GI Bill expands horizons
State school officials learn details of first major change in benefits since 1985

BY SUSAN SIMPSON

Published: October 9, 2008

Oklahoma colleges and universities expect more war veterans will enroll after a new GI Bill goes into effect next year.

ike Myers, left, and Nicholas Harrison talk during a panel discussion on veterans returning to college at Rose State College in Midwest City, Okla., Wednesday, October 8, 2008. Photo by Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman

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About 7,000 military veterans now attend college in Oklahoma, but that number is sure to grow because education benefits will greatly increase in August, said speakers Wednesday at a conference to educate higher education leaders about the needs of veterans who go back to school.

The new GI Bill, also referred to as the Post 9/11 or Chapter 33 version, will pay up to 100 percent tuition and fees up front and will provide a monthly stipend for living expenses and a stipend for books. In some cases, benefits can be transferred from an active duty service member to a spouse or child.

The changes are the first major revisions to the benefits since the Montgomery GI Bill in 1985.

"It’s a recognition for the first time since before the Clinton administration,” said U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, who spoke briefly during the meeting at Rose State College. "We have an obligation to our veterans.”

Benefits included in the new bill are based on length of service, ranging from 40 percent for those serving less than 90 days without a service-related disability to 100 percent for those serving at least 36 months. The monthly housing allowance varies by city and cost of living. For Oklahoma, it would be about $850 a month for those qualified for full benefits.

Current GI Bill recipients pay $1,200 of their own money to "buy into” the program and do not get tuition money upfront but receive a larger monthly allowance. That makes it harder to pay tuition and fees at the beginning of each semester.

The new plan requires no "buy in” by the student.

"This (new) GI Bill knocks down our biggest barrier: How will I pay tuition?” said Danny Stewart, director of veterans education and training with the Oklahoma State Accrediting Agency. "What excuse do you have now not to go to school?”

Variations of the GI Bill will remain, including plans for members of the National Guard and Reserves and those with disabilities. Also, Oklahoma colleges and universities can waive tuition for National Guard members who are state residents.

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