I know a Vet who is in the middle of completing degree, but has exhausted his 9/11 GI Bill. Are the other options out there for Vets to cover the education expenses left for him to complete his degree?
Answers
Hi Jamell,
Should your friend meet at least 20% service connected disability, as Nancy pointed out, they could apply for CH 31 Vocational Rehabilition which is a VA (not GI BILL) educational benefit. They should do so by visiting vets.gov and submitting an application. Should they have at least one day of CH 33 Post 9/11 If and when they are approved and transfer into CH 31, they will receive CH 33’s monthly basic allowance for housing rate while having CH 31 pay for tuition/fees in full. This is the ideal situation as CH 31’s monthly subsistence allowance is substantially lower so having at least one day of CH 33 before transferring is critical.
Additionally CH 31 provides a books/supplies voucher and even dental care. Above all else a designated Vocational & Rehabilitation Counselor will be assigned whose role is to not only help the beneficiary from completing their degree but also securing meaningful employment.
One thing I must stress is there is a thorough application process involved with CH 31 and there are no guarantees the applicant will be approved/sponsored for it. That said, the personalized support and attention in my experience having worked with several dozen recipients over six years does help the student toward completing their degree and securing employment.
If this option does not come to fruition checking SVA’s scholarship webpage and consulting with his/her university’s financial aid for endowed and/or merit based aid may also yield dividends.
Hope this helps!
Rob
Purple Heart Vets also have options in many states.
Many states will have programs to help out. Also, some companies will have tuition reimbursement programs for their employees to further their education.
Many states also have programs to assist returning vets with college education costs. Most colleges have a vet advisor who can put you on the correct path if you cannot find these state benefits.
You should look into the Vocational Rehab program through the VA. Not every vet is eligible, but it is a pretty robust program if your friend qualifies
Best of luck!
Nancy.
Hi Jamell
I volunteer with the National Association of American Veterans.I suggest you contact Constance Burns the Exec Director. They may be able to provide some assistance.
Regards
Bill Smith
Hi Jamell,
Thank you for your question. I recommend checking out CollegeBoard (https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-101/for-veterans-paying-for-college). They have a great article titled “For Veterans: Paying for College” that breaks down everything you need to know about paying for college as a veteran. I would also highly recommend speaking directly with the college’s Financial Aid Advisor as they would know if there are any school specific qualifications as well.
I hope this helps your friend. Thank you (both) for your service!
Best,
Taylor Boggio
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