release from active duty
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15 years from release from active duty
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Transferability
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Limited
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Yes – Must have at least 6 years of service in Armed Forces and agree to serve 4 more years from date of election
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$600 Buy-up
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Paid at Applicable Rates
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Not Included
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As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider before choosing one benefit over the other. If you’re curious as to what would be best for your online degree program, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Department of Veterans Affairs. You can learn about the full range of benefits eligible to you by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 or by visiting, gibill.va.gov.
Grantham University’s veteran students can receive one-on-one information from their Veterans Affairs Certifying Officials at 1-800-955-2527 or veteranservices@grantham.edu.
Have you already chosen between these two benefits? If so, tell us which one you selected and why.