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The U.S. military has tens of thousands of members, many who want to go to school to earn their college degree. Online schools now afford military men and women the opportunity to attend classes, even if they are stationed overseas. Fortunately, the New GI Bill is helping many of these students achieve that dream by helping to pay for it, and technology is allowing them to take classes from faraway destinations.

The GI Bill is a multi-faceted educational assistance program that is designed specifically for military members who want to further their education. The advent of online schools makes it easier for military students to get their degrees because of the inherent flexibility of the program. However, even though many online degree programs are less expensive than a traditional university, military students still need financial assistance to help cover costs.

The GI Bill has some flexibility in it that is new. For example, the Post 9/11 GI Bill offers tuition and housing assistance to members who served 90 consecutive days after September 11, 2001. The housing allowance is applicable under certain circumstances, and can be very helpful to those who need it. There are other options available as well.

Another portion of the GI Bill that is designed specifically for active duty members who are currently in service is the Montgomery GI Bill. Active duty members can receive up to 36 months of educational benefits, which they can apply to a wide variety of educational programs. For example, members can attend college degree programs, or certain certification, flight training, job training, or apprenticeships programs, as well.

Military members can use the Montgomery Bill to help meet both career and educational goals. The Bill was designed with flexibility in mind and qualified participants can also increase their benefits with a program called the $600 Buy-Up Program. By contributing $600 to the Buy-Up Program, participants increase their share of Montgomery Bill educational assistance by $5,400.

The $600 Buy-Up program is an ideal tool for members who want to go even further with their education. Ideal candidates include members who are pursuing graduate degrees at the master or doctorate level. It may also be very beneficial to military students who are interested in changing career tracks, who need additional training or education to get there.

An online degree program may be the best way for an active duty military member to complete a college degree, since they often move from one assignment to the next. Since the GI Bill will help pay for many online programs, the military member won’t have to worry about possibly interrupting their education when they have to move. An Internet connection is all a member needs in order to keep studying and working so they can finish their degree.

The GI Bill is a reward that our military men and women have more than earned. The ability to have a worry-free education as far as finances is concerned, is one of the best benefits of being in the military. With military education online resources providing the map to travel and distance learning college degree programs facilitating learning, success is more than possible. College military degrees for men and women in the service, no matter their rank, will create a strong force and veterans who are ready to move forward in life once they retire from active duty.