VA‑Approved Programs for Active‑Duty, Military Spouses & Families

Education that moves with military life — not against it.

If you’re active‑duty service, a military spouse, or a military family member using VA education benefits, choosing the right VA‑approved program matters more than ever.

What “VA‑Approved” Means for Military Families

A VA‑approved program is a specific degree or training track authorized by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

✔ Approval applies to the program, not just the school

✔ Approval determines whether benefits can be used

👉 Always confirm approval using the official VA tool

Education Benefits Commonly Used by Active‑Duty & Families

Post‑9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)

Often transferred from service members to spouses or dependents.

Covers:

• Tuition & fees
• Housing allowance (when eligible)
• Books stipend

Tuition Assistance (TA) + VA Programs

Active‑duty service members often combine Tuition Assistance with VA‑approved programs.

Important notes:

• TA approval is separate from VA approval
• Programs must meet both standards

Survivors’ & Dependents’ Education Assistance (Chapter 35)

For eligible spouses and dependents of veterans.

Covers:

• Degrees
• Certificates
• Trade training

Program Types That Work Best for Military Life

Online & Hybrid Degree Programs

Designed for PCS moves and variable schedules.

Common fields:

• Business
• Healthcare administration
• IT & cybersecurity
• Education

Certificate Programs

Shorter programs with fast career payoff.

Ideal for:

• Career pivots
• Resume stacking
• Portable credentials

Trade & Technical Programs

Hands‑on careers with strong demand. Examples:

• Medical assisting
• Skilled trades
• Technical certifications

Common Pitfalls Military Families Face

❌ Choosing programs that don’t transfer well across states

❌ Assuming online programs are automatically approved

❌ Losing housing allowance eligibility due to enrollment format

✔ Verify approval status

✔ Confirm residency & transferability

✔ Plan benefits around deployment cycles

How Tuition Covered Supports Military Learners

We help active‑duty members and spouses:

• Identify VA‑approved, military‑friendly programs
• Compare flexible options that survive PCS moves
• Avoid programs that cost benefits without career payoff

Simple guidance. Built for military reality.

Bottom line: Military life is complex. Your education path shouldn’t be.