Attending college after separation from the military, and making enough money to survive. Is it possible?

PO2 Zackery Shaver — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 00:53:39 -0400

I just separated from the military in April of 2015, and I am currently applying to attend a local university using my Post-9/11 GI Bill. I guess my major concern is that I am applying for an engineering degree, which is a nearly a five year program (however, nearly the final year is Co-Ops) and I am scared that I am not going to be able to complete it all using the GI Bill. Added, I was wondering if, since I am going to a school in my home state, the Yellow Ribbon Program will assist me at all. Also, I was wondering in the situation I am (taking 12 credit hours of classes each semester for four years, being married, and the expense of living in the area being high [the BAH I will earn barely covers all of my bills]) how will I survive? I feel like my wife and I will barely be making enough money to cover food, let alone anything else that pops up in life (car issues, unexpected accidents, etc). Does anyone have any background in this, or suggestions? I don't want to take a lot out for finical aid; however, I am not sure if that is an option.

Response by SGT Michael Hamrac, MBA, MRP, GRI, REALTOR® made Jul 24 at 2015 5:58 AM

SGT Michael Hamrac, MBA, MRP, GRI, REALTOR® — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 05:58:01 -0400

I attended college with my Army college tuition assistance...graduated in 91'. Got approximately $900 per month. At the time, those funds were not considered income...so I applied for and was approved for grants to cover my tuition and books. I also worked part time at a golf course (for free golf...very important!) and at the University Admin office making about $250 per month. So Yes...you can do it!

Response by MSgt Dan Robinson made Jul 24 at 2015 6:22 AM

MSgt Dan Robinson — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 06:22:11 -0400

Having used my own GI bill I can offer this: first you should check out www,benefits.va.gov/gibill. That site will help you some. Now from personal experience. My GI Bill was used at a private college in Florida. The school participated in the yellow ribbon program. Yellow ribbon is for tuition only. I paid zero in tuition for 4 years degree. Paid for a dorm room and that was also covered by GI Bill. Books were mostly covered. What was not covered was food, miscellaneous fees and other living expenses. I used student loans to cover whatever they were allowed to cover school wise. Also had some grants used like pell grant and some local grants. I also had some state aid. I also ended up getting a part time job so I would have spending money. Your school should have a VA smart person in the admin office. Mine did. That was her job, handle all the VA stuff. She was great and most helpful. My suggestions to you. 1). Contact the VA from the link above and get the official answers. 2). Contact the school and talk to them about using the GI Bill and what other fees you will be responsible for not covered by GI Bill. 3). Get your FAFSA going whether you plan to use it or not (federal student aid). Do your application and see what they offer you and then determine how you can use what they offer. 4.). If you have your own household to manage you will need to figure that out as well... How willl you pay bills while going to school? Hope this helped you some. Most important is contact VA, school, and do your FAFSA.

Response by CPL David Salazar made Jul 24 at 2015 9:35 AM

CPL David Salazar — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 09:35:16 -0400

The post 911 hi bill will completely cover all of your tuition. Any grants or scholarships you may be awarded will get refunded back to you. That extra bit of cash goes a long way. The yellow ribbon program pays the difference if the school you are attending's tuition is higher than the max allowable payout for your state. For the vast majority of schools, this becomes a moot point. Also, it pays out for 36 months but it is measured by the days used, and not the months enrolled. For instance, I went to school for three years straight, 36 months, and earned my bachelor's, but I still had extra days left over. I had trouble finding a job, so I enrolled in another semester at a community college for the bah. After a semester there was through, I still had 12 days remaining. Those 12 days paid for another semester with bah. My 36 months of benefits came out to 8 full semesters and 3 summers as a full time student as well. You should be able to get just about all but one semester done.