New GI Bill and Flight Training

mat said:
Each college is different but I'm just throwing this out there. I'm from CA, doing flight training in FL right now.

Last semester:
My out of state tuition was 323/unit
VA covered 298/unit (the max in state resident rate of some college in FL)

From now on:
My out of state rate is 349/unit (it went up)
VA covers 96/unit (the actual tuition rate at this college for in state residents)

You cover the difference. Or use Yellow Ribbon or whatever else to cover it. To get the full BAH you need however many units. Multiply by the difference and it's a few throusand up front. Still, it's an easy choice for me. It sounds like your college is all over this though, so you may not need to deal with it.
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Not sure if you already explained it, but how did you find the 349/unit number and how did you find out how much the VA paid per unit? Just curious for those of us researching flight schools.
 
mat said:
They are just the in/out of state rates for that school. The VA only pays in state rate now.
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Ok, I believe I found the rates for Cochise college (one of the IHL school's with a flight program):

Now I just need to find out how much the VA will pay... I assume it would be $63/credit?
Fall/Spring/Summer Tuition

In-state
$63 per credit
Out-of-state (1-6 credits)
$95 per credit
over 6 credits (retroactive to first credit)
$290 per credit
Online Campus
$95 per credit
Aviation (resident)
Regular tuition
Co-op education courses (per credit hour)
$32
Western Undergraduate Tuition Waiver
$95
New Mexico Tuition Waiver
$63
 
This should help: http://gibill.va.gov/gi_bill_info/ch33/tuition_and_fees_2010.htm

Look up the maximum in-state that the VA will pay. If the in-state per-credit maximum is above what you are charged for out of state, you are good to go. If not, then you pay the difference. I will be going to COCC in Oregon in June as an out of stater and Oregon has a very generous maximum per credit so I'm covered- above what I would be charged for out of state tuition. This has been verified with their VA office.
 
Marine0341 said:
This should help: http://gibill.va.gov/gi_bill_info/ch33/tuition_and_fees_2010.htm

Look up the maximum in-state that the VA will pay. If the in-state per-credit maximum is above what you are charged for out of state, you are good to go. If not, then you pay the difference. I will be going to COCC in Oregon in June as an out of stater and Oregon has a very generous maximum per credit so I'm covered- above what I would be charged for out of state tuition. This has been verified with their VA office.
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Has anyone done one of these programs while on Active duty still?
 
Well I'm rolling into the Spring semester next week at COCC, and also CFI training. I've done Instrument through CMEL/CSEL since September, and have had a pretty good experience here so far. I'm married with a 2 year old and a mortgage, and I've been busting my ass to get this done in 9 months. Commuting 6 1/2 hours drive home on most weekends (have flown myself home and stayed overnight a few times as well, nice perk), as well as juggling Air Force Reserve duty on top of it. Sure, I sure as hell wish I didn't have to go far away to do this. But right now, there are very limited choices in CA to choose from. Point is, here I am, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, with a bunch of new ratings and hours in my pocket. MEI in 2 1/2 months I think is do-able, and is the goal. Overall, it's been worth it.
 
Armarsh24 said:
You say in here that ROTC grads aren't elligible for GI BIll, I could've swore that isn't true. I thought as long as they've served 3 years on Active they would get 100% benefits for post 9/11?
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That's not true... However, ROTC grads who took a scholarship while in school may not be eligible, depending on how much time they spent in service. My wife is running into this problem...
 
Marine0341 said:
This should help: http://gibill.va.gov/gi_bill_info/ch33/tuition_and_fees_2010.htm

Look up the maximum in-state that the VA will pay. If the in-state per-credit maximum is above what you are charged for out of state, you are good to go. If not, then you pay the difference. I will be going to COCC in Oregon in June as an out of stater and Oregon has a very generous maximum per credit so I'm covered- above what I would be charged for out of state tuition. This has been verified with their VA office.
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http://www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_gibill/Post911_changes.html

The max in state rate system is gone as of 8 months ago. COCC's in state rate is 76, out of state is 206, so you will be responsible for 130 per unit.


