Estimate your Monthly Housing Allowance based on Rate of Pursuit
Enter the E-5 with Dependents rate for your school's zip code.
The 2024/2025 National Average for online students (50% of Nat. Avg.).
Usually 12 credits for undergraduates.
Estimated Monthly Payment
$0.00
Rate of Pursuit: 0%
Base Rate Used: $0.00Calculation Type: Standard
function toggleLocationInput() {
var isOnline = document.getElementById('onlineOnly').checked;
var locationInput = document.getElementById('locationBAH');
var nationalGroup = document.getElementById('nationalAvgGroup');
if (isOnline) {
locationInput.disabled = true;
locationInput.style.backgroundColor = "#e9ecef";
nationalGroup.style.display = "block";
} else {
locationInput.disabled = false;
locationInput.style.backgroundColor = "#fff";
nationalGroup.style.display = "none";
}
}
function calculateMHA() {
// Get Inputs
var enrolledCredits = parseFloat(document.getElementById('enrolledCredits').value);
var fullTimeStd = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fullTimeStd').value);
var isOnline = document.getElementById('onlineOnly').checked;
var baseRate = 0;
// Determine Base Rate
if (isOnline) {
baseRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('nationalAvg').value);
} else {
baseRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('locationBAH').value);
}
// Validate Inputs
if (isNaN(enrolledCredits) || isNaN(fullTimeStd) || fullTimeStd <= 0) {
alert("Please enter valid credit hours.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(baseRate) || baseRate 1) {
rawRoP = 1;
}
var finalPayment = 0;
var ropPercentage = 0;
var statusMessage = "";
// Logic Rule: RoP must be > 50% to receive any payment
if (rawRoP 50%)";
} else {
// Logic Rule: Round to nearest 10%
// Example: 0.75 -> 0.80. 0.74 -> 0.70.
// Math.round(x * 10) / 10
var roundedRoP = Math.round(rawRoP * 10) / 10;
// Calculate Payment
finalPayment = baseRate * roundedRoP;
ropPercentage = roundedRoP * 100;
statusMessage = "Eligible (" + ropPercentage + "%)";
}
// Display Results
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('result');
var mhaDisplay = document.getElementById('mhaPayment');
var ropDisplay = document.getElementById('ropDisplay');
var baseRateDisplay = document.getElementById('baseRateUsed');
var typeDisplay = document.getElementById('calcType');
mhaDisplay.innerHTML = "$" + finalPayment.toLocaleString('en-US', {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
ropDisplay.innerHTML = "Rate of Pursuit: " + (rawRoP * 100).toFixed(1) + "% (Rounded to " + ropPercentage + "%)";
baseRateDisplay.innerHTML = "$" + baseRate.toLocaleString('en-US', {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
typeDisplay.innerHTML = isOnline ? "Distance Learning Cap" : "Resident / In-Person";
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
}
Understanding the MHA Rate Calculation
The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is a key benefit of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, designed to help students cover living expenses while pursuing their education. The amount you receive is not a flat rate; it varies based on the location of your school, your student status (full-time vs. part-time), and your mode of instruction (online vs. in-person).
Important: Active duty service members and their spouses using transferred benefits are generally eligible for BAH but not the specific MHA calculated here. This calculator is designed for Veterans and eligible dependents.
1. The "E-5 with Dependents" Standard
The MHA payment is generally equal to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents for the zip code where the school is physically located. This applies even if you do not have dependents or are not an E-5. To use this calculator accurately, you should look up the current E-5 BAH rate for your campus zip code using the official DoD BAH calculator.
2. Rate of Pursuit (RoP)
Your "Rate of Pursuit" determines what percentage of the full MHA you receive. It is calculated by dividing the number of credits you are taking by the number of credits your school considers to be full-time (usually 12 for undergraduate programs).
Full-Time (100%): If you take 12 or more credits, you receive 100% of the applicable MHA.
Greater than 50%: If your RoP is greater than 50% but less than 100%, your payment is rounded to the nearest 10%. For example, a 75% RoP is rounded up to 80%, while a 74% RoP is rounded down to 70%.
50% or Less: If your Rate of Pursuit is 50% or less, you are not eligible for any MHA payment.
3. Online vs. In-Person Classes
The distinction between online (distance learning) and in-person (resident) training significantly impacts your MHA rate:
In-Person / Hybrid: If you take at least one class in-person (resident training) and your total load qualifies for MHA, you are eligible for the rate based on the school's location zip code.
100% Online: If your entire course load is online, your MHA is capped at half the national average of the E-5 with dependents BAH rate. For the 2024-2025 academic year, this national average rate is approximately $1,104.
4. How to Use This Calculator
To get an accurate estimate:
Find the E-5 with Dependents BAH rate for your school's zip code.
Enter that amount into the "School Location BAH Rate" field.
Enter the number of credits you are currently enrolled in.
Ensure the "Full-Time Credit Standard" matches your school's policy (default is 12).
If you are taking classes solely online, check the "Taking 100% Online Classes?" box.
Click "Calculate MHA Payment" to see your estimated pro-rated monthly allowance.