Preparing Your Post 9/11 GI Bill for Spring 2010

Spring 2010 is just around the corner! Need help with your Post 9/11 GI Bill? The best first step–and one you’re probably following if you’re here–is trying to keep up with the latest Post 9/11 GI Bill news from November forward. By staying up-to-date, you’re sure to remain informed on how your veterans educational benefits are working for you in Spring 2010.

Veterans Benefits GI Bill has followed the VA website changes, emergency funds, and other last-minute fixes to the new GI Bill conundrum for the past several months. Some of the news, unfortunately, has been bad news–like banks turning military members with emergency checks away, or at best, telling them to delay–but then there’s also the promise if a better semester coming this Spring thanks to the automated system being built for the VA’s website. No more applications-in-the-slush-pile, waiting to be done by hand!

Another positive tidbit concerning the Post 9/11 GI Bill popped up today: Today’s GI Bill, a site brought to attention by the Rice University government information blog. This isn’t a government Post 9/11 GI Bill source, but something put together by the American Council on Education. This will hopefully provide yet another resourceful site for current and upcoming college students trying to learn more about their military financial aid options for college.

Also, remember that another resource for information on the Post 9/11 GI Bill is the college itself. Schools are getting ready for the spring semester and have the faculty available to help answer your questions. Military-friendly collegels, in particular, have a wealth of information available through its faculty members and brochures. Visit your financial aid office and see if your school’s faculty can help you out with your questions, concerns, and forms. For students starting or returning to school this Spring semester, here’s some excellent military-friendly colleges that support the Post 9/11 GI Bill during the enrollment process and throughout your educational experience:

• Colorado State University Global Campus - As the newest campus in the Colorado State University System, CSU-Global Campus is uniquely focused on delivering 100% online degree programs to working professionals and nontraditional students.
• Jones International University – Is one of the top military friendly online universities in the country. As a long time supporter of service-members and their families, JIU offers high-quality, accredited doctorate, graduate and undergraduate academic programs – all delivered in a flexible, 100% online format for ultimate convenience.
• Robert Morris University – With the new RMU Military Service Award, paired with the VA Yellow Ribbon program, the university will cover the additional tuition for any qualifying student* enrolling under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
• Hawai’i Pacific University – with a main campus located on Hawai’i, where the cultures of several countries come together with an American college; also has several exciting and successful online degree programs available and military student support for veterans, reserve, and active duty
• American Sentinel University, an online-only university that has programs tailored for the military; specializes in quality, American distance education at the Associate, Bachelor, and Master Degree level, including MBAs

It’s always a benefit if your school supports the Yellow Ribbon Program. If you’re starting school in 2010, don’t forget to ask!

Representatives at local VA offices are available for assistance as well, and the VA–swamped as they are–tries to accommodate to phone calls with the staff on hand. You can also leave your comments on the Veterans Benefits GI Bill blog.