Ok scratch the above. COCC has a special program:

The non-resident Veteran tuition rate will be calculated to be 50% of the difference between COCC’s in-district rate and out-of-district/border state rate and complies with Oregon legislation.

In district: 76
Out of district: 101
Difference: 25
You pay: 13/unit
 
Yeah, you're right mat. I was under the assumption that the max in-state system was still in place but it isn't. Covers in-state tuition only. COCC was able to work something out with their state legislature to classify out-of-state vets as in-state.

DME - How smoothly does the VA office operate up there? Btw, congrats on the progress!
 
Marine0341 said:
Yeah, you're right mat. I was under the assumption that the max in-state system was still in place but it isn't. Covers in-state tuition only. COCC was able to work something out with their state legislature to classify out-of-state vets as in-state.

DME - How smoothly does the VA office operate up there? Btw, congrats on the progress!
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For the most part, pretty smoothly. There are individuals that have had issues, but usually it's been due to lack of attention to detail by them, the VA rep, or both. I havn't heard of too many major problems, just some grumbling about delays in getting money to start flying. Usually things work out, I have not heard of any VA guy unable to get funding in a fairly timely manner. Also, you won't be paying out of pocket for tuition. If the class is required for the degree, it's covered 100%.
 
So MSU just let me register for all my multiengine stuff yesterday seemingly out of the blue. It sounds like they're working a deal with ATP. All parties want to benefit before I lose my 2011-2012 entitlement of $25,500. From the sounds of it, I may start flying in a few weeks...random.
 
I am a present student with Central Aviation in Little Rock, AR. This school is part 141 and affiliated with an IHL. My school received the funding for my IFR rating and I am approx two weeks from completion of this rating. My question relates to the program management, Unfortunately, I cannot get any of my local VA reps to answer emails or answer the phone. Does anyone know of some sort of regulation which governs the use of one's Post 9/11 GI Bill towards aviation training?
 
Anyone else going to Cochise College (in Douglas,AZ) and doing the flight training through them as IHL? I've emailed back and forth with them amd they appear to be no costs out of pocket. Except I think I'll have to pay for books still since I'm still on Active Duty. I'd be curious if anyone out there is flying through them and what their experience has been.
 
ozziecat35 said:
So MSU just let me register for all my multiengine stuff yesterday seemingly out of the blue. It sounds like they're working a deal with ATP. All parties want to benefit before I lose my 2011-2012 entitlement of $25,500. From the sounds of it, I may start flying in a few weeks...random.
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So how is it going with Mountain State and ATP? Any clue when you start flying?
 
JMA22 said:
So how is it going with Mountain State and ATP? Any clue when you start flying?
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Waiting on the VA right now. I could start flying as soon as next week, or June / July time frame...who knows with the guys in Washington.
 
I've read practically through this whole dang thread. I've read lots of useful information on JC and have also posted a couple other topics before and I have always had the help of some truly knowledgeable and awesome peeps here. I have yet another couple questions. I am about to separate from the Navy as an AT (downsizing sucks). I have been wanting us my education benefits for Flight training. I am 100% eligible. I have not transferred over to Post 9/11 which I can do at anytime.

Almost to my questions. I was informed by a VA rep that I can get up to 48 mos of education benefits as long as I exhaust all of the MGIB and then apply for one year of Post 9/11. Instead of only getting 36 mos for only the Post 9/11 or MGIB. Now my Questions:

What way (if anyone has expereince in using either GI Bill) would be best to use for flight training.

  • Should I just use 36 months of the MGIB (meaning I will have to pay 40%) which equals the VA reimbursing me up to approx $58,000 for the equivalent of 36 months (their 60%), my out of pocket would be about $35,000 (my 40%)? That would get me over $85,000 in flight training for a 35,000 investment on my part which is way less than what some kids are having to finance or pay for flight school plus I'm getting over 80 grand worth. Then after all that is said and done I'll have a year of Post 9/11 to either use on college with BAH for 12 months (3 semesters).
OR
  • Should I play it safe, go to a Community College then Uni using the Post 9/11 and use the BAH for flight training along the way and use the money I've been saving up for what I was gonna use for my 40% of the MGIB and supplement the BAH to help with flight training?
OR
  • I could also still use the MGIB to get 48 months (36 of MGIB and 12 of Post 9/11) and go to Community since it's so cheap and since the govt pays a flat rate of 1473 a month while attending plus my 150 (buy up program) for a total of 1623 a month (MGIB) and just pocket what I don't spend on classes and use on Flight training Then after 36 switch it over to Post 9/11 to finish up UNI and pocket BAH money for a year?
These are the three ways I have been deciding on and its hard to choose what will help me best in the long run for a job after my benefits run out. Help JC!
 
