• In addition to GI benefits for active duty, Reserve and Guard personnel, the U.S. Veteran's administration and state veteran services offices sponsor programs that offer veterans and the dependants of veterans access to educational benefits. 

  ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

  VETERANS

  You may be eligible for VEAP or section 903 as a veteran if:

  • You entered active duty for the first time after December 31, 1976 and before July 1, 1985.

  • You contributed money to VEAP (or DOD contributed money for you) while on active duty. You must have enrolled in and contributed to VEAP (or had money contributed for you by DOD) before April 1, 1987.

  • You served for a continuous period of 181 days or more. You may be eligible if you were discharged from a shorter period of active duty for a service-connected disability.

  • Your discharge or release from service was under conditions other than dishonorable.

  • You must have completed 24 continuous months of active duty if you enlisted for the first time after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty as an officer or enlistee after October 16, 1981. You meet the requirement if you completed a shorter period of active duty to which your service department called or ordered you.

  You may be eligible for education benefits if you did not complete 24 continuous months of active duty if:

  • You receive VA disability compensation or military disability retirement.

  • You served a period of at least 24 continuous months of active duty before October 17, 1981.

  • Your discharge or release was for early out, hardship, or service-connected disability.

  SERVICEPERSONS

  You may be eligible for education benefits under these programs while still on active duty if:

  • You entered active duty for the first time after December 31, 1976, and before July 1, 1985.

  • You enrolled in and contributed to VEAP (or had money contributed for you by DOD) before April 1, 1987, and have at least three months of contributions available. For an elementary or high school program you need at least one month of contributions available.

  • You served for a continuous period of 181 days or more.

  • You completed your first active duty commitment.

  OTHER ISSUES

  You are not eligible for VEAP or section 903 if you are eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (chapter 30 of title 38, U. S. Code) based on prior eligibility for Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance (chapter 34 of title 38, United States Code). Eligibility for the Montgomery GI Bill may exist if you served a period of active duty beginning before January 1, 1977, or if you contracted with the Armed Forces and enlisted in or were assigned to a reserve component before January 1, 1977, under a delayed entry program and began active service before January 2, 1978.

  The following types of active duty do not establish eligibility:

  • Time assigned by the military to a civilian institution for the same course provided to civilians;

  • Time served as a cadet or midshipman at a service academy; or

  • Time spent on active duty for training in the National Guard or Reserve.

  The Education Service administers the following benefit programs. We are also including documents and forms which will aid school officials, veterans and dependents. We trust you will find what you are looking for in our program descriptions. If you need additional assistance, please call our toll-free number 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor.

   

  Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB) General or Detailed
   Information

   

  The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. This program is also commonly known as Chapter 30. Check the "News" area for current rates of payment.

   

  VA now reimburses for some Licensing and Certification Tests. Questions and Answers 

   

  You can receive reimbursement for licensing and certification tests you take on or after March 1, 2001. These tests must be specifically approved for the G.I. Bill. VA can pay only for the cost of the tests and not other fees connected with obtaining a license or certification.  Organizations providing tests can obtain a supply of a VA Pamphlet explaining this benefit by clicking on this link. 

  
           Note: The minimum order is 50 pamphlets.  If you only need one or two pamphlets, we have an  Adobe Acrobat 5.05 file available for downloading and printing.

  
  

  Tuition Assistance "Top-Up" General Information

   

  On October 30, 2000, the President signed into law 

  an amendment to the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty education program that permits VA to pay a Tuition Assistance Top- up benefit. The amount of the benefit can be equal to the difference between the total cost of a college course and the amount of Tuition Assistance that is paid by the military for the course.

   

  Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) General or Detailed Information

   

  The MGIB-SR program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Check the "News" area for current rates of payment.

