The VA offers several education benefits for veterans, service members, and their families. Beyond the GI Bill, you can qualify for vocational rehabilitation, dependent education, tuition assistance, and scholarships. This 2026 hub explains every program.
VA education benefits at a glance
| Program | Who it's for |
|---|---|
| Post-9/11 GI Bill | Post-9/11 active-duty veterans |
| Montgomery GI Bill (Ch. 30/1606) | Active-duty (buy-in) and Reserve |
| Chapter 35 (DEA) | Spouse/children of 100% P&T or deceased vets |
| Fry Scholarship | Children/spouse of post-9/11 KIA service members |
| VR&E (Chapter 31) | Service-connected veterans needing employment |
| Yellow Ribbon Program | Post-9/11 students at private schools |
| Tuition Assistance (TA) | Active-duty members |
The GI Bill: Your primary education benefit
The GI Bill is the most-used VA education benefit. Most post-9/11 veterans use the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). See the GI Bill comparison guide to pick the right chapter.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
VR&E (Chapter 31) is for service-connected veterans who need help finding or keeping work because of a disability. VR&E can pay for:
- College, vocational training, or apprenticeships.
- Books, supplies, and equipment.
- Monthly subsistence allowance.
- Job placement and employer outreach.
- Independent living services.
VR&E often pays more than the GI Bill because it doesn't have a 36-month cap when needed. Apply via VA Form 28-1900.
Education benefits for family members
- Chapter 35 (DEA) — pays $1,574/month full-time for 36 months. Covers spouses and children of permanently disabled or deceased veterans.
- Fry Scholarship — Post-9/11-style benefits (tuition + MHA + books) for surviving children and spouses of post-9/11 service members who died in the line of duty.
- Transferred Post-9/11 — active-duty members with 6+ years of service can transfer GI Bill benefits to family.
Yellow Ribbon Program
Yellow Ribbon helps Post-9/11 students attend private schools that cost more than the tuition cap ($29,920.95 for AY 2025-26). The school voluntarily covers some of the overflow, and the VA matches each dollar.
Tuition Assistance (TA) for active duty
Each branch offers TA covering up to $4,500/year and $250 per credit hour for active-duty members taking college courses while serving.
Scholarships beyond the VA
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) scholarships.
- American Legion scholarships.
- Pat Tillman Foundation Scholars.
- Service Academy Career Conference scholarships.
- State-level veteran tuition waivers (varies).
How to start using VA education benefits
- Check eligibility at va.gov/education.
- File VA Form 22-1990 (or appropriate form for your program).
- Wait for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
- Give the COE to the school's certifying official.
- Begin classes and track your monthly benefit at VA.gov.