WBBulldogs said:
I've read practically through this whole dang thread. I've read lots of useful information on JC and have also posted a couple other topics before and I have always had the help of some truly knowledgeable and awesome peeps here. I have yet another couple questions. I am about to separate from the Navy as an AT (downsizing sucks). I have been wanting us my education benefits for Flight training. I am 100% eligible. I have not transferred over to Post 9/11 which I can do at anytime.

Almost to my questions. I was informed by a VA rep that I can get up to 48 mos of education benefits as long as I exhaust all of the MGIB and then apply for one year of Post 9/11. Instead of only getting 36 mos for only the Post 9/11 or MGIB. Now my Questions:

What way (if anyone has expereince in using either GI Bill) would be best to use for flight training.

  • Should I just use 36 months of the MGIB (meaning I will have to pay 40%) which equals the VA reimbursing me up to approx $58,000 for the equivalent of 36 months (their 60%), my out of pocket would be about $35,000 (my 40%)? That would get me over $85,000 in flight training for a 35,000 investment on my part which is way less than what some kids are having to finance or pay for flight school plus I'm getting over 80 grand worth. Then after all that is said and done I'll have a year of Post 9/11 to either use on college with BAH for 12 months (3 semesters).
OR

  • Should I play it safe, go to a Community College then Uni using the Post 9/11 and use the BAH for flight training along the way and use the money I've been saving up for what I was gonna use for my 40% of the MGIB and supplement the BAH to help with flight training?
OR

  • I could also still use the MGIB to get 48 months (36 of MGIB and 12 of Post 9/11) and go to Community since it's so cheap and since the govt pays a flat rate of 1473 a month while attending plus my 150 (buy up program) for a total of 1623 a month (MGIB) and just pocket what I don't spend on classes and use on Flight training Then after 36 switch it over to Post 9/11 to finish up UNI and pocket BAH money for a year?
These are the three ways I have been deciding on and its hard to choose what will help me best in the long run for a job after my benefits run out. Help JC!
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Hey man I am a prior AT as well. I separated a couple of months ago and started the ch.33 benefits up. My advice may be slightly biased as I have never thought of using ch.30 benefits. I can relate to all the questions you have though as I was in the same seat as you not so long ago.

My advice to you is definitely use the post 9/11 GI bill, here are the reasons.

-36 months of benefits including school/flight fees. This term I recieved 10.5K just in flight benefits and have only used about 4K after 26 hrs of flight time logged. All school fees covered 100% and a 300 dollar check for books for this term (300 x 4 terms will get you the 1200 per academic year). That helps alot as the stipend is cash in pocket that can be used for both college and flight training supplements.

-monthly BAH is relative to the location of the IHL you are attending. For me it is 1350/mo. Which is more than enough for rent, I also work a part time job at Red Robin for fun money.

Going this route will get you through a complete two year program and you will be able to obtain all of your certs from PPL all the way to MEI. After the two year program you will still have 12 months left providing you stay on track and finish the courses ON TIME. If you transfer those credits to a four year program you can get most of a four year degree covered, since you will be a CFI at the least you will then be able to get a job as an instructor while you finish your degree.

I know that you want to get the most out of your VA benefits and cannot stress enough that the post 9-11 GI bill will do that for you, you just have to stay on track and work hard to finish on time. To me that is a more viable option than paying for 40% of the bill for training, use that money to supplement living expenses or to finish that four year degree if needed.

If you have any more questions feel free to shoot me a PM!

James
 
That's awesome news. Both MSU & ATP stand to make a good deal of money if this gets approved through the VA. Just the vast locations of where ATP is at will allow lots of vets to participate in this.
 
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