GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon & Military Tuition Assistance Explained

Not affiliated with the U.S. military, the Department of Defense (Department of War) or the VA. This is an independent guide that summarizes official public information and links to the official source. It is not recruiting material; talk to the official program or a counselor before making decisions. Last checked Oct 16, 2026.

Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

For those who served at least 90 days on active duty on or after Sept 11, 2001 (or meet another VA criterion). At the maximum benefit it covers full public in-state tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance if you're enrolled more than half time, and a books and supplies stipend. It can also pay for vocational and technical training, apprenticeships and on-the-job training, and licensing and certification tests. Benefits don't expire if your service ended on or after Jan 1, 2013. Up to 36 months; a qualified service member can transfer benefits to a spouse or child (DoD approves transfers). Source: va.gov ↗

Yellow Ribbon Program

Helps pay higher out-of-state, private, foreign or graduate tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't cover. You must qualify at the 100% benefit level; participating schools contribute an amount and VA matches it. Spots are first-come, first-served at each school. Source: va.gov ↗

Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD, Chapter 30)

For those with at least 2 years of active duty who meet one of VA's four categories (most commonly: entered active duty after June 30, 1985 and had pay reduced $100 a month for 12 months). You usually have 10 years to use it. Source: va.gov ↗

Military Tuition Assistance (TA)

For serving members during off-duty time. DoD guidance lists TA paying up to $250 per semester credit hour and up to $4,500 a year (subject to change; each service sets its own rules). Schools must be accredited and sign the DoD Voluntary Education Partnership MOU; compare eligible schools with the TA DECIDE tool. Sources: militarypay.defense.gov ↗, Military OneSource TA DECIDE ↗

SpouseWorks Scholarship (formerly MyCAA)

Up to $4,000 for eligible military spouses toward a license, certification or associate degree needed for employment. Source: militaryonesource.mil ↗

Use it for trade school

The GI Bill covers vocational and technical programs and apprenticeships. Find programs with our trade program finder and check approval with VA's GI Bill Comparison Tool before you enroll.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the GI Bill for trade school?

Yes. VA lists vocational and technical training, non-college degrees, apprenticeships and on-the-job training among the ways to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Make sure VA has approved the program first.

How much does military Tuition Assistance pay?

DoD guidance lists up to $250 per semester credit hour and up to $4,500 per year, subject to change. Each service sets its own eligibility rules.

What happened to MyCAA?

It's now called the SpouseWorks Scholarship, offering eligible military spouses up to $4,000 for licenses, certifications or associate degrees.

GI Bill and Tuition Assistance