According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the passing of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the drawdown of military personnel from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have led to a significant increase in the number of veterans and service members using their military benefits to pursue a postsecondary degree. However, the Post-9/11 GI Bill represents just one of several available programs and scholarships for military veterans seeking a higher education.
individuals can apply for a host of public and private scholarships for military veterans as well as scholarships for military dependents
Active duty personnel and veterans can also access funding and tuition discounts through the Yellow Ribbon Program and the National Call to Service (NCS). Additionally, the government provides financial aid to reservists through the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) and to military families through the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program.
Veterans and service members who hope to become teachers can also access aid through the Troops to Teachers program as well as initiatives hosted by Teach for America (TFA) and TEACH-NOW. Furthermore, individuals can apply for a host of public and private scholarships for military veterans as well as scholarships for military dependents.
Financial Aid Programs for Military and Veterans
| The Montgomery GI bill represents one of the two primary education benefit programs available to veterans and service members. It provides up to $1,857 per month for a maximum of 36 months. Students receive this funding directly and can use it to pay for tuition, books, and other education expenses. | |
| What's Covered | Students receive between $464 and $1,857 per month, depending on their enrollment status. The government provides this benefit for up to 36 months. |
|---|---|
| Who's Covered | Active duty personnel must enroll and pay $100 per month for 12 months in order to be eligible for this program. They must also meet minimum service requirements and receive a fully honorable discharge. |
| How to Apply | Veterans and service members can apply online by completing form VA 22-1990. In addition to service requirements, individuals must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate to apply. |
Military-Related Teaching Programs
Troops to Teachers
Jointly run by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Education (ED), the Troops to Teachers program helps service members and veterans become K-12 teachers at public and charter schools. In addition to counseling and referral services to help participants meet state teaching certification requirements, the program provides financial assistance up to $10,000.
All current and former members of the U.S. armed forces who received an honorable discharge can receive counseling and referral services through this program. Participants must meet certain other requirements to receive financial assistance, including applying within three years of their last day of service and transferring to the Retired Reserve.
Individuals can receive a $5,000 stipend to help pay for the cost of their education at an accredited teacher preparation program or a $10,000 bonus for committing to teach in a high-need school for a period of at least three years. Participants cannot receive both a stipend and a bonus through the program, and individuals must be registered before they begin teaching to be eligible for the bonus.
Applicants can apply through the DoD's online registration system. If accepted, program counselors help aspiring teachers find a job in their state and within their area of expertise.
Teach for America's Veterans Initiative
TFA's veterans recruitment initiative, called "You Served America, Now Teach for America," encourages former military personnel to become teachers. The program provides an opportunity for veterans to continue their service to their country by working in some of the highest-need classrooms in the country.
Participants receive the same initial teacher training as other TFA corps members. After this training, TFA matches participants with open teaching jobs at public and charter schools within a member's chosen region. TFA members must commit to teaching for at least two years. Individual districts pay TFA teachers, and salaries typically range from $33,000-$58,000 per year.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree earned with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. After completing a general application, applicants may be invited to an interview where they must present a five minute sample lesson. If admitted, participants receive a teaching assignment, which they can accept or decline.
TEACH-NOW Veterans Initiative
TEACH-NOW is a private school of education based in the District of Columbia. It offers an online certification program that enables participants to become a certified teacher in as few as nine months, as well as a 12-month program that confers a master's in education. Students can complete much of the coursework for this online teaching degree on a part-time basis, although they must complete at least 200 hours of teaching practice in the classroom to receive certification. Graduates of these programs can teach in the District of Columbia or Arizona, and they may also apply for licensure reciprocity in other states.
TEACH-NOW's Veterans Initiative provides current and former members of the armed forces with a pathway into the teaching profession. Students can choose to enroll in cohorts made up entirely of military service personnel, allowing them to learn alongside others who understand the unique strengths and challenges possessed by veterans. Students can use VA education benefits on any of the programs offered by TEACH-NOW. The organization also provides free consultations to veterans considering a career in teaching. To enter either of these programs, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or higher and complete an online application.
Teaching Scholarships for Military and Veterans
Who Can Apply: AMVETS provides several scholarships for military veterans. Generally, applicants must be current service members or honorably discharged veterans. They must also have a high school diploma or GED certificate and demonstrate financial need.
Resources for Active Military and Veterans
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs The VA administers several benefits to current and former members of the armed forces, including educational benefits like the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bills.
U.S. Department of Education The ED provides resources that detail how to apply for various forms of financial aid, including scholarships for active duty military personnel. The ED also jointly runs the Troops to Teachers program.
American Veterans AMVETS is a congressionally-chartered veterans service organization. As part of its broader mission, it helps veterans navigate government resources and benefits programs.
Wounded Warrior Project In addition to offering physical and mental wellness programs for veterans, WWP also provides career and benefits counseling to former members of the military and their dependents.
National Veterans Foundation NVF operates a toll-free helpline and online assistance portal for veterans. Staffed by veterans, the foundation helps former service members find food, shelter, medical treatment, jobs, and educational programs.
Corporation for National and Community Service Veterans can qualify for additional government benefits by becoming an AmeriCorps member. The Corporation for National and Community Service oversees the AmeriCorps program.