Feb 05, 2026  
Military and Veteran Student Handbook 
    
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Military and Veteran Student Handbook

Military/Education Benefits/College Financial Plan

Please note that not all information below is exhaustive, and it is your responsibility to visit the VA Education and Training Benefits | Veterans Affairs website.

  • The Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship: This is a state-funded tuition assistance program that pays schools “up front” for the cost of tuition for the soldier. There are critical deadlines to apply. Go to educate.iowa.gov for more information.
     
  • Tuition Assistance is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Army National Guard. Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application processes and restrictions.
     
  • Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (MGIB-AD) is a benefit for those who served after 30 Jun 1985 and offers 36 months of assistance. This program can be used for certification or fast-track career programs and degree programs. Benefits are available up to 10 years of discharge date.
     
  • Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness & Employment Veterans with service-connected disability may be eligible (VA Form 28-1900). This Program focuses upon providing services for veterans to pursue a fast track career program.
     
  • Chapter 33 Harry Comer Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2017 “Forever GIBILL®” states
    • Elimination of the 15 year time limit to use the Post 911 GIBILL® for those whose last discharge or release from active duty is on or after January 1, 2013.  Also for children of deceased service members who became entitled to the Post 9/11, and all spouses using the Fry Scholarship (see below).
    • Independent student at technical schools and non-institutions of Higher Learning.
    • Priority enrollment.
    • GIBILL® monthly housing allowance in the zip code of where the campus is located.
    • Entitlement charges for licensing and certification exams and national test under the Post-9/11 GIBILL® will be prorated based on the actual amount of the fee charged for the tests. 
    • Decreases the amount provided in the Dependents’ Education Assistance benefit (C.35).
    • Transfer of benefits can be changed upon the death of the beneficiary. 
    • Purple Heart recipients after 9/11 is entitled to 100% of the benefit.
    • Reserve duty that counts toward post 9/11 eligibility, the time a Reservist was ordered to active duty to receive authorized medical care study on or after 9/11, will be eligible.
  • Chapter 33 (Dependents) Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship Education assistance for family members of service members that died in the line of duty post 9/11.
     
  • Chapter 35 Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Educational assistance is available to dependents of certain veterans. This Program provides up to 36 months of educational benefits if the first use of benefits is after August 1st 2018 and up to 45 months of educational benefits for those who began using the benefits before August 1st 2018. Eligible dependents must complete an application at va.gov.
     
  • Chapter 1606 Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) is available to selected reserve members. This Education Benefit can be used for degree programs and fast track career programs up to 36 months.  Requirements are that the service member had a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve enlisted after 30 June 1985 and completed the initial active duty program.

NOTE: Those utilizing benefits other than Ch. 33 and VR&E education benefits must set up a payment plan with the College. The VA benefit is disbursed to the student; therefore, the student is responsible for paying tuition.

College Financial Plan - Financial Aid Shopping Sheet

In addition to the GI BILL ® benefits identified above, you may be eligible for additional funding through Federal Financial Aid.  Apply for Federal Financial Aid at studentaid.gov. Find sample costs of attending college at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges here.