What Are VA (GI Bill®) Education Benefits and Why Do They Matter?
VA (GI Bill®) education benefits are federally administered programs designed to help eligible U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families pursue education and career training during and after military service. These benefits reduce financial barriers to higher education by covering the cost of tuition, housing, books, certification exams, and specialized training. While most service members recognize the GI Bill® as a tuition assistance program, its true purpose is far broader. The VA education system exists to support long-term economic stability, career mobility, and successful reintegration into civilian life. For veterans transitioning into fast-growing fields such as cybersecurity, these benefits can be career-defining.
Yet, many military students only use a portion of what they are entitled to, often because some of the most potent benefits are not widely discussed or publicized.
Beyond the Basics: An Overview of Popular GI Bill® Benefits
Students from a U.S. Military background are usually familiar with well-known VA education benefits, such as:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) – Covers tuition, housing allowance, and books
- Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapters 30 & 1606) – Monthly education stipends
- Yellow Ribbon Program – Tuition gap coverage at participating institutions
These programs are incredibly valuable, but they are just the tip of the iceberg.
(To understand the differences between VA Chapter 33 and Chapter 35 education benefits, read: https://www.eccu.edu/blog/va-chapter-33-vs-chapter-35-comparison/)
Now, let’s explore 10 lesser-known VA education benefits that many eligible service members and veterans either overlook or never fully utilize.
1. GI Bill® Entitlement Extension for STEM Programs (Rogers STEM Scholarship)
What it is:
The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship provides up to 9 additional months (or $30,000) of GI Bill® benefits for students pursuing qualifying STEM degrees.
Who is eligible:
- Veterans or dependents using the Post-9/11 GI Bill®
- Enrolled in a qualifying STEM program (including cybersecurity and IT-related fields)
How to apply:
Apply through VA Form 22-1990 via the VA website.
Best use case:
Ideal for cybersecurity students whose technical degrees exceed the standard 36-month GI Bill® entitlement.
Important considerations:
- Limited to specific programs
- Funding is first-come, first-served annually
2. GI Bill® Coverage for Certification and Licensing Exams
What it is:
The VA reimburses costs for industry certifications and licensing exams, even if taken outside a degree program.
Who is eligible:
- Veterans using any GI Bill® program
- Active-duty service members (reimbursement only)
How to apply:
Submit VA Form 22-0803 after completing the exam.
Best use case:
Perfect for cybersecurity certification programs, such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Network Defender (CND), Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), and others.
Important considerations:
- Reimbursement reduces GI Bill® entitlement proportionally
- Retakes may also be reimbursed
3. GI Bill® Education Benefits for Online and Hybrid Learning
What it is:
The GI Bill® covers entirely online and hybrid programs, including housing allowances for qualifying enrollment.
Who is eligible:
- Veterans using Post-9/11 GI Bill® education benefits
How to apply:
Enroll at a VA-approved institution (like EC-Council University) and certify your enrollment.
Best use case:
Ideal for working professionals, reservists, or those balancing family responsibilities.
Important considerations:
- Housing allowance differs for online learners
- School must be VA-approved
4. Tutorial Assistance Benefit
What it is:
The VA reimburses up to $100 per month (max $1,200) for tutoring services.
Who is eligible:
- Veterans enrolled at least half-time
- Demonstrated academic need
How to apply:
Submit VA Form 22-1990t with proof of tutoring.
Best use case:
Highly beneficial for technical courses such as cryptography, programming, or network security.
Important considerations:
- Tutors must meet VA qualification criteria
5. GI Bill® for Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training (OJT)
What it is:
The GI Bill® pays a monthly stipend while veterans earn wages through approved apprenticeships or OJT programs.
Who is eligible:
- Veterans under multiple GI Bill® chapters
How to apply:
Enroll in a VA-approved apprenticeship or OJT program.
Best use case:
Excellent for cybersecurity roles involving SOC operations, IT administration, or incident response.
Important considerations:
- Monthly payments decrease over time
- Employer must be VA-approved
6. Work-Study Allowance
What it is:
The VA pays veterans to work part-time at VA facilities or VA-approved schools.
Who is eligible:
- Veterans receiving VA education benefits
How to apply:
Apply through your institution’s VA office.
Best use case:
Great for gaining campus experience while supplementing income.
Important considerations:
- Limited positions available
7. Transfer of GI Bill® Education Benefits to Dependents
What it is:
Eligible service members can transfer unused benefits to spouses or children.
Who is eligible:
- Active-duty or Selected Reserve members
- Must meet service obligation requirements
How to apply:
Apply via the DoD’s milConnect portal.
Best use case:
Supports family education planning.
Important considerations:
- Must transfer benefits before separation
8. GI Bill® for Non-College Degree (NCD) Programs
What it is:
Coverage for non-college certificate programs, bootcamps, and technical training.
Who is eligible:
- Veterans using approved GI Bill® programs
How to apply:
Enroll in a VA-approved NCD program.
Best use case:
Accelerated cybersecurity training or professional certifications.
Important considerations:
- Payment structures vary
9. Retroactive Induction (VA Tuition Reimbursement)
What it is:
The VA may retroactively reimburse tuition previously paid using other benefits.
Who is eligible:
- Veterans eligible for VR&E or GI Bill® education benefits
How to apply:
Consult a VA counselor for approval.
Best use case:
Students who self-funded early coursework.
Important considerations:
- Requires detailed documentation
10. GI Bill® Refunds for Overpayments
What it is:
Refunds or debt relief when enrollment changes occur.
Who is eligible:
- GI Bill® recipients affected by administrative changes
How to apply:
Work with your school’s VA certifying official.
Best use case:
Prevents financial hardship during schedule changes.
Important considerations:
- Prompt reporting is essential
ECCU: Facilitating Career Success for Veterans Through Cybersecurity Education
Higher education plays a crucial role in helping veterans translate military experience into civilian success. In fields such as cybersecurity, where discipline, risk awareness, and mission-focused thinking are essential, veterans bring exceptional value.
At EC-Council University (ECCU), we proudly support military-affiliated learners as a VA-approved institution offering specialized cybersecurity degrees and certifications. Our flexible online programs, veteran-focused advising, and industry-aligned curriculum ensure service members can maximize their GI Bill® education benefits while preparing for high-impact civilian careers.
Your service deserves every opportunity. Understanding lesser-known VA education benefits ensures none are left unused.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. The VA reimburses approved certification and licensing exams, even those outside of full-time degree programs.
Yes. VA-approved online cybersecurity degrees, such as those offered by EC-Council University, are eligible for GI Bill® education benefits.
Yes. The Rogers STEM Scholarship offers up to 9 additional months of benefits.
Absolutely. Online, hybrid, and work-study GI Bill® education benefits are great support mechanisms for working veterans.
Yes. ECCU is a VA-approved institution and proudly supports GI Bill® recipients pursuing cybersecurity education.
Disclaimer: EC-Council University is approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to accept GI Bill® education benefits, but is not endorsed by the VA.