   

  Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) General or Detailed Information

   

  VEAP is available if you first entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

   

  Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) General or Detailed Information

   

  DEA provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition.. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

   

  Summary of Benefits Under the Educational Assistance Test Program Section 901   of Public Law  96-342  Detailed Information

   

  Section 901 is an Educational Assistance Test Program created by the Department of Defense Authorization Act of 1981 (Public Law 96-342) to encourage enlistment and reenlistment in the Armed Forces. Benefits are available to individuals who entered on active duty after September 30, 1980, and before October 1, 1981 (or before October 1, 1982, if entry was under a delayed enlistment contract signed between September 30, 1980, and October 1, 1981).

  
  NOTE:  Although Public Law 96-342 established a beginning date for the test program as October 1, 1980, the military service departments did not start offering the test program to new enlistees until December 1, 1980.

   

  Work-Study Program

   

  This program is available to any student receiving VA education benefits who is attending school three-quarter time or more. An individual working under this program may work at the school veterans' office, VA Regional Office, VA Medical Facilities, or at approved State employment offices. Work-study students are paid at either the state or Federal minimum wage, which ever is greater. If you have questions on this program contact our toll-free number 1-888-442-4551.

   

  Tutorial Assistance Program

   

  Tutorial assistance is available if you are receiving VA educational assistance at the half-time or more rate and have a deficiency in a subject making tutoring necessary. If you have questions on this program please contact our toll-free number 1-888-442-4551.

   

  VA Education Manual for School Officials (AACRAO)

   

  This Education Manual is used by School Certifying Officials to gain information about VA education programs and as a guide to aid them in the completion of forms for submission to VA. It is mainly intended for School Certifying Officials but we feel the information may be helpful to anyone interested in VA Benefits. (This manual is currently under revision.)

   

  Education Forms

   

  This area has common VA forms and related forms available for you to print. Visit this area to see what's there or contact our toll-free number 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to request Education forms.

  ---

   

  There are four primary federally sponsored education benefit programs:

   

  Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty & Veterans (MGIB)

  The "New" Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is available for active duty and veterans to help with education costs. The Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits for:

   

  • College, Business Technical or Vocational Courses

  • Distance Learning including Correspondence Courses

  • Certification Tests

  • Apprenticeship/Job Training

  • Flight Training

  If you're a full-time student enrolled in a Regionally or Nationally Accredited College or University, you can get up to $900.00 a month (current rates) to cover education benefits, including high-tech or vocational-technical programs. It all adds up to a total benefit of over $32,000 -- and these benefits are increasing every year. But don't delay in using the GI Bill -- these benefits are usually good only up to 10 years after you separate from the military.

  How to qualify for the GI Bill

  If you are qualified for the "NEW" MGIB (Categories 1 and 4) and you have completed more than three years active duty, your total benefits are currently $32,400 and will increase to $35,460 in October 2003. This sum is reached by multiplying the current FY maximum benefit (currently $900) by 36 (the number of portions or months in your account). Don't let the term "months" confuse you -- months only correlate with the calendar for full-time academic students.
  
  Each year the VA increases the basic "payment rate" that a full-time student is entitled to receive; this number is the basis for determining the value of your available benefits.

  To get more information on the Bill directly from the VA, call toll free 1-888-GI-BILL-1.
  

  Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB - SR)

  The Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.
  
  You may use this education assistance program for degree programs, certificate or correspondence courses, cooperative training, independent study programs, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, and vocational flight training programs. Remedial, refresher and deficiency training are available under certain circumstances.
  
  Eligibility for this program is determined by the Selected Reserve components. VA makes the payments for this program.
  
  You may be entitled to receive up to 36 months of education benefits. Your benefit entitlement ends 14 years from the date of your eligibility for the program, or on the day you leave the Selected Reserve.
  
  Contact your local VA Regional Office for additional assistance at their toll-free number, 1-888-442-4551.
  
  To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

   

  • Have a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve signed after June 30, 1985. If you are an officer, you must have agreed to serve six years in addition to your original obligation. For some types of training, it is necessary to have a six-year commitment that begins after September 30, 1990;

  • Complete your initial active duty for training (IADT);

  • Meet the requirement to receive a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before completing IADT. You may not use 12 hours toward a college degree to meet this requirement;

  • Remain in good standing while serving in an active Selected Reserve unit.

