Yes. Current service members, veterans, and military family members may also qualify for military scholarships and other funding resources beyond GI Bill and tuition assistance programs.
By: The Capella University Editorial Team
Reading Time: 4 minutes
More service members, veterans and military families are pursuing higher education with the help of education benefits and tuition support programs.
To make the most of benefits such as the GI Bill® and military tuition assistance, the first step is understanding which programs you may be eligible for and how they work. Funding may be available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a military service branch, or a college or university.
Here’s an overview of several common military education funding options.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs administers several education benefit programs for eligible veterans and service members. Some commonly used options include:
The Post-9/11 GI Bill®, also known as Chapter 33, provides education benefits to eligible service members who served on qualifying active duty after Sept. 10, 2001. In many cases, eligible students can receive up to 36 months of benefits. In some circumstances, a qualifying service member may also be able to transfer benefits to a spouse or dependent. Because eligibility details can change, it is important to confirm current requirements through official VA resources.
The Montgomery GI Bill®, often called Chapter 30 or MGIB, offers education benefits to eligible active-duty service members who meet program requirements. Participants may need to satisfy enrollment, contribution, and service obligations before receiving benefits. The Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve, or Chapter 1606, supports eligible members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard and may provide up to 36 months of education benefits, depending on service eligibility.
In addition to federal programs, some states offer education benefits for veterans, service members or eligible dependents. Visit the GI Bill® website and your state’s veterans affairs resources for current program information.
Military TA is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force. Congress has given each service branch the ability to pay up to 100% for the tuition expenses of its members, but each branch has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and restrictions. Tuition is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual service branch.
Active-duty Tuition Assistance Top-up may help eligible active-duty service members combine branch tuition assistance with qualifying GI Bill® benefits. In some cases, the Top-Up option can help cover tuition and fees that exceed what standard tuition assistance will pay. Service members should review the potential impact on their GI Bill® entitlement before using Top-Up.
Reserve TA and National Guard TA may be available to eligible members who meet service and academic requirements. Program amounts, approval processes, and rules can vary by component and branch, so service members should confirm details with their education office or unit representative before enrolling.
In addition to federal and branch-based benefits, military-affiliated students may want to explore scholarships, grants, employer education assistance and school-specific funding opportunities. To help you get started, Capella University has compiled online resources focused on military education benefits and support.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Yes. Current service members, veterans, and military family members may also qualify for military scholarships and other funding resources beyond GI Bill and tuition assistance programs.
Your military training and occupational experience could be applied toward your Capella degree through the transfer credit evaluation process. See if you’re eligible for transfer credits.
Yes. Capella offers 15% off eligible bachelor’s programs and 10% off eligible certificates, master’s and doctoral programs. Benefits are offered to active-duty service members, veterans, spouses and dependents.
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