Earlier this year the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill went into effect, expanding the education benefits available to veterans who have served our country since September 10, 2001. Veteran’s Day just passed, and colleges and the military are encouraging those who qualify to take advantage of this program that honors and comforts their services to the United States. Education makes all the world’s dreams come true, and none are more deserving than the brave soldiers who have provided citizens the safety to sleep soundly for all these years.

Here is the way the program works. Veterans who have an honorable discharge and at least 90 days of total service since September 10, 2001 can qualify for:

• Up to 100% of tuition and fee costs, depending on length of service
• A monthly housing allowance
• A books and supplies stipend
• College fund (or “kicker” payment), depending on rate of pursuit
• Rural benefit payment, depending on residence

On top of having all these terrific benefits, the benefits are made by the government directly to educational institution. This is a massive evolution compared to the old version of the bill that had students to pay the tuition out of pocket and then wait for the military to reimburse them later.

Further, the bill provides benefits for associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Although some vocational and technical programs don’t qualify, other G.I. education benefits like the Montgomery G.I. Bill do cover these programs, and those eligible for both benefits packages can pick which one they want to use. This is an important choice since the benefits package can’t be changed afterwards.

The Yellow Ribbon Program is another evolution of the program. The G.I. Bill is capped at the rate charged by the most expensive undergraduate institutions in the state of residence of the veteran. However, those eligible for this program that want to attend graduate schools or out of state institutions or private schools probably won’t have their full tuition covered. That’s where the Yellow Ribbon Program comes into play. This Education Enhancement Program provision will allow the institution to help the veteran pay for the tuition exceeding the cap. The details are that the educational institution will pay for 50% of the tuition over the cap and the Department of Veterans Affairs will match that amount dollar for dollar. That will allow for all of the tuition for the veteran to be paid for.

If you are a veteran of the United States military, you have earned everything that the US government can give you. Making the decision to get an education is the most you can give yourself. Check out a program available to you today.