All state colleges and universities are considered institutions of higher learning (IHL) by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and are approved GI Bill schools. Both the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill pay a serviceman's tuition based upon the highest in-state tuition charged by a public school in the state where the school is located. If a serviceman elects to attend a private school that has a tuition rate higher then the most expensive in-state school, then he will be required to pay the difference. If the private institution is enrolled in the Yellow Ribbon program, additional funds may be available to offset the difference in tuition rates. A serviceman should check with his school's VA liaison to determine if Yellow Ribbon assistance is available.
Servicemen who seek an education from a trade school or apprenticeship program can have their tuition paid for by the GI Bill if they attend a VA-approved institution. Automotive repair technician, electrician, carpenter, plumber and contractor are some of the careers eligible for GI Bill benefits. Servicemen should check with the VA to determine which career fields are approved for benefits under the GI Bill.
Certain career fields require additional licensing or certification that must be obtained post-education, prior to a serviceman entering the job market. The GI Bill will pay for servicemen to obtain VA-approved licenses in a wide range of career fields. The GI Bill pays for barber, commercial driver, dental hygienist, insurance agent, law, property casualty, real estate, broker, accountant and psychology licenses, to name just a few. Consult with the VA to determine which licenses are eligible for GI Bill benefits in your state.
The GI Bill will pay for servicemen to take most national entrance and exit exams required to obtain their degree. Entrance exams such as the GRE, LSAT, ACT, SAT and GMAT, and exit exams such as Journeyman and Master Electrician and clinical licensing exams, are approved by the VA. Servicemen should check with the VA to determine if state exams, such as state bar exams, are eligible for coverage.