  If your Reserve or National Guard unit is deactivated during the period October 1, 1991, through September 30, 1995, or you are involuntarily separated (e.g., reduction in force) from Reserve or National Guard service during this same period, you will retain eligibility for MGIB - SR benefits for the full 14 year eligibility period. You will also retain MGIB - SR eligibility if you were discharged from Selected Reserve service due to a disability that was not caused by misconduct. Your eligibility period may be extended if you are ordered to active duty.
  

  Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

  VEAP is available if you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. You may use these benefits for degree, certificate, correspondence, apprenticeship/on-the-job training programs, and vocational flight training programs. In certain circumstances, remedial, deficiency, and refresher training may also be available.
  
  Benefit entitlement is 1 to 36 months depending on the number of monthly contributions. You have 10 years from your release from active duty to use VEAP benefits. If there is entitlement not used after the 10-year period, your portion remaining in the fund will be automatically refunded.
  
  To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Entered service for the first time between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985;

  • Opened a contribution account before April 1, 1987;

  • Voluntarily contributed from $25 to $2700;

  • Completed your first period of service; and

  • Were discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable.

  If you are currently on active duty and wish to receive VEAP benefits, you must have at least 3 months of contributions available.
  
  Contributions may be withdrawn if you do not meet the basic eligibility requirements or if you formally request a refund of the contributions withheld.
  
  You should make sure that your selected program is approved for VA training. If you are not clear on this point, VA will inform you and the school or company about the requirements.
  
  Obtain and complete VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits. Send it to the VA regional office with jurisdiction over the State where you will train. If you are not on active duty, send copy 4 (Member Copy) of your DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty. If you are on active duty, you must have your enrollment approved by your base Education Services Officer, and you must have your service verified by your Commanding Officer.
  
  If you have started training, take your application and Member Copy of DD Form 214 to your school or employer. Ask them to complete VA Form 22-1999, Enrollment Certification, and send all the forms to VA.
  
  If you wish to withdraw your contributions from VEAP, obtain and complete VA Form 24-5281, Application for Refund of Educational Contributions, and send it to your nearest VA regional office.
  
  Additional information is available on VEAP in this pamphlet.
  
  Contact your local VA Regional Office for additional assistance by dialing toll-free, 1-888-442-4551

  Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

  Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.
  
  To be eligible, you must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:

   

• A veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces.

• A veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence.

• A service member missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force.

• A service member forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.

  If you are a son or daughter and wish to receive benefits for attending school or job training, you must be between the ages of 18 and 26. In certain instances, it is possible to begin before age 18 and to continue after age 26. Marriage is not a bar to this benefit. If you are in the Armed Forces, you may not receive this benefit while on active duty. To pursue training after military service, your discharge must not be under dishonorable conditions. VA can extend your period of eligibility by the number of months and days equal to the time spent on active duty. This extension cannot go beyond your 31st birthday.
  
  If you are a spouse, benefits end 10 years from the date VA finds you eligible or from the date of death of the veteran.
  
  You should make sure that your selected program is approved for VA training. If you are not clear on this point, VA will inform you and the school or company about the requirements.
  
  Obtain and complete VA Form 22-5490, Application for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance. Send it to the VA regional office with jurisdiction over the State where you will train. If you are a son or daughter, under legal age, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
  
  If you have started training, take your application to your school or employer. Ask them to complete VA Form 22-1999, Enrollment Certification, and send both forms to VA.
  
  For additional information see Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program -Pamphlet or contact your local VA Regional Office for additional assistance by dialing toll-free, 1-888-442-4551.

  ---

   

Get More - Education exclusively for Service Members and their Dependents

Start early in positioning yourself as a good candidate for admission to this Maryland-based academy.

Scholarships

For a general information on Military Scholarships, click here.

Federal Student Assistance

Military Scholarship Fund - Scholarships are now available for all services.  Commander William Stuhr awards scholarships each year.  Check on details now.

DeCA Scholarships Awarded

General Funding

Financial Assistance
Find out about college prices and student aid.

Alumni Associations:

FAHS Alumni

Military Brats Registry

2001 Reunions