| The U.S. military has tens of thousands of members, | | | | benefits, which they can apply to a wide variety of |
| many who want to go to school to earn their college | | | | educational programs. For example, members can |
| degree. Online schools now afford military men and | | | | attend college degree programs, or get certain |
| women the opportunity to attend classes, even if they | | | | certification awarded. Job training is part of this, as is |
| are stationed overseas. Fortunately, the New GI Bill is | | | | flight training. There is room for those who wish to |
| helping many of these students achieve that dream by | | | | enter apprenticeships programs, as well. |
| helping to pay for it, and technology is allowing them to | | | | The Montgomery Bill was originated to help members |
| take classes from faraway destinations. | | | | of the service meet education and schooling goals, as |
| The GI Bill is a multi-faceted educational assistance | | | | well as their own career goals. In fact, the Bill is so |
| program that is designed specifically for military | | | | flexible that military members can actually increase |
| members who want to further their education. The | | | | their benefits by entering the $600 Buy-Up Program. In |
| advent of online schools makes it easier for military | | | | the program, the member contributes $600 of their |
| students to get their degrees because of the flexibility | | | | earned money and this ups to $5,400 the benefits |
| that is built in by the very nature of the program. | | | | offered by the Bill. |
| However, even though many online degree programs | | | | The $600 Buy-Up program is an ideal tool for |
| are less expensive than a traditional university, military | | | | members who want to go to even higher levels with |
| students still need financial assistance to help cover | | | | their schooling goals. Ideal candidates include members |
| costs. | | | | who are pursuing graduate degrees at the master or |
| Military students have a number of options when it | | | | doctorate level. It may also be very beneficial to |
| comes to the GI Bill. Many members are eligible to | | | | military students who are interested in changing career |
| participate in the benefits offered under the Post 9/11 | | | | tracks, who need additional training or education to get |
| GI Bill, which has some special clauses in relation to the | | | | there. |
| events of September 11, 2001. Members who served | | | | Since many active duty members move frequently, |
| 90 or more consecutive days on active duty after 9/11 | | | | online degree programs may be an ideal way for them |
| can receive not only tuition assistance, but possibly | | | | to get their degree. Many online degree and |
| housing assistance as well. Housing assistance can be | | | | certification programs qualify for GI Bill funding, which |
| extremely helpful for people who are on limited | | | | means that the military member needn't worry about |
| budgets. | | | | interrupting their educational endeavors. With online |
| Another portion of the GI Bill that is designed | | | | schools, as long as there is an Internet connection, a |
| specifically for active duty members who are currently | | | | military student can keep working on their degree no |
| in service is the Montgomery GI Bill. Active duty | | | | matter where they are stationed. |
| members can receive up to 36 months of educational | | | | |