The Montgomery GI Bill® (“new” GI Bill®): This program provides educational benefits for individuals entering the military service after June 30, 1985. Reservists and National Guard members should refer to Chapter 1606.

What benefits can I get?

You may get up to 36 months of education benefits. The VA will pay the benefits monthly. The amount you’ll receive depends on these factors:

• Your length of service.
• The type of educational or training program you choose.
• Your category.
• Whether you qualify for a college fund or kicker.
• How much you’ve paid into the $600 Buy-Up program. Learn more about the $600 Buy-Up program.

Learn more about the Montgomery GI Bill®.

This program is for individuals who have a compensable service connected disability, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determines that training and rehabilitation services are needed to overcome an employment handicap. Students reporting this benefit must report monthly subsistence allowance on this form.

If I’m a veteran, am I eligible for vocational rehab and employment?

You may be eligible for VR&E benefits and services if you’re a veteran and you meet the following requirements:

• You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge.
• You have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from VA.

Apply for VR&E services. View more information about eligibility for VA vocational rehab and employment.

This program is for individuals who served on active duty after 09/10/2001. Individuals must have served for an aggregated period of at least 90 days or served at least 30 continuous days and received a disability discharge.

Am I eligible for Post - 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) benefits?

You can get these education benefits if you meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Served at least 90 days on active duty (either all at once or with breaks in service) on or after September 11, 2001.
• Received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001 and were honorably discharged after any amount of service.
• Served for at least 30 continuous days (all at once, without a break in service) on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged with a service-connected disability.
• Are a dependent child using benefits transferred by a qualifying veteran or service member.

What benefits can I get through the Post - 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)?

You can receive up to 36 months of benefits, including:

• Tuition and fees.
• Money for housing (if you’re in school more than half time).
• Money for books and supplies.
• Money to help you move from a rural area to go to school

Note: Individuals are eligible while on active duty after serving a period of 90 days.

USC Aiken is a “Yellow Ribbon" participant. See VA Coordinator for more details.

The VA will make the final decisions regarding benefit eligibility and payment amounts.

Reminder: Applying for benefits through Vets.gov allows the VA to set the parameters of your benefits. Using your benefits to pay for classes and to receive book stipend/BAH benefits (Chapter 33) requires certification through the VMSS office.

View more information about the Post - 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33).

Learn more information about applying for the FAFSA. For scholarship information, please contact the VMSS office. 

As part of the application process, your previous training, education, and experience will be evaluated for credit towards your degree. Credits will be evaluated on a case by case by basis. Linguists, with documentation, will have their language requirement waived.

Request transcripts from Go Army Ed.

The Veteran and Military Student Success Center is an asset to veteran, active duty, and military family member students. It offers a meeting space where students can study for exams, learn from current students, and find a sense of community during their transition back into civilian life. You can rely on and connect at the VMSS and may become an important part of your journey in higher education, and for veteran and military students coming to USC Aiken, making your way into the VMSS and using the resources can set you apart and lead you to success.

Another huge advantage to coming into the Veteran and Military Student Success Center are the Veteran Transition Success Advocates. Made up of a dynamic duo of psychology graduate students, the VTSAs work to help veteran students transition into civilian and college life. Whether it be from the stress of the work load, concerns with career planning, or if you just need someone to talk to, they’re here for you.

View more information about the VTSAs.