Get Up Front Money for High-Tech Courses
If you are considering taking high-tech/high-cost courses, the GI Bill (Chapt. 30) accelerated payment plan may be just the ticket. The accelerated payment is a lump sum payment of 60 percent of tuition and fees for certain high-cost, high-tech programs.
Here's How it Works
VA will make accelerated payments for one term, quarter, or semester at a time. However, if the program is not offered on a term, quarter or semester basis, the accelerated payment will be paid for the entire program.
To qualify, you must be enrolled in a high-tech program and you must certify that you intend to seek employment in a high-tech industry as defined by VA. Accelerated payment is paid instead of Montgomery GI Bill benefits that you would otherwise receive.
In addition only individuals eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (Chapter 30) qualify for accelerated payments.
High-Cost
To receive accelerated payment, the tuition and fees must be more than double the Montgomery GI Bill benefits that you would otherwise receive for that term. For example, if your full-time rate is $1,101 and you are enrolled in a four-month semester, your tuition and fees must be more than $8,808 (four months x $1,101 = $4,404; $8,808 = two x $4,404) before you could receive an accelerated payment.
High-Tech
Both degree and non-degree programs qualify. You must be enrolled in a program in one of the following categories:
- Life science or physical science (but not social science)
- Engineering (all fields)
- Mathematics
- Engineering and science technology
- Computer specialties
- Engineering, science, and computer management
You must intend to seek employment in one of the following industries:
- Biotechnology
- Life Science Technologies
- Opto-electronics
- Computers and telecommunications
- Electronics
- Computer-integrated manufacturing
- Material Design
- Aerospace
- Weapons
- Nuclear technology
Next Step
If you qualify, you should ask your school to include your request for accelerated payment to VA when it sends your enrollment information to VA for processing. Your request must include your certification that you plan to seek employment in a high technology industry.
