GI Bill

[aeronerd]

Everyone I've talked to says paying into the GI Bill is a no-brainer, since you only pay a total of $1200. This way you can go back and get a Masters at some point in your career. However, I already have a Master's degree. Should I still pay into the GI Bill? At this point, I'm tired of school and can't fathom going after the PhD.
Anyone have any suggestions/experience with this?

Thanks.

 

[Thisguy]

I would...it's a monster deal. Currently the GI bill pays $985/month for a max of 36 months if you're a full time student. You never know where you'll end up down the road. Even though you have a master's, let's say you fulfill your obligation and decided to conquer corporate America. Well, you can use it to get an MBA. Basically, that first 12 months, paying a 100 bucks a month is no big deal. You won't feel it at all.

 

[46Driver]

Pay the $1200 for the GI Bill - it is one of the best deals out there. You can use the money (roughly $36,000 return for a $1200 investment). You can use it for an MBA, for airline training (getting your 737 type for example), language training, etc. I just finished my first Master's degree with it and am starting a 2nd - and it covers all expenses with money left over.

 

[Steve Wilkins]

You'd be crazy not to put into the GIBill. I put in 1200 bucks 12 years ago. I used a little of it when I was at UF. I put $600 more into this last year for that added boost. And now I have something like $29,000 remaining. Show me where else I can find an investment like that. There are countless things you can use the GIBill for as a couple people have pointed out. It's not just academic school stuff...it's a whole lot more.

 

[aeronerd]

If I pay into the GI Bill, can I get money for going to school part-time? If so, how much do you get?

Thanks for the responses.... very helpful.

 

[binary_choice]

What about paying for past college loans??

 

[Thisguy]

If I pay into the GI Bill, can I get money for going to school part-time? If so, how much do you get?

Thanks for the responses.... very helpful.

You can get money for going part-time, though I don't know how much it is.
As for repaying past loans, I don't think that's what it's for.

 

[mbeaser]

You can also get a wide variety of certifications, you pay for them and they reimburse you. Best place for info: http://www.gibill.va.gov/ Most of us fall under active duty, chapter 30.

 

[twidget]

When I went through Boot Camp I declined the GI Bill (what was I thinking ). I'm going to OCS next month and would like to pursue a Master's Degree down the road. Will I have the opportunity to enroll as an officer even though I turned it down as an enlisted?

Tough one, I know. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[webmaster]

twidget, there are a variety of means to get a Masters degree while on active duty. Take a look at the Navy College website.

 

[46Driver]

Half time school load will stay pay $500 per month, quarter time $250. You have to talk to the school people themselves (the financial aid section) and they will tell you how many classes qualify for what.

You will have the opportunity at OCS to sign up for the GI Bill - take advantage of it.

 

[Agent00JP]

Watch out there twidget, as I remember there was something about prior service officer candidates. It may have been that if you already used it you couldn't sign up again, but it may also be that if you declined it then you can't do it again? I'm not sure. When you get the PSD brief, talk to Walt (or whoever does it in his place), they know there stuff pretty good and if there is ANY way you can get the GI Bill, they will know. Plus the $1200, doesn't start coming out until you commission...