GI Bill Yellow Ribbon schools list

What Are Army Education Benefits?

As far as education is concerned, the military takes care of its own by offering active, Reserve, and National Guard servicemembers, spouses, dependent family members and retirees a wide array of education benefits. Whether you are still serving in uniform or have already attained retired-veteran status, the military has an education program for you.

If you still put on the uniform, your education benefit options include:

• College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP)
• Tuition Assistance Top-Up
• New GI Bill
• Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR)

Many servicemembers prefer to use Tuition Assistance to earn degrees while still on active duty. Additionally, the GI Bill can be used for an advanced degree once out of the military. If you qualify for the New GI Bill, you can also transfer benefits to your spouse or children.

If you have since hung up your uniform, your army education benefits options include:

• Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
• Montgomery GI Bill Buy-Up Program
• Survivors' and Dependents' Education Assistance Program (DEP)
• Veterans Educational Assistance (VEAP)
• Veterans Upward Bound Program (VUB)

New Educational Benefits: The Yellow Ribbon Program

One little-known part of the New GI Bill is the Yellow Ribbon Program. If you plan on attending a private university, ask if the school is enrolled in the Yellow Ribbon Program. If so, the VA pays your tuition, up to the maximum in-state public school tuition and the Yellow Ribbon Program school pays up to one-half of what remains. The VA will then pay an additional amount equal to what the school paid. This normally leaves you with very little tuition left to pay out of your pocket.

For those still serving, you can use your education benefits during your off-duty time by attending class on campus or by studying online. If you want (or need) to fast-track your degree, use the CLEP, DSST, and ECE tests in the DANTES program to earn credits toward your degree without having to attend the classes. You can earn credits by examination or "test-out" in a variety of classes and courses, thereby reducing the number of classes you have to take to earn your degree. However, before you invest time taking DANTES tests, make sure your school accepts the credits.

What Are the Army's Education and Tuition Assistance Programs?