VA Education Benefits: What are the current programs you can apply to get benefits?
From the Post-9/11 GI Bill to career training and scholarships, veterans and eligible family members have several routes to education assistance
Veterans, service members and qualifying family members have access to several Department of Veterans Affairs education programs that can help cover the cost of college, vocational training, apprenticeships and other career preparation.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve remain among the principal programs available, but they are not the only options.
The VA also administers programs aimed at survivors and dependents, STEM students and veterans pursuing technology-focused training.
The right program depends heavily on a person's military history, discharge status, type of education or training and, in some cases, their relationship to a veteran or service member.
Which VA education programs are available?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, or Chapter 33, is one of the most comprehensive options. Generally, veterans may qualify if they served at least 90 days on active duty after September 10, 2001, although there are additional eligibility routes.
The program can help with tuition and fees, housing, books and supplies, as well as certain tests, tutoring, work-study and career training.
For the 2026-27 academic year, VA benefit rates were updated for payments beginning August 1, 2026. A veteran's percentage of eligibility depends partly on qualifying service.
Those who completed at least 36 months of active-duty service, for example, can qualify for the full 100% benefit under the standard Post-9/11 eligibility rules.
The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD), Chapter 30, is another option. It is generally available to veterans who completed at least two years of active-duty service and satisfy other requirements, including qualifying discharge and education requirements.
There is also the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve, Chapter 1606, designed for qualifying members of the Selected Reserve. Depending on eligibility, the benefit can help pay for approved education and training.
For veterans pursuing certain science, technology, engineering or mathematics fields, the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship can provide additional assistance after qualifying Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement has been exhausted. The VA lists current STEM Scholarship rates alongside its other education programs.
Another newer option is VET TEC 2.0, or Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses.
The program provides assistance for eligible veterans participating in approved high-tech education and training, including support for certain training and housing costs. The VA began accepting applications for VET TEC 2.0 in 2026.
Benefits can also extend to families
VA education assistance is not limited to veterans themselves. Eligible spouses and children can potentially receive Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA), also known as Chapter 35, when the veteran or service member meets specific conditions, including death, missing status or permanent and total service-connected disability.
The Fry Scholarship is another important program for certain children and surviving spouses of service members who died on or after September 11, 2001. It can provide money for tuition, housing, books and supplies.
Eligible service members can also potentially transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child, although the Department of Defense must approve the transfer.
There have also been important developments concerning veterans with multiple qualifying periods of service.
Following recent court decisions, some veterans who qualify for both the Post-9/11 GI Bill and MGIB-AD may now be eligible for up to 48 months of combined entitlement, rather than the traditional 36-month limit. VA says it is automatically reviewing eligibility under the relevant rulings.
How to apply for VA education benefits
Veterans and service members can apply online through the VA . For first-time applicants, VA Form 22-1990 can be used for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, MGIB-AD and MGIB-SR. Applicants should have their Social Security number, direct-deposit information and military and education history available.
Before choosing a program, applicants should use the VA's GI Bill Comparison Tool and check their eligibility.
The value of benefits can differ substantially between programs, so selecting the right benefit before beginning a course or training program can make a significant difference to the financial assistance available.
