GI Bill Benefit Maximizer

Compare Post-9/11 GI Bill vs. Montgomery GI Bill Chapter 30, model Yellow Ribbon, BAH, and book stipend. Find the degree path with the highest net benefit after opportunity cost of not working full-time.

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Your GI Bill Eligibility

AY2025-26 rates: Post-9/11 Ch. 33 = 100% tuition (in-state public = full tuition; private/foreign annual cap $29,920.95 via Yellow Ribbon) + BAH at E-5 w/dep rate for school ZIP + $41.67/mo books stipend. MGIB Ch. 30 = $2,518/mo (full-time; FY2026, eff. Oct 1, 2025). Chapter 33 requires 36+ months active duty for 100%. Source: VA.gov Post-9/11 rate table (effective Aug 1, 2025).

School & Program Inputs

E-5 with dependent rate. Look up at va.gov/education/benefit-rates
Ch. 33 private only. VA matches dollar-for-dollar.
What you'd earn working full-time instead

Post-Graduation Outcome

Total GI Bill Benefit (Tuition + BAH + Books)
Tuition Covered
Your out-of-pocket tuition cost
Total BAH Paid
Housing stipend over program
Opportunity Cost
Lost income vs. working full-time
Net GI Bill Value
Benefit minus opp cost

Annual Breakdown

YearTuition CoveredBAH ($)Books ($)Part-Time ($)Total Received ($)Opp Cost ($)Net Year ($)

Salary Premium ROI (Post-Graduation)

Year Post-GradSalary w/ DegreeAlt SalaryAnnual PremiumCumulative Premium