Calculating your benefit summary...
Analyzing your eligibility and benefits
Based on your profile, here's a summary of your education benefits and potential cost offsets. Scroll down to see more of your personalized benefits analysis and to proceed on to your MBA Profile Analysis!
Because you have 100% GI Bill eligibility, you also qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can significantly reduce tuition costs at top private universities. Your 8 years of service fully meet the VA's criteria.
Based on your commissioning source (OCS (Officer Candidate School)) and 8 years of service, you have 100% GI Bill eligibility.
Because you have 100% eligibility, you're also eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. This can significantly reduce costs at private universities.
💡 Pro Tip: Schools vary in generosity — some match $10,000 (for $20,000 total), while others like Vanderbilt offer unlimited matches. This can make attending top private schools financially competitive with public options.
The GI Bill covers tuition and provides a housing stipend (BAH) while you're enrolled in classes. However, BAH payments stop during breaks or summer months when you aren't attending classes. Online or hybrid programs may receive a reduced housing rate, and payments are always based on your school's ZIP code. The VA also requires monthly enrollment verification to keep benefits active, and your school must confirm enrollment each semester before payments are issued.
Paid directly to the school up to the annual maximum (currently $28,937.82 for private schools). Public schools receive full in-state tuition regardless of amount.
Paid directly to you based on the E-5 with dependents BAH rate for your school's zip code. Payments are prorated based on your enrollment rate (full-time vs. part-time) and only paid during active enrollment months.
Up to $1,000 per academic year, paid directly to you at the beginning of each term ($500 per semester for most programs).
When your tuition exceeds the GI Bill cap, Yellow Ribbon participating schools can contribute additional funds, which the VA then matches dollar-for-dollar.
Graduate schools typically require students to carry health insurance. For veterans with families, this can be a significant hidden cost if you're not covered by the VA or a spouse's plan.
💡 Reserve/Guard Option: Joining the SELRES or National Guard provides TRICARE coverage that extends to your entire family, along with monthly drill pay. This can offset both healthcare and living expenses while in school — potentially adding $6,000-$12,000/year in value.
Note: Benefit calculations are estimates based on current VA rates. Actual benefits may vary by school and program. Always verify with your school's certifying official.