New GI Bill Can Help You Earn a College Degree

You've served your country with honor and America owes you a debt - not just of gratitude, but of support in your pursuit of life and liberty outside the military. Helping you access education that will enhance your career opportunities is one of the most important ways America expresses appreciation to her veterans.

Your father and grandfather may have used the GI Bill to pay for the college education that ultimately helped them provide for their families. You can too, thanks to a new GI Bill that provides the most comprehensive education benefits package since the original legislation was signed into law 64 years ago.

To find out more about pursuing your education, visit Military.com today. Here are some helpful details:

Under the post Sept. 11, 2001 bill, you can:

* Receive up to 100 percent tuition if you've served more than 36 months of active duty after Sept. 11, 2001. Tuition percentages vary based on length of service, but the minimum you can receive is 40 percent for 90 consecutive days of active-duty service. Check out the tuition table at Military.com  to see how much you qualify for.

* Get a monthly stipend for housing expenses if you are enrolled full-time or three-quarters time in a traditional college program. The average monthly stipend is about $1,100.

* Receive $1,000 per year towards books and supplies.

You are eligible for educational benefits if you:

* Served as an active-duty member in any Armed Forces branch for more than 90 consecutive days since Sept. 11, 2001.

* Are a Reserve or Guard member who has been activated for more than 90 days since Sept. 11, 2001.

More than 1,800 schools across the country - both traditional brick-and-mortar and online institutions - work with the Department of Defense to provide veterans education through the GI Bill. You can pursue your education either through traditional, in-person enrollment or through distance learning. To get started finding the right school for you, go to Military.com, enter your information and start putting your GI Bill benefits to work for you.

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