Education and family support: Any advice?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:43:22 -0400

I am transitioning out of the Army very soon and trying to weigh my options. I am married w 3 children. Would like to utilize my education benefits, but need some advice about what avenues I should pursue so that I can go back to school full time and still have enough to support my family while doing so. Has anyone out there done the scholarships and grants, lived only off of GI Bill or gone out and tried to juggle a career and full time school? What advice, if any, might you all have?

Response by MSgt Rob Weston made May 7 at 2015 2:48 PM

MSgt Rob Weston — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:48:07 -0400

Chapter 33 (post 9/11) provides a living stipend of 1560 per full month in school and prorated for months that your only in school for a short of a month. Additionally they will give you a book stipend as well as pay the school directly.... I am in a graduate program and have been using the GI bill since August. I am also a full time student.

Response by CPT Bob Moore made May 7 at 2015 2:47 PM

CPT Bob Moore — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:47:38 -0400

I went to school full time after I left active duty. I was also working full time when I went to school for both my bachelors and masters degrees.

The best thing to do is look for a school (and job, if possible) that fits what you want to do. For me, it was a school that was on quarters so that the sessions did not drag on too long. 10 weeks was long enough to get the material but not so long between breaks that there was a significant negative impact on my family. When I went back for my MBA, it was an online program at a state university. I was only taking 9 hours per semester, but that is considered full time for graduate programs.

The best advice I can give you is talk to your wife and kids if they are old enough. Make sure they understand and support what you are getting ready to do. It isn't easy working full time and going to school full time with or without the responsibilities of having a family. For me, it was worth it and has paid off.

Response by MSgt Rob Weston made May 7 at 2015 2:48 PM

MSgt Rob Weston — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:48:30 -0400

Just remember to have some put to the side for when your not in school. Also disability claimes take time and be prepared for that as well.

Response by SPC Nate Lamphier made May 7 at 2015 2:52 PM

SPC Nate Lamphier — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:52:35 -0400

I can't comment on the GI Bill and all the perks that come with that path (I took the student loan repayment option) but I can help you with selecting a college and so forth. Have you looked into taking online classes...it is common now for a college to offer degrees online. I received my masters this route while teaching full time. I say that to let you know that options are available that will allow you to work full time while also working towards a degree.

My next piece of advice would come on your college choice.....there are a lot of accredited colleges out there that work great with Veterans and current Military. Depending on your interest area, you will want to do your research because when it comes down to getting a job you want, the first phase you may have to pass is the "where you went to school" phase....if you went to, say the University of Kentucky and I went to the University NoOneHasEverHeardOf.....well, you will have a leg up.

Response by LTC John Shaw made May 7 at 2015 3:06 PM

LTC John Shaw — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:06:12 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member You may want to look at the KYNG or whatever state you are moving back to. They will pay tuition and provide other benefits.
Also, you can pursue ROTC with a guaranteed Reserve/NG option, this provides a scholarship that guarantee for a Reserve slot. Downside is no active duty if you want this.

If you want to get out and never see Army again, then GI Bill for a full-time student with BHA for E-5 should be enough for all states except the coastal areas.

I would pursue the best school for the area you are settling and for the subject matter you wish to study. Focus on schools that have internship and placement programs.

If you plan to stay in KY, WKU, UofL, EKU have excellent Veteran assistance programs. I don't know UofK programs, but I am sure they are fine as well.

Response by SPC David S. made May 7 at 2015 3:21 PM

SPC David S. — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:21:41 -0400

I went to school at night - both undergrad and masters degrees. I worked full time, and my wife had a baby during all of this as well. I would ask yourself if your educational goals are required in your professional growth. For me the answer was yes so I did what it took to get'er done. There are a lot of good programs out there. Do your research in your area with the local schools. I was able to get an additional 25% off for a DD-214. As far as loans I would try the night approach and avoid racking up any debt and work while going to school. It will suck, I know I did it for 2 years for my undergrad and then again 18 months for my masters. However in the end it was worth it. Regardless of my advice good luck in your academic endeavors.

Response by SPC Chad Kolod made May 7 at 2015 3:32 PM

SPC Chad Kolod — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:32:03 -0400

So I am doing exactly what you are talking about. I was recently medvoarded out and decided I wanted to go back to school. I am married with 4 kids. I am now going to school full time and my side works full time. We are receiving the GI Bill and get the poll grant which is a lump sum payment at the beginning of each semester. It's very possible for you to go back. Best thing to do is contact the school you are thinking about attending and speak with their Veteran Advisor. Also a thing to keep in mind that no one tells you is that the BAH you receive can go up and down. When you are transitioning between semesters and there is anywhere from a week to a couple week gap (even if you are still actively enrolled) the GI Bill will not pay you for that gap. They used to but do not anymore. Best way to figure out the difference is too take the amount of BAH you receive and divide by 30. Than multiply that number by the number of days you have between one semester ending and another beginning. It's simple but no one mentioned that to me and we have been hit a few times with it. Good luck, if you want to go it will all work out. The school itself is your best resource!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 7:21 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 19:21:49 -0400

Thank you all for your responses. I am looking at the IT career field and a lot of opportunities will take experience in lieu of a degree, but to gain the educational background requirement and have experience through the military appeals to me the most. I guess I also need to look into what assistance I can get to gain civilian certifications in my field as well.

Response by TSgt David Holman made May 7 at 2015 7:34 PM

TSgt David Holman — Thu, 07 May 2015 19:34:08 -0400

The Post 9/11 GI Bill offers E5 without dependents BAH while enrolled at school. This could help offset your costs. It isn't unheard of to have a part/full time job and earn a degree (unless you are going for something like PA/Nurse where a considerable higher level of focus is required). It is doable, and with the loss in income, you should also qualify for grants/scholarships to help as well. I wouldn't recommend trying to live off the GI Bill alone though.

Response by Sgt Brandon Bunch made May 8 at 2015 11:21 AM

Sgt Brandon Bunch — Fri, 08 May 2015 11:21:24 -0400

Consider online courses, use post 9/11 GI bill, taking a job that will pay to send you to school, there are vso's out there that offer help with living expenses, childcare etc

Response by PV2 Andrew Schauf- Anderson made May 24 at 2017 12:15 PM

PV2 Andrew Schauf- Anderson — Wed, 24 May 2017 12:15:51 -0400

Yes, when I originally got out of the Army, I saved my GI Bill since it was only limited for 36 months. I didn't use it until I started working on my BA degree. I used that (as well as was working two part time jobs and going to school full time). I also received financial aid. My recommendation is make a plan if you want to use your GI Bill. Save until you get to a higher degree (BA/BS/MA/MS/PhD), work first and save those funds.