Veterans, reservists, and dependents are separated into different categories or “chapters” that define eligibility requirements and determine benefits. Read more about the various chapters to determine which one may apply to you.
Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB)
MGIB provides a maximum of 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans. If you are currently serving you may be eligible after two years of continuous active duty. If you are no longer in service, you may be eligible for benefits if you have an Honorable Discharge, earned a high school diploma or GED (or earned 12 college credits in some cases), and meet the requirements of one of the four categories. The monthly benefit is based on category, the type of training taken, length of service, and the amount of money (known as "kickers") placed into your MGIB fund by the Department of Defense.
Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
This program is for veterans who have a service-connected disability and the VA has determined that training and rehabilitation are needed to overcome an employment handicap.
Chapter 32: Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
Veterans eligible for assistance under Chapter 32 must have entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 (post-Vietnam) and enrolled and contributed to VEAP before April 1, 1987.
Chapter 33: The Post-9/11 GI Bill
Among other things, this bill provides funds to expand veterans’ education benefits for those who have at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001. Benefits are available for active duty service members as well as reservists called to active duty after September 11, 2001.
Ithaca College is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. As a participant, the college will waive up to 50% of the tuition charged by the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate and the VA will match the same amount as the college. Since Ithaca College is a private institution, additional funds may be available to you as well.
Chapter 35: Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
This program provides educational assistance paid to eligible dependents (spouse or children) of a veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability.
Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve
This program is available to active members of the Selected Reserve, including the National Guard, and requires an obligation to serve of not less than 6 years.