Montgomery GI Bill Question

[marianne202]

I have a question for those of you with more experience than I do with using the Montgomery GI bill for tuition. I had a student tell me today that it won't cover any online classes, even those needed for your degree and even through an RA school. Is this correct? I thought that since they pay for EC degrees and DSST exams, that distance learning would be covered. We don't have the sharpest FA reps and I'm concerned that they are giving this student false information. Does anyone know where I can find out more specifics for him? Some classes he needs are only offered as hybrid or totally online, so this could mess him up in completing his degree. Thanks in advance for any help!

[dew125]

This is false. It really depends on which GI Bill, but I'm assuming he is mentioning the post 9-11 GI bill. Up until just recently, students could not get housing money if attending an online school, but now they do. I'm sure that is where the confusion lies. Also, unless I'm mistaken, the post 9-11 bill does not pay for clep tests just the previous ch 31 bill.

I have found the help section on the GI bill website to be quite helpful with answering the specifics.

[marianne202]

Thanks, he isn't using the post 9/11, just the regular Montgomery GI bill benefits. I just find it strange that any GI bill tuition reimbursement wouldn't cover a mix of online and face to face classes at the same RA state community college. We are in a very small town without many military personnel, so we don't have anyone dedicated to just military benefits, so I thought I would go to those on here that have actual experience using these benefits.

[dew125]

I've taken over 70 credits online at three different RA schools using my gi bill to cover the cost, so I know it is possible. Good luck!

[dcan]

Unofficial source, and as always confirm with the VA:

Can Montgomery GI Bill benefits be used to pay for online degree programs? Lauren

Hi Lauren, the Montgomery GI Bill can be used for online degree programs and many veterans find that it can actually work out better for online degree programs than the Post 9/11 GI Bill does. This is because the Post 9/11 GI Bill does not pay the housing allowance if the student is taking all online courses. The Post 9/11 GI Bill would only assist with tuition costs and that money goes directly to the school.

On the other hand, depending on how much you are eligible for with the Montgomery GI Bill and how many classes you are taking, you may receive more benefits from the Montgomery GI Bill than the amount of your tuition and the funds are paid to you. Any extra money can come in handy for fees and school supplies.

You don’t mention your status, but if you are still on active duty, I recommend using Tuition Assistance for your online courses. Many service members use Tuition Assistance to earn a bachelor’s degree while on active duty and save their GI Bill for earning a graduate degree after they leave the military.

However, if you have already separated, then the Montgomery GI Bill would be a good program for your online degree.

Source: GIBill.com

[marianne202]

Thanks! It was just the info I needed to pass along to him and he found out he can take online classes and still get his full benefits! Thanks! I knew this group would be in the know so I could advise him correctly!