GI Bill

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In recognition of military service during the War on Terror, Congress has enacted a new GI Bill. The previous Montgomery GI Bill paid only a monthly stipend, but the new Post 9/11 GI Bill covers tuition, contributes to living expenses, provides a book and supply stipend, and even offers limited benefit transferability to family members. Best of all -- you don't need to rely on the traditional university setting and lifestyle to put your GI Bill to use. Flexible online degree programs are at the forefront of helping service members, veterans and military family members get the degree they need around the schedule they have.

Numerous online degree programs work with military and veteran students to ensure they understand their benefits and use them fully. Here are some of the perks to look forward to:

• The new GI Bill benefits can be paid directly to the school of your choice, which eliminates the endless cycle of checks and deadlines.
• A yearly stipend of $1000 is now being offered to cover textbooks and school supplies.
• Up to $2000 is offered to cover a licensing or certification examination to complete the original promise of the GI Bill -- to start those who have served their country on a new civilian career. This benefit can only be used once.

Educate Your Family

The new GI Bill has a limited transferability to military family members, so the spouse and children of an active duty member can take advantage of the GI Bill to cover their college tuition expenses too. With this new program in effect, military spouses no longer have to struggle between the choice of school and family.

The GI Bill is a preferred tuition method for most online colleges, so a spouse's degree program can move when needed without penalty.

The Longer You Served, the More You Benefit

Your GI Bill benefits depend on the length of time you served in the military post 9/11. With a minimum of 90 consecutive service days, 40 percent of your educational tuition and fees are covered. Thirty-six months or more of service qualifies for the entire GI Bill benefit amount.

Schools with dedicated military degree programs want to help you make the most of the benefits you are entitled to. The DegreesFinder.com free school-finder servicehelps match you with reputable online schools and trained counselors who can discuss your degree and certification options, career goals and hectic life schedule. With their knowledge of military benefits and online courses, they can help you get on the right track to a brighter future.

The GI Bill Isn't the Only Way to Pay for College

If you are on active duty, the GI Bill isn't your only college funding source. The military values your education and offers Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (AFTA, also called TA) for individuals in each service branch. You can complete your degree at home or even during deployment by using an online degree program and your TA benefit. Don't get frustrated with red tape and endless forms. Accredited online university counselors are trained to navigate the military red tape and help you make the most of all your benefits