Did you know that you may be eligible for the GI Bill, which helps cover tuition and other college expenses? FNU shows its appreciation to veterans and active-duty military service members by offering preferred tuition to those serving in the Active Duty, National Guard, Reserves, and Veterans, as well as their spouses. Whether you are advancing your military or civilian career, FNU offers affordable, career-focused degree programs that will help you achieve your educational goals. So, what is the GI Bill?
What is the GI Bill?
The GI Bill helps veterans, service members, and some military families cover the costs of education and training. It was first passed in 1944. Since then, it has helped millions of people learn a skill or trade. FNU is approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to accept the GI bill for payment of tuition and other college expenses.
Post-9/11 GI Bill®
The Post-9/11 GI Bill® may be available to you if you served on active duty after September 10, 2001. This bill can help cover tuition, housing, books, and other school costs.
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
The Montgomery GI Bill has two parts: one part for active-duty service members (MGIB-AD) and one part for members of the Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR). You may have paid into it while serving, then use it later for school or training.
GI Bill benefits can be used for many types of education. This includes:
- College degrees (associate, bachelor’s, master’s)
- Non-college degrees (trade schools and technical programs)
- On-the-job training and apprenticeships
- Flight training
- Licensing and certification tests
If you are using the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and you served at least 36 months, it may cover full in-state tuition. It also includes a housing allowance and money for books and supplies.
Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program is an extra benefit for Post-9/11 GI Bill® recipients. This program may help cover the tuition costs not paid by the GI Bill alone.
Military Spouses and Children
Many people are unaware that GI Bill benefits can also be transferred to spouses or children. This option is available to service members who meet certain time-in-service rules. They must request the transfer while still in the military.
How Do I Qualify for the GI Bill?
The GI Bill offers education benefits to veterans, service members, dependents, and their families. To see if you qualify for the GI Bill, you can apply through the VA. You will complete an application and submit documents like your DD-214 or proof of service. Once approved, you can work with FNU’s VA certifying official. To qualify, you must meet specific service and discharge criteria.
Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
You may be eligible if you served on active duty after September 10, 2001, and meet at least one of these requirements:
- Served at least 90 days on active duty (either all at once or with breaks in service) on or after September 11, 2001.
- Received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged after any amount of service.
- Served for at least 30 continuous days (all at once, without a break in service) on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged with a service-connected disability.
- You are a dependent child using benefits transferred by a qualifying veteran or active-duty service member.
Your length of service determines your benefit percentage. For example, serving at least 36 months or receiving a Purple Heart qualifies you for 100% of the benefit.
You may qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty if you meet all of these criteria:
- Were honorably discharged.
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or 12 hours of college credit.
- Entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985.
- Had your military pay reduced by $100 a month for the first 12 months of service.
- Additionally, you must have served continuously (without a break) for at least one of these time periods:
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- 2 years, if that was your agreement when you enlisted.
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- 4 years if you entered the Selected Reserve within a year of leaving active duty (called the 2 by 4 program).
To apply, you will need:
- Bank account direct deposit information.
- Education and military history.
- Basic information about the school or training facility you want to attend or are attending now.
How Do I Maximize My GI Bill Benefits?
The GI Bill can help cover the costs of school, training, school supplies, transportation, and housing. But to get the most out of it, you need a plan.
Understand Your GI Bill Options
There are several versions of the GI Bill. The most common is the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. It covers tuition, housing, books, and fees. Another option is the Montgomery GI Bill, which functions more like a monthly payment for educational expenses. Learn which one you qualify for. Each has different rules and benefits.
Go Full-Time If You Can
The Post-9/11 GI Bill® pays more if you are a full-time student. You also get a larger housing allowance. Taking extra classes or fast-track courses can help you stay full-time and finish sooner.
Consider Online and Hybrid Classes
Online classes offer flexibility. However, please note that the housing allowance is lower for online students. A hybrid approach can help you stay full-time and keep full housing benefits.
Transfer Benefits to Family (If Eligible)
Some service members can transfer unused GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child. This must be done while you are still in the military. Check the rules and deadlines through the VA.
Use Other Veteran Resources
Talk to a VA education counselor. They can guide you through the benefits. Additionally, schedule a meeting with your military benefits advisor at FNU.
Stay On Track with Deadlines
Keep up with VA paperwork and submit your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) as early as you can. Please notify our FNU certifying official when you start or stop classes. Do not forget that missing deadlines can delay payments.
Why Do Veterans Choose FNU’s Trade Programs?
Florida National University has long been a supportive institution for U.S. military personnel and veterans. We offer trade programs that help veterans transition from the military to civilian life.
Tailored Support for Military Personnel
We demonstrate our appreciation for military service by offering preferred tuition rates to active-duty members, National Guard, Reserves, veterans, and their spouses. This financial consideration helps make education accessible and affordable. We are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Accelerated Learning Opportunities
We structure our semesters into two 8-week terms within a 16-week semester. This accelerated format enables you to focus on fewer subjects, allowing you to complete a program more quickly.
Practical, Hands-On Training
At FNU, we emphasize experiential learning, especially in programs such as medical assisting, nursing, and information technology. Veterans possess numerous practical skills from their service, and FNU’s hands-on approach enables them to apply these competencies to civilian jobs.
Flexible Class Schedules
FNU offers classes in both the morning and evening. This flexibility helps you balance your studies with personal commitments, making education attainable without compromising other aspects of your life.
Recognition of Prior Learning
FNU acknowledges the value of previous education and training. We evaluate prior learning experiences, including military training, to grant appropriate credits. This can help shorten the time to complete your trade programs.
Dedicated Support Services
FNU offers a support system to help you apply for and manage military and veteran educational benefits. Key contacts include:
- Academic Advising: Amanda Carreras (acarreras@fnu.edu)
- Student & Career Services: Monica Calderon (mbcalderon@fnu.edu)
Eager to Learn More?
Contact us today to learn more about our Military & Veteran Educational Benefits.
