Are all programs at a VA-approved school automatically approved?

No. A school may be VA-approved while certain programs are not. Always confirm the exact program in the VA GI Bill® Comparison Tool.

How do I check if my program is VA-approved?

Use the VA GI Bill® Comparison Tool on VA.gov to search for the school and confirm the specific program is approved for the benefit you’re using.

Can I use VA benefits for certifications and licensing exams?

Often, yes. Many certifications and licensing exams are eligible for VA reimbursement, but eligibility varies by test and provider. Check VA.gov for current rules and approved exams.

Will the VA pay my full tuition?

It depends on the benefit, school type, and program costs. Public in-state tuition is often fully covered under Post-9/11 GI Bill®, while private schools may have annual caps.

Do online programs count as VA-approved?

Some do, some don’t. Online programs must be individually approved, and housing allowance rules can differ for online enrollment.

VA‑Approved Programs for Veterans

Clear options. Real benefits. Zero guesswork.

If you’re a veteran using GI Bill® or VA education benefits, the most important rule is simple: The program must be VA‑approved — not just the school.

This page is your plain‑English guide to all major VA‑approved education and training options, how they work, and how to choose the right path without wasting time or benefits.

What Does “VA‑Approved” Actually Mean?

A VA‑approved program is a specific degree, certificate, or training track that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has authorized for GI Bill® or VA benefit use.

A school can be approved, but individual programs may not be

Approval is tracked in the VA’s official database — not marketing pages.

👉 Always verify approval using the VA GI Bill® Comparison Tool

VA Education Benefits That Require Approved Programs

Post‑9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)

The most widely used VA education benefit.

Covers:

Tuition & fees (up to the annual cap for private schools)
Monthly housing allowance (MHA)
Books & supplies stipend

Works with:

College degrees
Certificates
Trade & technical programs
Apprenticeships & OJT

Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty (Chapter 30)

Monthly education payments paid directly to the veteran.

Works with:

Degrees
Certificates
Flight training
Apprenticeships

Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E / Chapter 31)

Career‑focused education and retraining for veterans with service‑connected disabilities.

Supports:

College or technical training
Certifications
Resume & job placement support
Self‑employment tracks

Survivors’ & Dependents’ Education Assistance (Chapter 35)

Education benefits for eligible spouses and dependents of veterans.

Types of VA‑Approved Programs

College Degrees

Associate
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Doctoral

Available at:

Public universities
Private nonprofit colleges
Select for‑profit institutions

Trade & Technical Programs

Hands‑on careers with faster completion timelines.

Examples:

HVAC
Welding
Electrical
Automotive technology
Construction trades

Certificate & Credential Programs

Shorter, job‑focused programs.

Examples:

IT & cybersecurity
Project management
Healthcare certifications
Business & analytics

Apprenticeships & On‑the‑Job Training (OJT)

Earn while you learn. Benefits:

Monthly housing allowance while training
Gradual wage increases
No tuition debt

Common Mistakes Veterans Make (And How to Avoid Them)

❌ Assuming a school equals approval

❌ Enrolling before checking the VA database

❌ Burning GI Bill months on low‑ROI programs

✔ Verify the program

✔ Understand housing & benefit limits

✔ Compare outcomes before enrolling

How Tuition Covered Helps

We help veterans:

Identify VA‑approved programs that actually accept benefits
Compare options without sales pressure
Avoid programs that waste time or eligibility

Clarity first. Benefits protected. Decisions simplified.

Bottom line: If it’s not VA‑approved, it doesn’t count.