Don't waste your GI Bill dollars on expensive Gen Ed courses. Most veterans spend $9,000-$15,000 of their hard-earned GI Bill and veterans education benefits on GenEd courses — subjects like English Composition, College Algebra, and Intro to Psychology that have nothing to do with their major.
Here's the smarter approach: Complete those same transferable GenEd courses through StraighterLine for just $79 each. That means you can knock out 30 credits of general education requirements for around $1,600 instead of burning through thousands of dollars of your GI Bill. Save your benefits for what really matters — your upper-level major courses and specialized training at your degree-granting institution.
Over 3,000 colleges and universities accept StraighterLine credits, including military-friendly partner schools who transfer in StraighterLine courses directly, like American Military University, Liberty University, UMGC, SNHU, and Purdue Global.
Understanding Your Veterans Education Benefits
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most comprehensive education benefit available to recent veterans. If you served at least 90 days on active duty after September 11, 2001, with an honorable discharge, you likely qualify.
What It Covers (2025-2026 Rates):
Public schools: Full in-state tuition and fees paid directly to school
Private/foreign schools: Up to $29,920.95 per academic year
Books and supplies: Up to $1,000 per year
Housing allowance: Varies by location (E-5 with dependents BAH rate)
Online-only students: $1,169.00 per month (50% national average)
Duration: 36 months of benefits (4 academic years)
Transferability: You can transfer unused benefits to your spouse or children if you have 6+ years of service and commit to 4 additional years.
Key 2025 Update: Thanks to the Supreme Court's Rudisill v. McDonough decision, veterans with multiple qualifying service periods can now access up to 48 months of combined benefits if they qualify for both Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bills.
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
The MGIB-AD pays a monthly stipend directly to you rather than paying the school. For 2025-2026, full-time students receive $2,518 per month.
When to Consider MGIB Over Post-9/11:
Attending low-cost institutions where the monthly payment exceeds tuition
Taking courses entirely online (MGIB pays $2,518/month vs. Post-9/11's $1,169/month for online)
Only eligible for partial Post-9/11 benefits (50-80%)
Important: You must choose between MGIB and Post-9/11 — you cannot switch back after receiving your first payment.
Other Key Benefits
Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31): If you have a service-connected disability (10%+ rating), VR&E covers full tuition with no cap, plus housing and supplies — often better than GI Bill for private schools.
STEM Scholarship Extension: Additional 9 months of Post-9/11 benefits (up to $30,000) for veterans pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math degrees.
How to Maximize Your GI Bill Benefits
The Cost Problem
A typical bachelor's degree requires 120 credit hours: 30-45 credits of general education, 30-45 credits of major requirements, and 30-45 credits of electives. Here's the problem: your GI Bill pays the same rate whether you're taking English Composition or Advanced Corporate Finance.
At most private colleges, each course costs $900-$1,500 (3 credits). If you use your GI Bill for all 120 credits at a typical pace, you'll likely run out before graduating — especially if you change majors, take reduced course loads, or pursue any graduate education.
The StraighterLine Strategy
Step 1: Complete general education requirements through StraighterLine for $79 per course (plus monthly membership).
Step 2: Transfer those credits to your chosen college or university.
Step 3: Use your GI Bill for major-specific and upper-division courses that actually count toward your major, and are taken directly with your college or university.
Real Cost Comparison
Traditional Approach (30 GenEd Credits Using GI Bill):
Courses | Cost |
$1,800-$3,000 | |
$900-$1,500 | |
$900-$1,500 | |
$900-$1,500 | |
$900-$1,500 | |
$900-$1,500 | |
4 Additional GenEd Courses | $3,600-$6,000 |
TOTAL | $9,000-$15,000 |
GI Bill Months Used | 4-5 months |
StraighterLine Approach:
Item | Cost |
Monthly Membership (4 months) | $400 |
10 Courses × $79 each | $790 |
TOTAL | $1,190 |
GI Bill Months Used | 0 months |
Your Savings: $7,800-$13,800 + 4-5 Months of GI Bill Benefits Preserved
Example Degree Pathway
Veteran Pursuing Business Administration:
Phase 1 (4-6 months, self-paced):
Complete 30 GenEd credits through StraighterLine
Cost: ~$1,600
GI Bill used: 0 months
Phase 2 (30 months at traditional college):
90 remaining credits at partner institution
Tuition covered by GI Bill
Housing allowance: $1,500-$3,000/month (location dependent)
GI Bill used: 30 months
Result:
Graduate with bachelor's degree
6 months of GI Bill benefits remaining
$8,000-$12,000 saved
Remaining benefits available for graduate school, certifications, or transfer to family
Using StraighterLine as a Veteran
Why It Works for You
Military-Style Flexibility: StraighterLine understands that veterans need education to work around life, not the other way around. Start any course any day of the year. Study at 0300 or 1500 — whatever works for your schedule. Progress at your own pace with no penalty for taking breaks when life or VA appointments intervene. If you've completed military correspondence courses or professional development training, you'll feel right at home with the self-paced format.
Combat-Tested Affordability: At $79 per course plus a monthly membership ($99/month), you preserve your GI Bill for expensive upper-level courses and graduate programs. Complete 10 courses over 4-5 months for approximately $1,500-$1,600 total — less than the cost of a single 3-credit course at most private universities.
