VA GI Bill Benefits Calculator
Estimate your potential Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits with this calculator. Please note that this is an estimate, and actual benefits may vary based on official VA determinations, specific program costs, and changes in benefit rates.
100% (36+ months of active duty)
90% (30-35 months)
80% (24-29 months)
70% (18-23 months)
60% (12-17 months)
50% (6-11 months)
Full-time
3/4 Time
1/2 Time
Less than 1/2 Time
Public (In-State)
Private or Foreign
(Find your school's BAH rate on the DoD BAH Calculator)
(Current cap for AY 2023-2024. Adjust for future years.)
Estimated Annual Benefits:
Enter your details and click "Calculate Benefits" to see your estimate.
Understanding Your Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits
The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) is a comprehensive education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. It provides financial support for tuition, housing, and books, helping veterans, service members, and their families pursue higher education or vocational training.
Key Components of the Post-9/11 GI Bill:
- Tuition and Fees: The VA pays your tuition and fees directly to your school. The amount covered depends on your eligibility percentage and the type of school you attend.
- Public Schools: If you're eligible for 100% of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the VA will cover 100% of your in-state tuition and fees. For lower eligibility percentages, a proportional amount is covered.
- Private or Foreign Schools: For private or foreign schools, there's a national maximum cap on the amount the VA will pay per academic year. If your tuition exceeds this cap, you may need to cover the difference, or explore options like the Yellow Ribbon Program.
- Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA): This stipend is paid directly to you each month to help with living expenses. The amount is generally based on the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents in your school's zip code.
- Eligibility: You must be enrolled at more than half-time (rate of pursuit greater than 50%) to receive MHA.
- Online-Only Programs: If you're enrolled solely in distance learning courses, your MHA is half the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents, provided your rate of pursuit is greater than 50%.
- Proration: Your MHA is prorated based on your eligibility percentage and your rate of pursuit (e.g., full-time, 3/4 time, 1/2 time).
- Books and Supplies Stipend: An annual stipend of up to $1,000 is paid directly to you to cover the cost of books and supplies. This is prorated based on your eligibility percentage.
Eligibility Percentage:
Your eligibility percentage is determined by the length of your active duty service after September 10, 2001. The longer you served, the higher your percentage, up to 100% for 36 or more months of service.
How to Use This Calculator:
To get the most accurate estimate, gather the following information:
- Your Eligibility Percentage: This is typically found on your VA Certificate of Eligibility.
- Your School's Tuition & Fees: Contact your school's financial aid or registrar's office for current costs per term.
- Your School's MHA Rate: Use the DoD BAH Calculator to find the E-5 with dependents BAH rate for your school's zip code.
- National Tuition Cap: This changes annually. The calculator defaults to the current academic year's cap, but you can update it if you have more recent information.
Important Considerations:
- Yellow Ribbon Program: If you're 100% eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and attend a private school or out-of-state public school where tuition exceeds the national cap, the Yellow Ribbon Program can help cover the remaining costs. Not all schools participate, and participation can be limited.
- Kickers/Buy-ups: If you contributed to the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) or have a "kicker" (additional contributions), these benefits are not included in this calculator but can provide additional funds.
- Benefit Duration: The Post-9/11 GI Bill generally provides up to 36 months of benefits.
- Official Determination: This calculator provides an estimate. Your official benefits will be determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) based on your application and specific circumstances.
Always consult with your school's VA certifying official and the Department of Veterans Affairs for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your GI Bill benefits.