Skip to main content
Menu

Veteran education benefits and training programs

Compare college benefits, career training and campus support. See who may qualify, what costs to check, and how to take the next step.

Choose a starting point

For campus support, see Student Veterans of America. For teaching, see Troops to Teachers.

8 programs

About this directory

Programs to explore

  • VA programTuition Benefits

    Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

    Helps pay for approved school or job training, with tuition, housing and book benefits based on eligibility and enrollment.

    Who may qualify: Qualifying service after September 10, 2001. Several eligibility paths apply, including shorter service for certain disability discharges and Purple Heart recipients.

    Costs, coverage and how to start
    Costs and benefits
    Payment depends on your benefit level, school and enrollment.
    Where it is available
    VA-approved schools and training programs.
    How to start
    Check your eligibility with VA and confirm that your chosen program is approved before applying.

    Sources: Program requirements and steps

    Check GI Bill eligibility 1-888-442-4551

    Source reviewed

  • VA programTech Training

    VET TEC 2.0 (Technology Training)

    Pays for approved technology certificate training, with housing, books and supplies for eligible participants. This replaces the former VET TEC pilot.

    Who may qualify: At least 36 months of active duty and under age 62 when approved; veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable or active-duty members within 180 days of separation.

    Costs, coverage and how to start
    Costs and benefits
    VA pays approved tuition and fees. Remaining VA education entitlement may be charged.
    Where it is available
    Approved providers; some offer distance learning.
    How to start
    Use the new VET TEC 2.0 application. An old pilot Certificate of Eligibility cannot be reused.
    Availability
    Annual participant limit applies. Check VA for current openings.

    Sources: Program requirements and steps

    Check VET TEC 2.0 requirements 1-888-442-4551

    Source reviewed

  • Community organizationStudent Support

    Student Veterans of America (SVA)

    Connects student veterans with campus chapters, peer support and student resources.

    Who may qualify: Student veterans; ask your campus chapter about local participation.

    Costs, coverage and how to start
    Costs and benefits
    Ask the chapter about any event or participation costs.
    Where it is available
    Participating college and university campuses.
    How to start
    Ask your campus veterans office about its SVA chapter while the chapter finder is being updated.
    Availability
    SVA reports that its chapter directory is being updated.

    Sources: Program requirements and steps

    Visit SVA chapter information

    Source reviewed

  • VA programTuition Assistance

    Yellow Ribbon Program

    Helps cover tuition and fees above the Post-9/11 GI Bill limit through contributions from a participating school and VA.

    Who may qualify: The 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit level and a participating school with available places. This is not a 100% disability-rating requirement.

    Costs, coverage and how to start
    Costs and benefits
    School contribution limits apply; the benefit may not cover every remaining cost.
    Where it is available
    Participating institutions of higher learning.
    How to start
    Give your Certificate of Eligibility to the school certifying official and ask about Yellow Ribbon funding and places.

    Sources: Program requirements and steps

    Check Yellow Ribbon requirements 1-888-442-4551

    Source reviewed

  • VA programTuition Benefits

    Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30)

    Provides monthly payments toward approved education or training under Chapter 30.

    Who may qualify: An honorable discharge and one of VA’s qualifying service and enrollment categories. Paying into the program alone does not establish eligibility.

    Costs, coverage and how to start
    Costs and benefits
    Payment varies with service, training and other factors.
    Where it is available
    VA-approved education and training programs.
    How to start
    Confirm program approval, apply through VA, then ask the school to certify your enrollment.

    Sources: Program requirements and steps

    Check Montgomery GI Bill eligibility 1-888-442-4551

    Source reviewed

  • VA programFamily Benefits

    Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA / Chapter 35)

    Provides education or training payments to eligible spouses and children through Chapter 35.

    Who may qualify: Spouses or children who meet VA rules after a qualifying death, service-connected permanent and total disability, or certain missing/captured service-member circumstances.

    Costs, coverage and how to start
    Costs and benefits
    Monthly payments to the eligible student; amounts depend on enrollment.
    Where it is available
    VA-approved schools, training and apprenticeships.
    How to start
    Review the family eligibility rules, apply with VA Form 22-5490, and ask the school to certify enrollment.

    Sources: Program requirements and steps

    Check Chapter 35 eligibility 1-888-442-4551

    Source reviewed

  • Community organizationCertifications

    Onward to Opportunity (O2O)

    Offers online career training, certification preparation and career support through Syracuse University’s IVMF.

    Who may qualify: Veterans with at least 180 days of service and an honorable discharge; eligible transitioning service members, Guard/Reserve members and military spouses. One-time participation.

    Costs, coverage and how to start
    Costs and benefits
    Training is free and does not use GI Bill benefits. Exam funding has additional requirements; employed participants may need to pay exam fees.
    Where it is available
    Online, with support at participating installations.
    How to start
    Submit the O2O interest form. An advisor helps with the assessment, course choice and cohort enrollment.

    Sources: Program requirements and steps · Eligibility and exam funding

    Review O2O enrollment steps

    Source reviewed

  • Other government programTeaching Careers

    Troops to Teachers

    Provides state teaching-license and career resources for service members and veterans interested in K–12 teaching.

    Who may qualify: Service members and veterans; teacher licensing and hiring requirements vary by state.

    Costs, coverage and how to start
    Costs and benefits
    Do not assume a federal stipend or bonus is available. Check state program costs and funding.
    Where it is available
    State-specific licensing, preparation and employment resources.
    How to start
    Use the state links on the official page to find licensing requirements and teaching pathways.
    Availability
    The official program update reports minimum staffing and resources without funding for a full restart.

    Sources: Program requirements and steps

    Find state teaching resources

    Source reviewed

Before you apply

Do I need a VA disability rating?

The requirements differ by program. GI Bill eligibility is based on qualifying service. If a service-connected condition affects your ability to work, also review Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E); a VA counselor determines eligibility for services.

Will a program pay every expense?

Check tuition limits, housing and book payments, remaining entitlement, and your school’s charges. Yellow Ribbon participation and funding vary by school. Free career training can still have conditions on certification exam funding. Each listing explains the costs we reviewed.

What should I confirm with my school?

Ask the school’s certifying official whether your exact program is approved, what costs you may owe, and which documents they need. Compare your VA benefit options before choosing one. The program links below each listing lead to the provider’s current requirements.

About this directory

You can use this directory without an account. Providers decide eligibility, costs and availability. A listing is not an endorsement or a guarantee of assistance.

Listings with a source review date include costs, coverage and steps checked against the linked provider pages on that date. Other listings have not yet received that detailed review. Confirm current requirements with the provider before applying.

Report a correction · Explore more veteran resources