Post 9/11 GI Bill has been exhausted but I still have three classes I need to complete for my Masters in Project Management?

SGT Jamell Culbreath — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 16:02:03 -0400

Are there any other resources I can get to complete my Masters?

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Oct 9 at 2018 4:24 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 16:24:03 -0400

Have you looked into PEL Grants? There are other programs which are based on your personal set of circumstance. You can also look to google for active duty/veteran programs that provide financial assistance. Thank you for your service.

Response by LTC David Brown made Oct 9 at 2018 5:36 PM

LTC David Brown — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 17:36:04 -0400

Really not sure but praying and wishing you success.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 9 at 2018 5:45 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 17:45:02 -0400

SGT Jamell Culbreath Couple thoughts
- Fastweb is a scholarship aggregator. https://www.fastweb.com/ppc-fastweb?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&mkw=fastweb+scholarships&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvcPAoan63QIVGNlkCh1CKA3lEAAYASAAEgImZPD_BwE&pcrid= [login to see] 57&mkwid=sSenhKTzz&pmt=e

- so your company has no tuition assistance or loan repayment plan? http://www.collegescholarships.org/scholarships/companies/jp-morgan.htm

- go to the VA eBenefits and see if you qualify for any vocational retraining benefits separate from the 9/11 GI Bill. Perhaps they will do a look left throw right so you can finish your degree.

- any local scholarships? VFW, American Legion, IAVA, DAV etc

- suck it up and get a small student loan. Do you have a FAFSA already?

Any scholarship etc will not cover the whole need. You'll have to piece meal it.

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Response by PO1 Alan Sparks made Oct 9 at 2018 6:33 PM

PO1 Alan Sparks — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 18:33:30 -0400

If it was me, I would call the VA, and explain the situation. I worked for the VA after I retired, none, not even one of there rules are written in stone, there is a waiver, or, special circumstances for everything...everything. If they won't help you call your congressman, explain the situation, and if its in his or hers best interest I bet they will help you, especially since its an election year. That is what I would do anyway.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Oct 9 at 2018 7:53 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 19:53:18 -0400

If you are 50% or more disabled by the VA you qualify for Voc Rehab.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Oct 9 at 2018 9:59 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 21:59:55 -0400

If your employed, ask about tuition reimbursement from your employer or ask a local bank for a signiture loan. Honesty, that close, even if you were not employed I would be surprised if a bank turns you down for an educational loan but I have never asked a bank for a loan without income. If you have a home then line of credit based on equity. If you have a 401k or TDSP, most financial advisors would tell you for something like this that you can payback fast after graduation, OK to borrow from one of those. Otherwise, hold off on the three, get a job, then complete the the three after you have a job........this last course of action is probably your best available.

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Oct 10 at 2018 8:58 AM

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 08:58:13 -0400

There are more scholarship opportunities than applicants.

Response by SrA John Monette made Oct 10 at 2018 4:32 PM

SrA John Monette — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 16:32:58 -0400

Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc Rehab) throught the VA

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Oct 11 at 2018 12:01 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 12:01:06 -0400

Check with your state to see what veteran education programs may be available. Some states have better and/or more generous education benefits than others, so start there if you haven't already there. Check with your school's financial aid office and--if your school has one--your school's veterans office.

I too have been concerned about completing my Masters in the allotted timeframe (particularly as I am going part time), so I explored other options in case it looked like I might not have all the credits by the time eligibility ran out; this is also the reason I have taken full-time course loads over a couple of semesters. I should be able to squeak by, but I understand the stress of looking at the time horizon and worrying or knowing you'll run out.

Good luck!