Which GI Bill® is better for trade school: Post-9/11 vs Montgomery
- Page last updated October 23, 2026
- VA data retrieved October 23, 2026 (Comparison Tool data version 1522)
Quick answer
There is no single winner. The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays tuition to the school plus a housing allowance based on where you train, which usually favors costlier programs in higher-cost areas. The Montgomery GI Bill pays a flat monthly amount to you, which can come out ahead for low-cost programs. Run both through VA's Comparison Tool before you choose, because switching from Montgomery to Post-9/11 can be irrevocable. [VA: GI Bill Comparison Tool] [VA: Post-9/11 GI Bill]
Side by side for trade school and apprenticeships
| Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) | Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30) | |
|---|---|---|
| Trade school tuition | Paid to the school: net tuition and mandatory fees up to $30,908.34 a year for NCD programs (Aug 1, 2026 to Jul 31, 2027), scaled to your eligibility. [VA: Post-9/11 GI Bill rates] | No separate tuition payment. You receive a monthly rate and pay the school yourself. [VA: Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty rates] |
| Monthly payment in school | Housing allowance based on E-5 with dependents BAH for the training ZIP; more than half time required. [VA: Post-9/11 GI Bill rates] | $2,601.00 a month full time at the 3-year rate; $2,110.00 at the 2-year rate (from Oct 1, 2026). [VA: Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty rates] |
| Apprenticeship / OJT | 100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, then 20% of the housing rate in six-month steps. [VA: Post-9/11 GI Bill rates] | 3-year rate: $1,950.75, then $1,430.55, then $910.35 a month. 2-year rate: $1,582.50, $1,160.50, $738.50. [VA: Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty rates] |
| Books and supplies | Up to $83 a month for NCD and OJT, up to $1,000 a year. [VA: Post-9/11 GI Bill rates] | Included in the monthly rate. |
| Licensing and certification tests | Both can pay back approved test fees, up to $2,000 per test. [VA: Licensing and certification tests] | |
Questions to ask before choosing
- What does the program cost? A low-cost program with a long training schedule may favor Montgomery's flat payment; an expensive program usually favors Post-9/11.
- Where will you train? Post-9/11 housing follows the training ZIP code, so it varies widely between areas.
- Do you qualify for both? If you have both benefits, VA's rules on combining or switching apply. Read VA's guidance on the Rudisill decision before you elect. [VA: Rudisill decision]
This guide summarizes VA's published rates. It is not benefits advice. Your school's certifying official and VA can confirm your situation.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Post-9/11 GI Bill rates (Aug 1, 2026 to Jul 31, 2027)” (page last updated October 13, 2026). Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)” (page last updated July 23, 2026). Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) rates (Oct 1, 2026 to Sep 30, 2027)”. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)” (page last updated July 24, 2026). Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Rudisill v. McDonough: what it means for your education benefits”. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Licensing and certification tests and prep courses” (page last updated October 23, 2026). Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “GI Bill Comparison Tool”. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.