Sources to cover living expenses while in Green to Gold (Hip Pocket) Program?

2019-06-13T19:04:29-04:00

So in August I am going to be starting at Texas A&M in the ROTC program. I received a Hip Pocket Green to Gold Scholarship for three years which covers my tuition and books etc. I also was approved for 100% of my Post 9/11 GI Bill but given the tuition is already paid I assume I will only be seeing the BAH and stipend portions of that. What other options do I have in the way of paying my bills and etc during my time in school and what recommendations does anyone have? I have of course done my FAFSA and am waiting to hear back from that.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Jun 13 at 2019 7:16 PM

2019-06-13T19:16:42-04:00

I did Hip pocket GtG back in 2000. I used a job to cover my living expenses and that of my wife and kids.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jun 13 at 2019 7:23 PM

2019-06-13T19:23:11-04:00

Congrats on the scholarship, your BAH and ROTC stipend will be the bulk of your income. You may be eligible for grants, work/study and a federally subsidy on your loans. You should discuss your questions with the finance office of TX A&M and the ROTC APMS&L / recruiter officer to know what to expect.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 13 at 2019 8:38 PM

2019-06-13T20:38:18-04:00

Congratulations for picking an outstanding university. Do you have to pay to live in the barracks?

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 14 at 2019 6:11 AM

2019-06-14T06:11:55-04:00

There are a few associations that you can get the info from at the education center and at the University. Do not discount those meant for officers, as you are seeking to become one. In the end you should work part time if possible and might even have to take a loan or two. Thank you for your service.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Jun 14 at 2019 1:00 PM

2019-06-14T13:00:31-04:00

Ask them to set you up with another SM in the same program that is a few years in to be your mentor. I had one of my troops go through the USMC version and attended A&M. Chris Bradley. Probably still active. Likely a Captain by now. Might want to seek him out in Global.

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Jun 15 at 2019 7:24 PM

2019-06-15T19:24:53-04:00

Double check on this but I believe you get the GI Bill money regardless of scholarships and or grants Also consider joining the Guard as an SMP. You will get drill pay as and E5 and many states offer free tuition to Guard members Here in Utah you get free tuition and fees and Utah has their own GI Bill that is funded by the state and is in addition to the Federal GI Bill.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2019 9:06 PM

2019-06-22T21:06:53-04:00

Congrats SGT Private RallyPoint Member. I received the Hip Pocket G2G in 2015 and went to Syracuse University. I recommend you check with your school's financial aid office if there are grants/gifts/fellowships for ROTC scholars. SU gives a generous gift that can cover housing and food on top of the monthly stipend. You can use your GI Bill but I suggest to work out the numbers and see if its worth it. As LTC Shaw mentioned, there are a lot of work/study opportunities at your school. Hope this helps and good luck on your first ROTC semester.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2019 1:23 PM

2019-07-14T13:23:31-04:00

I’m a recipient as well and I plan on working while attending school. Already have 3 job interviews once I arrive.. and if you use the MGIB rather than the Post 911 there is no BAH.. you’ll simply receive monthly payments rather than the school getting it. Based on last years rates it was almost 2 thousand a month. And it rises every year.