Military personnel are eligible for education benefits beyond what the military itself offers. In addition to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which covers up to $17,500 per year at a private institution or full tuition and fees at an in-state public college, the U.S. military also offers ROTC scholarships, which can cover up to full tuition and a living stipend for current college students. In addition, the Montgomery GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits for active duty and reserve personnel.
Vets with heavy college costs that exceed GI Bill benefits may get help through the Yellow Ribbon Program. Yellow Ribbon schools throughout the U.S. provide grants to cover costs the military does not. Grants range from a few thousand to nearly $100,000 and will be matched by funds provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Military benefits also work in tandem with tuition waiver programs offered through states and individual colleges. Connecticut offers a 100 percent tuition waiver to veterans pursuing an undergrad or graduate degree at any in-state public college or university, while Massachusetts extends the same offer for veterans pursuing undergrad degrees if classroom space allows. Kentucky and North Dakota extend tuition waiver benefits to dependents of veterans who died or were permanently disabled for service-related reasons. If your state doesn't offer a tuition waiver, your institution might. Many two- and four-year schools offer tuition waivers for veterans.