What is the Post-9/11 GI Bill?

  • The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most comprehensive education benefit package since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. Individuals who are eligible for the new benefit may begin using the benefit August 1, 2009, for training that begins on or after that date.

Who is eligible?

  • A service member or veteran that has served at least 90 aggregate days of continuous active duty after 9/10/01.
  • An individual that has been honorably discharged for a service-connected disability who served 30 continuous days after 9/10/01.

How much will a veteran receive from the VA?

  • The amount of financial assistance is dependent upon the state in which the selected institution or program is located. The amount made available to an individual is capped at the highest in-state, undergraduate tuition and fees rate. A veteran’s length of service after 9/11 determines the benefit eligibility as follows:
    • 100% – 36 or more total months.
    • 100% – 30 or more consecutive days with disability-related discharge.
    • 90% – 30 total months.
    • 80% – 24 total months.
    • 70% – 18 total months.
    • 60% – 12 total months.
    • 50% – 6 total months.
    • 40% – 90 or more days.

**Note that only those who have served for a total of 36 months or more, or those who have served 30 or more consecutive days with a disability-related discharge, are eligible to receive 100% of the available benefits.

What is the potential tuition benefit amount in Ohio?

  • The final VA-approved rate in Ohio for 2011-12 is a maximum of $17,500 per year.  This amount may be supplemented by Yellow Ribbon and Patriot Award funding for eligible veterans.

Are graduate students eligible?

  • Graduate students are eligible.

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?

  • The Yellow Ribbon Program is a separate matching funds program that allows institutions to enter into an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Through this program the VA agrees to match any institutional funding (scholarships/grants) that the veteran receives from the institution. The amount must not exceed 50% of the difference in expenses incurred by enrolling in a more expensive program. With the VA’s Yellow Ribbon Program’s match to institutional funding (each equaling 50% of the remaining difference between the GI Bill’s initial payment and total tuition expenses), it is possible for some veterans to receive up to 100% coverage of additional charges.
  • Only individuals entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive funding from the Yellow Ribbon Program.
  • If a student is determined to be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program then all John Carroll funding will be superseded and replaced by the U.S. Patriot Award. John Carroll University has created the U.S. Patriot Award for all full-time undergraduate veterans utilizing the new GI Bill.

Are there any additional benefits aside from tuition assistance?

  • Veterans should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form which may allow them to be eligible for additional federal and state funding in the form of grants and loans. Eligibility for federal funds may be in addition to the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program funding and can be used toward housing and other educational expenses.
  • For eligible veterans, the GI Bill may also provide up to $1,000 per year for books and a basic housing allowance (at the rate of E-5 with dependents, zip code 44118). For JCU the stipend is currently $1,086 per month. The university has also established alternative low-cost housing options near campus for veterans.

This information was gathered from the website of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Veterans should rely on official VA documentation and policies in determining their individual eligibility for educational benefits.