New Gi Bill Offers More Tuition Help

If not for the GI Bill, he says, "I would probably end up taking out student loans." And he might not have chosen to attend the private Stevenson, which he likes because of the smaller classes.

Besides tuition and fees, the GI Bill also awards up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies. And if you're enrolled more than half-time and attending class on campus, you may be entitled to a housing allowance, Porter says.

Even if you can't use the benefits, you may under certain circumstances transfer them to a spouse or a child under age 26.

The first step, Porter says, is to apply online at www.gibill.va.gov. By doing so, you will find out if you're eligible and for how much, and receive a certificate of eligibility to submit to the school.

You can also explore the site for education programs that could be more beneficial to you. For instance, the Montgomery GI Bill will pay a monthly stipend while you attend schools not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill, such as a police academy, flight school or private career school, Porter says.