GI Bill: Hacking the System

2017-10-19T11:50:18-04:00

1) Choose a degree that leads to a career and a school that can help build a career network. I know it looks tempting to get the BAH, and take random classes. Don’t take that temptation. If you have to, go to a Community College for 2 years to get a taste for school, and then choose a direction.

2) Choose a school that lets you go to school year-round. If you can take 6 classes per semester, do it. If 4 is better for your school-life balance, do that. Remember, it may be more economical to take more classes. If your school charges the same for 12 credits as 18, take 18 credits. It might be hard, but you will be pushing through more effectively. Again though, you want to succeed, so only take a course load that helps you succeed.

3) Plan it out. Plan your classes down to the day. Look at the schedule for each semester. The GI Bill is prorated down to the day. If you have even one-day left, you will qualify for the entire semester including BAH. By planning this, you’ll be able to get more from your GI Bill. Also, the BAH is lower for an online program, but if the degree gives you something of benefit, it might be worth it to take a lower BAH rate. Focus on the long-term plan.

4) Choose a school based on the professors and the network they offer you. This is not GI Bill specific, but your professors and fellow-students will be your network in the future. Look at alumni. Look at the research by your professors. Look at who works for the school in a consulting or a part-time capacity. These relationships are super important towards shaping your future. Utilize them.

5) Don’t be afraid to change direction and re-plan everything. I did this in my first semester of undergrad. I had a plan that wasn’t smart. My professors pushed me toward a degree that would get me to my goals. That being said, my last semester of Graduate School, I changed my mind on what I wanted to do with my life. It happens. I am creating my own peacebuilding business instead of going to work for the UN. I have all the skills for this from my two degrees, and it fits my interests better.

6) Be active in planning, preparing, and choosing all aspects of your degree path. This is part of planning your schedule, but it’s also about taking classes that will help you in your career. Don’t take a math class that you don’t need. Don’t take Gym just to take it. Take classes that teach you things that you will use. If you do this, you’ll get more than your money’s worth from the GI-Bill.

This is how I’ve used the GI-Bill with purpose, and how I think you can do the same.

Josh Heath is an entrepreneurial peacebuilder, consultant, and life-coach. He left the Army in 2011, where he served as a mechanic. He now owns three companies, including a veterans focused non-profit. During the day he works at an educational technology company where he supports a top MBA program’s admissions team.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Oct 19 at 2017 11:54 AM

2017-10-19T11:54:16-04:00

SPC Joshua Heath: You are a very, very instrumental and high caliber man. -Margaret

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2017 2:57 PM

2017-10-19T14:57:31-04:00

Solid advice. Thanks for sharing.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2017 4:37 PM

2017-10-19T16:37:41-04:00

SPC Joshua Heath Great post. Folks that are undecided on a major can start by taking the basic required courses first like English, history, math, etc. Set small milestone goals that will lead to the ultimate goal completion. I worked full time, so I completed my degree in five and a half years. I completed 12 credit hours a semester along with summer courses to make the best use of the G.I. Bill.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Oct 22 at 2017 7:54 AM

2017-10-22T07:54:00-04:00

In addition, check out a school's rankings and accreditation to ensure that it is of good quality. Some magazines that list ranking include US News and World Report, Forbes, and Bloomberg Businessweek. While some veterans have attended reputable schools and transitioned well, others have used their GI Bill at unranked for-profit schools that provided little in return for education or network.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2017 7:27 PM

2017-10-23T19:27:44-04:00

Thank you for posting this. I hope others will read and take heed.

Response by SSG James Behnke made Oct 27 at 2017 4:10 AM

2017-10-27T04:10:14-04:00

Thank you for the advice. Do you have any input on the difference between using the Montgomery or Post 9/11 GI Bill and the pros and Cons?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2017 9:42 PM

2017-10-31T21:42:36-04:00

When I went to Kent State, I took a minimum of 18 hours per semester as it cost the same as taking 12. I had the Old GI Bill and as I had limited funds for four years hence going to KSU where tuition was two thousand a year. We had very few Community or Junior Colleges in my state. I applied for an academic scholarship after my first year, and it eventually paid one fourth of my total tuition. I would urge younger veterans to look into these types of scholarships.

Here in Florida, if you get an Associate's Degree at any accredited two year Junior College or Community College, you will automatically be eligible to be enrolled in any State University. This saves a lot for many students in a tight financial situation.

By the way, I majored in Liberal Arts (English and German Studies). I knew I wanted to be a teacher, however. I have been doing it many years and am very pleased with my present career.

Response by SSG Thomas Brewer made Nov 27 at 2017 10:33 AM

2017-11-27T10:33:42-05:00

What G.I. Bill they took mine away never got to use it

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2017 4:30 PM

2017-12-22T16:30:14-05:00

SPC Joshua Heath It is important that everyone know the law just changed in Aug 2017. The new "Forever GI Bill" has a lot of changes that completely rewrites a few sections. Some people will get more money/benefits, but others will get less money/benefits. Some changes are already in effect, other changes will be instituted over the the next few years (Jan 2018, Aug 2018, etc) out to 2022. Too many details to list here. Any GI Bill publications/articles from before Aug 2017 are out dated and probably incorrect. You really need to do your homework.

https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/forevergibill.asp

Forever GI Bill - Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act - Education and Training

Forever GI Bill - Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act