GI Bill, Tuition Assistance, SkillBridge and spouse scholarships. Every fact links to the official source. Last checked Oct 20, 2026.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
What you getPays for school or training, with housing money and a book stipend.
Key facts- Up to 36 months of entitlement.
- Monthly housing allowance based on where your school is.
- Money for books and supplies, up to the yearly maximum.
How to applyHow to get it: Apply on VA.gov.
Go to the official page →
Source: VA.gov · checked Oct 20, 2026
Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty)
What you getAn older GI Bill you paid into when you joined.
Key facts- Most members qualified by having pay reduced $100 a month for the first 12 months ($1,200).
- If you switch to the Post-9/11 GI Bill and use up that entitlement, VA may refund part or all of your contribution, up to $1,200.
How to applyHow to get it: Compare both GI Bills on VA.gov before you choose; the choice to switch can't be undone.
Go to the official page →
Source: VA.gov · checked Oct 20, 2026
Tuition Assistance (TA)
What you getYour branch pays tuition for off-duty classes while you serve.
Key facts- DoD caps: up to $250 per semester credit hour and $4,500 per fiscal year.
- Each branch sets its own eligibility rules and credit-hour limits.
- You may have to repay TA if you don't pass the course.
How to applyHow to get it: Request TA through your branch's education portal before class starts (Air Force: 45 to 7 days before).
Go to the official page →
Source: Air Force Benefits (official); DoD caps per Congress.gov CRS R47875 · checked Oct 20, 2026
Transfer your GI Bill to family
What you getGive some or all of your Post-9/11 GI Bill months to a spouse or child.
Key facts- You need at least 6 years of service on the date it's approved and must agree to serve 4 more years.
- You can transfer up to 36 months.
- You must request it while still serving, through milConnect. VA can't approve it.
How to applyHow to get it: Request a Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) in milConnect.
Go to the official page →
Source: VA.gov · checked Oct 20, 2026
DoD SkillBridge
What you getTrain or intern with a civilian employer during your last months in uniform.
Key facts- For service members in their final 180 days of service.
- Needs command approval and your branch's requirements.
How to applyHow to get it: Search approved programs on the official SkillBridge site and talk to your chain of command early.
Go to the official page →
Source: DoD SkillBridge (official) · checked Oct 20, 2026
CLEP / DANTES exams
What you getTest out of college classes for credit.
Key facts- DANTES funds one attempt per exam title for eligible service members (active, Guard and Reserve with a CAC).
- On-base and fully funded test centers also waive the administration fee; off-base "test fee only" centers may charge it.
- Retakes aren't funded: wait 3 months and pay yourself.
- Coast Guard spouses and SpouseWorks-eligible spouses can also qualify (per College Board's DANTES chart).
How to applyHow to get it: Find a test center on DANTES and schedule your exam.
Go to the official page →
Source: DANTES (official) · checked Oct 20, 2026
SpouseWorks Scholarship (formerly MyCAA)
What you getMoney for military spouses to earn a license, certification or associate degree.
Key facts- Up to $4,000 in financial help.
- Open to spouses of active-duty, Guard and Reserve members on qualifying Title 10 orders, all ranks and pay grades.
How to applyHow to get it: Create an account on SpouseWorks to check eligibility, or call Military OneSource for a career coach.
Go to the official page →
Source: Military OneSource · checked Oct 20, 2026
