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GI Bill Benefits

The details of your veteran education benefits can be complex and confusing. We have provided some information below, but please feel free to contact the UMSL Veterans Center to review your eligibility, how to utilize your benefits, and any limitations that may apply. 

Contact us at 314-516-5705 or VeteransOffice@umsl.edu

Chapter 33: Post 9/11 GI Bill

  • Up to 100% of tuition and fees paid directly to the school for 36 months. Percentage is based on your total length of service (see chart below).
  • Book & Supply Stipend is paid directly to you ($41.67 per credit hour up to $1,000 per year). 
    • Prorated by your total length of service percentage. 
  • Monthly housing stipend is based on the BAH rate for an "E-5 with dependents" (currently $1,494/month). 
    • Stipend is is prorated by your total length of service percentage and paid directly to you at the beginning of each month for the previous month.
    • Active duty personnel and their spouses utilizing transferred entitlement are not eligible for the housing allowance. 
    • Rate of pursuit must be more than 50% (i.e. you must be enrolled in 7 or more credit hours for undergraduate coursework or 5 or more credit hours for graduate coursework) in order to receive the housing stipend.
    • For online-only students, the housing stipend is paid at half of the national average (currently $805.50 per month). 

Length of service percentages are described in the following table:

Service Requirements (Aggregate active duty after 9/10/01) % Of Maximum Benefit Payable
At least 36 months 100%
At least 30 continuous days and discharged due to service-connected disability 100%
At least 30 months < 36 months 90%
At least 24 months < 30 months 80%
At least 18 months < 24 months 70%
At least 12 months < 18 months 60%
At least 6 months < 12 months 50%
At least 90 days < 6 months 40% 


To apply, visit the VA Services website and select "Apply for Benefits."

Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB)

  • To be eligible, you must have served 36 months on active duty and received an honorable discharge.
  • Monthly entitlement is paid directly to you for up to 36 months. Student must pay tuition and fees to the University from this stipend.  
  • Additional 12 months of Chapter 33 after exhaustion of Chapter 30 benefits. 
  • Monthly Housing Allowance - rate schedule
  • MGIB users must update their certification on the W.A.V.E. website each month. 

The Montgomery G.I. Bill can be combined with the Missouri Returning Heroes program to maximize this benefit.  If eligible for the program, your tuition cost is reduced to $50/per credit hour plus any additional course fees. Please call our office to learn more and/or visit our page.

To apply, visit the VA Services website and select "Apply for Benefits."


Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation Program

  • Available to veterans with service-connected disabilities of 10% or more. 
  • Must apply on www.ebenefits.va.gov and be accepted by VocRehab & Employment services at the VBA Regional Office in downtown St. Louis.
  • Program pays 100% of tuition and fees directly to the school for up to 48 months
  • Required books and supplies are also covered by the VA.
  • Program also includes a monthly subsistence allowance. Stipend can match the Post 9/11 rate if a veteran has Post 9/11 G.I. Bill entitlement remaining.

To apply, visit the VA Services website and select "Apply for Benefits."
Chapter 35: Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
  • Children and spouses of veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability or died while in service, or as a result of a service connected  disability.
  • Up to 45 months of entitlement paid directly to the student.
  • Benefits are paid at the single rate to the student -  rate schedule.
To apply, visit the VA Services website and select "Apply for Benefits."

Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve

  •  Reservists with no deployments and a 6-year obligation
  •  Up to 36 months of benefits
  •  Must have completed basic training and advanced individual training (AIT) to receive Chapter 1606 benefits
  •  Eligible for tuition assistance after basic training. More information on Federal and State Tuition Assistance
  •  MGIB users must update their certification on the W.A.V.E. website each month. 

To apply, visit the VA Services website and select "Apply for Benefits."