The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays differently depending on where you go to school. This guide compares housing allowances, tuition coverage, and additional state benefits so you can choose the school and location that maximizes your total benefit.
Read Full GI Bill GuideThe Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) has three components that vary by school and location:
Your housing allowance is determined by your school's ZIP code, not where you live. Choosing a school in a high-BAH metro area versus a rural campus can mean a difference of $1,500-$2,500 per month - $18,000-$30,000 per year. This is the single most important financial decision in GI Bill planning.
Always establish state residency at your target school state before enrolling if possible. Out-of-state tuition at public universities can exceed the GI Bill tuition cap, leaving you with an out-of-pocket balance. In-state tuition is covered 100% at public schools.
If you want to attend a private school where tuition exceeds the cap, look for Yellow Ribbon participating schools. These schools agree to contribute additional funding matched by the VA - at 100% tier schools, full tuition is covered regardless of cost. Not all private schools participate, and spots are limited.
Online programs receive housing allowance at 50% of the national average E-5 BAH rate (~$1,100-$1,400/mo depending on year), regardless of your actual location. This is significantly less than in-person programs in high-cost areas. Online makes financial sense only if you are already in a low-BAH area or if the program quality and flexibility outweigh the BAH difference.
| State | BAH Range (E-5) | In-State Tuition | Additional State Benefits | Notable Schools |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,100–$2,400 | $9,000–$12,000/yr in-state | Strong community college network; Alabama GI Dependents Scholarship for dependents | Auburn, UAB, University of Alabama |
| Alaska | $2,600–$3,100 | $10,000–$14,000/yr in-state | High BAH due to cost of living; limited schools but strong workforce programs | University of Alaska system |
| Arizona | $1,800–$2,400 | $11,000–$13,000/yr in-state | Major veteran population; ASU has one of the largest veteran student bodies in the US | ASU, UA, GCU, Embry-Riddle |
| California | $3,000–$4,200 | $11,000–$15,000/yr in-state (Cal State) | Highest BAH in the country in major metros (LA, SF, SD); expensive but high earning potential | San Diego State, Cal Poly, UCLA, UC San Diego |
| Colorado | $2,200–$2,900 | $10,000–$13,000/yr in-state | Strong defense and tech job market post-graduation; Colorado Vet Grant for additional aid | CU Boulder, CSU, UCCS, Metro State |
| Florida | $1,900–$2,600 | $6,200/yr in-state (Bright Futures compatible) | No state income tax post-graduation; Florida Resident Access Grant adds aid for private schools | UCF, UF, FSU, USF - all Yellow Ribbon |
| Georgia | $1,900–$2,400 | $10,000–$13,000/yr in-state | Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource (VECTR) program; strong job market | Georgia Tech, UGA, Kennesaw State |
| Maryland | $2,400–$3,200 | $10,000–$14,000/yr in-state | Proximity to DC federal jobs; Maryland GI Bill supplement for state residents | University of Maryland, UMBC, Towson |
| North Carolina | $1,900–$2,400 | $9,000–$12,000/yr in-state | Large military presence; NC State Approving Agency has strong veteran program network | NC State, UNC, Duke (Yellow Ribbon), Campbell |
| Texas | $2,100–$2,800 | $10,000–$13,000/yr in-state (Hazlewood Act) | Hazlewood Act provides up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption AT Texas public schools - stackable with GI Bill; no state income tax | UT Austin, Texas A&M, Sam Houston State, UTSA |
| Virginia | $2,200–$3,100 | $14,000–$17,000/yr in-state (varies) | Strong federal and defense contractor job market in Northern Virginia; Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program | George Mason, ODU, VCU, W&M |
| Washington | $2,300–$3,000 | $11,000–$14,000/yr in-state | Strong tech job market post-graduation; Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges has strong veteran network | UW, WSU, Seattle University |
| National (Online) | N/A - based on your location | $— | Online schools receive BAH at 50% of E-5 with dependent rate regardless of your location. Avoid for BAH maximization unless already in high-BAH area. | SNHU, WGU (nonprofit, affordable), AMU, Liberty |
If you have a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher with an employment handicap, or 20% or higher generally, you should evaluate VR&E (Chapter 31) before making your GI Bill election. VR&E can cover tuition and fees with no cap at both public and private schools, plus a monthly subsistence allowance that is often higher than the GI Bill housing allowance. The election between Chapter 33 and Chapter 31 is not irrevocable in the same way - but the process is different and requires working with a VR&E counselor.
The GI Bill is one part of your transition plan. The full guide walks through every benefit and how to use them together.
Read the Full Transition Guide