The Post-9/11 GI Bill can pay your full resident tuition at a public college or university. If you attend a private or foreign school, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay up to $29,920.95 for the 2025-2026 academic year. An academic year is from Aug. 1 to July 31.
What if My School Costs More?
Many private institutions choose to take part in the "Yellow Ribbon" program, in which the school waives a portion of the difference in the tuition it charges and the amount covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Be sure to ask your school if it participates in the program.
How Much Do I Qualify For?
Your Post-9/11-GI Bill entitlement percentage determines the amount of tuition and fees you GI Bill will cover. The percentage is based on the number of months you served on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001. For example, if you served 24 months on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, your GI Bill percentage is 80%. This means that if you attend a public school as an in-state resident and the tuition is $10,000 a semester, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay 80% of your tuition and fees, or $8,000. Active-duty time can also include Title 10 mobilizations for reserve and National Guard members.
Who Qualifies for Public In-State Tuition?
In order to receive GI Bill payments, public institutions must offer in-state tuition rates to eligible recipients, including veterans as well as dependents with transferred benefits. If you don't already live in the state when you enroll, you may need to show your intent to move there and likely will need to be living there by the time classes start.
Keep Up With Your Education Benefits
Whether you need a guide on how to use your GI Bill, want to take advantage of tuition assistance and scholarships, or get the lowdown on education benefits available for your family, Military.com can help. Subscribe to Military.com to have education tips and benefits updates delivered directly to your inbox.
