Florida National University (FNU) honors veterans by offering them the opportunity to earn a college degree at a reduced rate. These reduced rates not only apply to military personnel, but also to their family members, and it doesn’t matter if the military workers are on active duty or on reserve. It’s also applicable to members of the National Guard and survivors and dependents who are receiving Chapter 33 and 35 Veterans’ Affairs (VA) benefits.
In addition to being eligible for financial aid and grants, veterans also have the advantage of using their GI Bill. Some people may confuse the GI Bill with financial aid from a college or university when in fact, these are two completely different types of assistance.
How the GI Bill is Different from Financial Aid
While traditional financial aid is paid to the financial institution, the financial aid that comes with the GI Bill is normally paid directly to the student, not the school. The way claiming any financial aid typically works is, the school will require students to sign a promissory note. This works like an “I owe you” to the college or university. It is then that you can pay for your tuition with the GI Bill.
What this means for student veterans is that in addition to the benefits that come with the GI Bill, they can also apply for other forms of financial aid like scholarships and Pell Grants. It’s also worth noting that the GI Bill may reduce the amount of financial aid a student can receive.
How Long Do You Have to Use Your GI Bill Benefits?
The day you stop serving in the military, you’ll have approximately 10 years to take advantage of all of your GI Bill benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill. If you have military benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, then you’ll have 15 years. If you decide to re-join the military and serve for more than 90 days, then that 10-15 year time re-sets itself the day you become a civilian again.
The GI Bill offers 36 months of educational benefits. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the veteran only has 36 months to use their benefits, nor does it mean that you’re obligated to use it all within a 36-month period. Here’s how it works: The GI Bill offers a maximum payout on a monthly basis. If you use the total amount, then you have used one month of the 36 months, leaving you with a balance of 35 months to use.
It’s a little different for active-duty military workers. You can go to the official Veterans’ Affairs website here to find out more detailed information on how the GI Bill’s benefits are dispersed.
More Things You Should Know about the GI Bill
The GI Bill doesn’t give out a set sum to every military worker. There are several factors involved. It can be said that the GI Bill tries to give out as much as a military worker puts in when it comes to the amount of time served. It also makes a difference if you’re claiming the credit under the Post 9/11 or Montgomery GI Bill.
With the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you might be eligible to get a monthly housing allowance as well as up to $1,000 a year for books. Here, the housing allowance is dispersed at a percentage rate that is based on how long you’ve served in active duty as well as taking your credit score into consideration.
The Montgomery GI Bill is a little different. Here, the amount dispersed is mainly based on your credit, but you can receive approximately up to $1,717, depending on if you’re enrolled as a part or full-time student.
How FNU Recognizes Veterans
In addition to offering financial assistance to United States (US) Veterans, FNU has conducted the traditional America’s White Table based on author Margot Theis Raven’s published book America’s White Table (Sleeping Bear Press). FNU sets up a table draped with a white tablecloth, black napkin, and a complete table setting that mirrors the book’s description to honor all veterans who are or have served in the US military.
Here’s a detailed description of America’s White Table setting and what each item symbolizes, according to FNU’s interpretation:
- The small table represents the soldier in battle.
- The white tablecloth represents purity of heart.
- The black napkin reflects the sorrow of captivity.
- The white candle represents peace.
- The upside-down glass represents the meal that will not be eaten.
- The red ribbon symbolizes the hope that all prisoner of war soldiers will return home someday.
- The lemon symbolizes the missing soldier’s bitter fate.
- The salt represents the tears shed by the families, friends, and loved ones waiting for the soldier’s return.
- Lastly, the empty chair is for the missing soldier.
FNU: Helping Veterans Get the Education They Deserve
Learn about all the ways that FNU can assist your academic financial needs, no matter which branch of the US military you serve here.
FNU encourages all students, veterans and active-duty members who still wish to be considered for financial assistance to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Our financial aid department will assist you with the application process and guide you to finding other resourceful ways to pay for your college education.
Here is a list of other ways that you can fund your college career:
- Pell Grants
- Federal Work-Study-Need Based
- Direct Loan
- Plus Loan
- State Scholarships
- State Grants
- Institutional Scholarships
- Perkins Loan
One way to determine exactly how much money you’ll need to earn your college degree is by utilizing the Net Price Calculator here. If you have any questions about how you can use your GI Bill to take classes at FNU, contact us today!
