Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefit Estimator
Use this calculator to estimate your potential annual Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for tuition, housing, and books. Please note that these are estimates, and actual benefits may vary based on VA approval, specific program costs, and changes in benefit rates.
36+ Months (or Purple Heart recipient)
30-35 Months
24-29 Months
18-23 Months
6-17 Months
90 Days – 5 Months
Full-time (12+ credits)
3/4 Time (9-11 credits)
1/2 Time (6-8 credits)
Less than 1/2 Time (no MHA)
Public In-State
Private or Foreign
You can find MHA rates on the VA's website by searching for your school's ZIP code.
Understanding the Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) is a comprehensive education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. It provides financial support for tuition, housing, and books, helping eligible veterans and their families pursue higher education or vocational training.
Key Benefits Covered:
- Tuition & Fees: The VA pays a percentage of your tuition and fees directly to the school. For public in-state institutions, 100% of tuition and fees are covered (up to your eligibility percentage). For private or foreign schools, there's an annual national maximum cap (e.g., $27,120.05 for AY 2023-2024), which is then applied based on your eligibility percentage.
- Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA): This allowance, often referred to as BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing), is paid directly to you each month. The amount is based on the E-5 with dependents BAH rate for the ZIP code of your school, your enrollment status (e.g., full-time, half-time), and your eligibility percentage. If you are enrolled solely in online courses, the MHA is capped at half the national average BAH.
- Books & Supplies Stipend: An annual stipend of up to $1,000 is provided for books and supplies, paid proportionately based on your enrollment and eligibility percentage. This is typically paid at the beginning of each term.
Eligibility Percentage Explained:
Your length of active duty service after September 10, 2001, determines your eligibility percentage for the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. This percentage directly impacts how much of the tuition, MHA, and book stipend you receive:
- 100%: 36 or more months of active duty service, or a Purple Heart recipient.
- 90%: At least 30 total months of active duty service.
- 80%: At least 24 total months of active duty service.
- 70%: At least 18 total months of active duty service.
- 60%: At least 6 total months of active duty service.
- 50%: At least 90 days of active duty service.
It's important to note that the MHA is not paid if you are enrolled less than half-time.
How to Use the Calculator:
- Select Your Service Length: Choose the option that matches your total active duty service to determine your eligibility percentage.
- Choose Enrollment Status: Indicate whether you plan to attend full-time, three-quarter time, etc., as this affects your MHA.
- Select Institution Type: Specify if your school is public in-state or private/foreign, as this impacts tuition coverage.
- Enter Tuition & Fees per Term: Provide an estimate of what your school charges per academic term.
- Input Terms per Year: Indicate how many terms (semesters, quarters) you typically attend in an academic year.
- Enter Expected MHA: Find the current E-5 with dependents BAH rate for your school's ZIP code on the VA's website and enter it here.
- Click "Calculate Benefits": The calculator will then provide an estimated breakdown of your annual benefits.
This calculator provides an estimate based on current VA rates and common scenarios. For precise and official benefit information, always consult with a VA representative or your school's Veteran Affairs office.