Widely Accepted Credits: StraighterLine courses carry ACE (American Council on Education) Learning Evaluations accepted by over 3,000 colleges and universities. Top military-friendly partner schools include:
American Military University: Accepts up to 90 StraighterLine credits, specifically designed for military students
Liberty University: Military tuition discount, dedicated military affairs office
University of Maryland Global Campus: Long history serving military worldwide
Southern New Hampshire University: Extensive veteran support services
Purdue Global: Part of prestigious Purdue system, competitive military rates
Excelsior College: Accepts up to 113 transfer credits, generous JST evaluations
Quality Assurance: Every StraighterLine course includes clear objectives, regular progress checks, adaptive quizzing, final proctored exams to validate knowledge, and 24/7 support from tutors and advisors.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Choose Your Target School
Verify they accept StraighterLine credits
Confirm transfer credit policy (most accept 60-90 credits)
2. Complete StraighterLine Courses
Enroll in monthly membership
Take courses at your pace (most finish in 4-12 weeks)
Complete proctored final exams
3. Transfer Credits
Request official transcripts sent to your target school
Also send your JST (Joint Services Transcript) for military training credit
Receive transfer credit evaluation
4. Apply for GI Bill
Complete VA Form 22-1990 at VA.gov
Receive Certificate of Eligibility
Submit to school's VA certifying official
5. Start Traditional College
Enroll in courses not covered by StraighterLine
GI Bill covers tuition, you receive housing allowance
Graduate with benefits remaining
Combine Military Training Credits
Don't overlook free college credit you've already earned. Your military training likely qualifies for college credit through the Joint Services Transcript (JST).
What's on Your JST:
Military occupational training (MOS/AFSC/Rating schools)
NCO academies and leadership courses
Defense Language Institute courses
Specialized technical training
Most veterans have 15-30 college-equivalent credits already, with some technical specialties earning 40-60+ credits. Request your free JST at jst.doded.mil.
Triple Strategy for Maximum Efficiency:
JST Credits: 20-40 credits from military training (FREE)
StraighterLine: 30 credits of Gen Ed ($1,500-$2,000)
GI Bill: 50-70 credits for major courses (FULL BENEFITS)
Total: 120 credits = Bachelor's degree with GI Bill months remaining
Example: Army Combat Medic (68W) seeking Healthcare Administration degree:
JST provides ~26 credits from medical training
StraighterLine covers 30 credits of business/Gen Ed requirements
GI Bill funds 64 credits of healthcare administration courses
Result: Bachelor's degree in 2-3 years with 12+ months of GI Bill remaining for graduate school
Can You Use GI Bill for StraighterLine?
No, and that's the point. StraighterLine is not approved for GI Bill funding. The entire strategy is to pay a small amount out-of-pocket ($1,500-$2,000) to preserve your much larger GI Bill benefit ($90,000+ value) for expensive education that truly requires it.
Many veterans cover StraighterLine costs through savings, part-time work, VA disability compensation, or military retirement pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my GI Bill for online courses? Yes. However, purely online students receive only $1,169/month housing allowance versus location-based rates ($1,500-$3,500+/month) for in-person or hybrid students.
How long do GI Bill benefits last? 36 months for most veterans. If you left service after January 1, 2013, Post-9/11 benefits never expire (Forever GI Bill). Some veterans now qualify for 48 months under the Rudisill decision.
Can I transfer my GI Bill to my family? Yes, if you have 6+ years of service and commit to 4 additional years. Must be approved while still in service.
What if I run out of GI Bill benefits? Options include federal financial aid (FAFSA), state veterans benefits, VR&E if you have a service-connected disability, STEM extension for STEM majors, and employer tuition assistance.
Can veterans get in-state tuition? Yes, thanks to the Veterans Choice Act. GI Bill recipients qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges even without state residency.
Can I use my GI Bill for prerequisites? Yes, but it's often smarter to complete common prerequisites (English, math, basic sciences) through StraighterLine to preserve your GI Bill for your actual degree program.
Take Action Today
Your Education Benefits Are Worth $90,000+
You've earned these benefits through service and sacrifice. Don't waste them on overpriced general education courses.
The Smart Strategy:
Pay $1,500-$2,000 out-of-pocket for StraighterLine GenEd courses
Preserve thousands of dollars in GI Bill benefits
Graduate with your degree AND benefits remaining
Use remaining benefits for advanced education or transfer to family
Start Saving Your GI Bill Dollars Now
Option 1: Preview StraighterLine Free
Explore courses with no obligation. [View Free Course Preview →]
Option 2: Browse Military-Friendly Partner Schools
See which of our 180+ partner colleges align with your career goals. [Explore Partner Schools →]
Option 3: Talk to an Enrollment Advisor
Get your questions answered by advisors who understand veteran education paths. [Schedule a Call →]
You've Earned This
You've already proven your discipline and commitment through military service. Now apply those same skills to maximize your education benefits strategically. Complete your general education requirements efficiently and affordably, then use your full GI Bill for the education that advances your career.
Your future is worth the smart strategy.
Get the Most Out of Your Benefits
Ready to stretch your GI Bill further? Browse StraighterLine’s affordable, transfer-friendly GenEd courses and start saving today.
Need More Information?
Connect with the StraighterLine Team:
Enrollment Services: https://info.straighterline.com/es-info-request
VA Education Benefits:
Call: 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551)
Website: VA.gov/education
GI Bill Comparison Tool: va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool
Joint Services Transcript:
Request free transcript: jst.doded.mil
Apply for GI Bill:
Online application: VA.gov/education/apply
Last Updated: December 2025
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about VA education benefits. Benefit rates and regulations may change. Always verify current information at VA.gov or by calling 1-888-GI-BILL-1. StraighterLine is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information available at benefits.va.gov/gibill.
