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Courtesy of the new Chapter 33 Post- 9/11 GI Bill, veterans who have served on active duty for 90 days or more as of Sept. 10, 2001 will be covered for 100 percent of tuition and fees, a monthly living stipend, up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies, a one-time relocation allowance and the option to transfer benefits to family members. The bill went into effect August 1st.

Rising tuition costs are proving a severe financial barrier to students from many backgrounds.  For those returning from active duty, the costs can be overwhelming. The former policy, the Montgomery GI Bill, stipulated that those in the service pay $1,200 into an Army College Fund while on active duty which would in turn pay veterans a flat monthly stipend of $1,200 for college.

“It’s possible to live off the old GI Bill, but it’s tough,” said Dan Ochs, a student veteran and global studies sophomore at the University of Minnesota. “It didn’t take into account all the other student costs. It’s making it possible for me to be a student, and be a student full time.”

The Eastern Illinois University Daily Eastern News reports that the New G.I. Bill Web site is headed by a quote from FDR: "The G.I. Bill gives emphatic notice to the men and women of our armed forces that the American people do not intend to let them down."

More from Eastern Illinois University's Daily Eastern News
More from the Twin Cities Daily Planet
More from the New GI Bill website