Head-to-Head Comparison of the Old and New GI Bills

Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
Chapter 30

Post 9/11 GI Bill
Chapter 33

Payment Rate for
Full-Time Student

Annually set - nationwide - monthly payment rate. The current payment rate is $1,368.

A tuition payment equal to the in-state undergraduate tuition rate for the most expensive public college or university in the state of enrollment. Paid per term directly to the school.

Additional expense
payments

No additional stipend payments for expenses.

Living Expenses - Stipend based on local BAH for E-5 with dependents  -  paid monthly.

Books and Supplies - Up to a $1,000 a year for books and supplies. Paid to the student proportionately for each term.

Eligibility Requirements

Entered military after June 30, 1985 and paid the $1,200 enrollment fee.

Active-duty service for more than 90 days since Sept. 11, 2001.

VEAP-era 
Eligibility

No - Except those who elected to convert in the past.

Yes  -  those who meet the Post-9/11 active-duty service criteria.

Benefit Expiration

10 Years after last separation or discharge.

15 Years your last period of active duty of at least 90 consecutive days.

Transfer benefits
to families

Limited - Currently Limited to Army re-enlistees for critical MOS only.

Yes - open to servicemembers with six years service who agree to reenlist. However, the eligibility details are still being worked out by the DoD.

Enrollment fee

 Yes - $1,200

None.

Programs Covered

The Montgomery GI Bill can be used to pay for many different programs including the following:

• College, Business Technical or Vocational Courses
• Distance Learning including Online and Correspondence Courses
• Certification Tests
• Apprenticeship/Job Training (Veterans and Reserve Only)
• Flight Training

These programs can be completed at any education or training institution.

Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill you may receive educational and training assistance for the following programs only if offered by an accredited college or university:

• College, Business Technical or Vocational Courses
• Distance Learning including Online and Correspondence Courses
• Certification Tests
• Flight Training

Those who were previously eligible for the MGIB, MGIB-SR (1606), or REAP (1607) may receive educational assistance for MGIB approved programs not offered by colleges and universities (i.e. flight, correspondence, APP/OJT, preparatory courses, and national tests). 
Note: This seemingly minor detail can have a huge impact on your education and training options in the future. Especially for those servicemembers who choose to decline the MGIB.