Kelli Smith is the senior blog editor for www.Edu411.org. Edu411.org hosts a career education blog discussing issues relating to continuing education, careers, employment, and paying for college.
When veterans of World War II returned home, our government took care of them. In exchange for their service, Uncle Sam helped many of them buy a home, go to college, and get training for civilian work through the GI Bill of Rights. Although in a slightly different form, most of the educational and career benefits offered post WWII are still available today.
If you're interested in going to school while serving, or after serving your country, use the following education assistance programs to your advantage.
The GI Bill
After three years of enlisted service, you can qualify for education assistance through the GI Bill. When enrolled at a college, university, or training program on a full time basis, the military sends you a monthly cash payment to help pay for expenses. And as long as you meet the requirements of the program, you don't have to pay anything back. You can use this money to pay for tuition, housing, testing fees, licenses, and some certifications.
Recently, the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 has updated the GI Bill, providing more money for your education and allowing you to transfer benefits to your dependents (beginning in August 2009). Money through the GI Bill is available for ten years following your discharge from active duty.
The Tuition Assistance (TA) Program
The TA program is the other major education benefit provided to service members. Unlike the GI Bill, you can take advantage of this program while on active duty. The program can pay up to 100 percent of the education expenses you incur while taking college and university courses after work. The Army's program, which is similar to the other branches of the military, pays up to $250 per semester credit for each class you take. While the TA program has an annual ceiling of $4,500, you can use the money to cover tuition, books, and a handful of fees, too.
Both of these programs offer a valuable way for you to expand your education during or after your service. The GI Bill can help you make a smooth transition from military service to civilian employment. In addition to facilitating your education while you're active, the TA program can help you earn valuable promotion points as well.
- Related Articles
- Related Q&A
- History of Military Schools
- Military Loans: Funds for Servers
- Benefits of a Military school education
- Military Schools for Girls
- Financing Your College Education
- Quick Payday Loans For Military Personnel
- An Online College Degree Proves Popular With Military Personnel
- How to Build Wealth in the Military




Apply Scholarships Online - $10K Scholarship Available for College Students
By: Michelle Perkins | 03/01/2010Are you in search of Apply Scholarships Online? There are various scholarships and you can quickly find them online. Take a look at these Apply Scholarships Online so you can pay for your classes. Improve your chances of getting more scholarships by doing your own research and applying for more scholarships.
Apply Texas Scholarships - College Students Register for $10,000 Scholarship
By: Michelle Perkins | 03/01/2010Apply Texas Scholarships are available for those students who wish to earn a degree from a higher learning institution. We searched for Apply Texas Scholarships and here's a few we came across that you need to apply for. Get more scholarship money by also applying for other scholarships you may qualify for.
School Grants Scholarships - $10,000 Scholarship for College Students
By: Michelle Perkins | 03/01/2010There is a variety of School Grants Scholarships that you can register for to get more money to pay your college expenses. We've listed a couple of School Grants Scholarships you can take advantage of to help your financial situation. You should also run your own search online to find even more scholarships that you may qualify for you help you pay off all your tuition and other costs.
Apply To Scholarship - Free Registration for $10,000 Scholarship Drawing
By: Michelle Perkins | 03/01/2010Apply To Scholarship vary in amounts and sources including public and private, state and federal, and other foundations. We've searched for Apply To Scholarship and here's a few you should apply for. Getting scholarships can be a numbers game, so apply to as many as you can for a better chance to get more money.
Applying For Scholarships Online - What Can You Do With $10,000 Worth of Scholarship Money?
By: Michelle Perkins | 03/01/2010As college costs continually rise, you can take advantage of these Applying For Scholarships Online to help pay your college expenses. Apply for these Applying For Scholarships Online so you can more easily pay your college classes. You may qualify for even more scholarships so make sure to do your own research, too.
Find Free Scholarships - Apply Today for $10,000 Scholarship
By: Michelle Perkins | 03/01/2010Find Free Scholarships can help you relax when it comes to paying off your semester's tuition and fees. After some research, we came across some Find Free Scholarships you need to apply for. Remember to do your own research online for even more scholarship opportunities.
Applying For Athletic Scholarships - Register Soon for $10K Scholarship Drawing
By: Michelle Perkins | 03/01/2010You can help pay off your college expenses by applying for Applying For Athletic Scholarships that are easily accessible to any students interested in them. Keep reading for a couple of Applying For Athletic Scholarships you can register for for a chance to win big money. Don't forget to do your own search online for other scholarships you can apply for for even more chances of getting the money you need to pay your college expenses.
How to Become a Teacher
By: Kelli Smith | 12/08/2009 | EducationAn overview of how to become a teacher, including educational requirements and attributes for becoming an effective teacher.
How to Become a High School Teacher
By: Kelli Smith | 10/08/2009 | EducationRequirements to become a high school teacher include a secondary education degree and some special skills.
How to Become a High School Teacher
By: Kelli Smith | 10/08/2009 | EducationRequirements to become a high school teacher include a secondary education degree and some special skills.
How to Become an Elementary School Teacher
By: Kelli Smith | 10/08/2009 | EducationA description of the characteristics and educational credentials you may need to become an elementary school teacher.
The Basics of Becoming a Substitute Teacher
By: Kelli Smith | 10/08/2009 | Online EducationIf you're interested in education, you might have thought about becoming a substitute teacher. Read on if you're serious about taking the plunge.
Becoming a Teaching Assistant: Information and Advice
By: Kelli Smith | 10/08/2009 | Online EducationInterested in a career in education? Read on to find out why teaching assistants are becoming more and more important in modern classrooms and how to prepare for this job field.
Engineering Your Career: Courses and Degrees in Engineering Online
By: Kelli Smith | 30/07/2009 | Online EducationWhen you earn an online engineering degree, you're preparing for an exciting career in any number of growing fields, like science, computers, design, construction, manufacturing, or healthcare. Find out more about the kind of engineering degrees and courses offered online, and get on your way to an exciting career on the cutting edge.
Designs on a Degree? Online Training for the Digital Designer
By: Kelli Smith | 30/07/2009 | Online EducationIf you're creative, analytical, visually-oriented, and technologically savvy, an online degree in digital design might be the route to your ideal career. Find out more about this cutting-edge field and how earning your design degree online is quite possibly the best training method for up-and-comers like yourself.