Will My GI Bill Benefits Change If I Attend School in Another State?

Secondly, I’m from Wisconsin and this question might be better address to a local Vet Rep, however, I will ask any way; I cannot find much info as to what I can expect to happen to my benefits should I transfer schools (from Wisconsin to a different school in California). Will I suffer any losses other than the free in-state tuition I receive from Wisconsin? Is there a site that will address questions about transferring schools? — Tyler

Let’s address the first question. Because you mentioned you paid the $600, I’m assuming you mean the “Buy-Up” program – the program that gave you an additional $5,400 for school? If that is case, you can’t use the Buy-Up with the Post 9/11 GI Bill, however, the Montgomery GI Bill users can (Some quirk with the way the Post 9/11 GI Bill is written). If you are referring to an actual GI Bill Kicker, then yes you can use it, however, I have not heard of a kicker that you had to pay into; most of the kickers are enlistment/reenlistment incentive options given to you. So, the bottom line is if it is the Buy-Up we are talking about, and you are not getting paid for it, that is correct (nor will you get your $600 back.)

Now on to your second question. Because the Post 9/11 GI bill is a Federal program, your benefits will not change, however, the amount you get paid and what the VA pays to your school will change. I’m using Madison, WI and San Diego, CA for comparison examples. Where you actually go to school in WI and CA  will change the numbers slightly, but you will get the point.

The monthly housing allowance in Madison is $1,311 and $1,998 in San Diego. You would also get up to $1,000 per year book stipend, so while that does increase your income, it is the same, regardless of where you go to school, so actually, it is a wash.

The tuition in Madison is $663 per credit hour, but only $335.75 in San Diego, and this is where it could make a difference. Right now, your tuition is paid in full by the State of Wisconsin. If you go to school in CA, you will most likely have to pay out-state tuition. This might go over the $335 per credit hour maximum the VA will pay.

You would have to pay the difference, unless your school is a Yellow Ribbon school.  If it is, then the school can pay up to 50% of the difference and the VA will pay an equal amount, leaving you with very little to nothing, left to pay out of pocket.

I’m not aware of a site where you can compare schools, but I gave you the information you need so you can make an informed decision.