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The Montgomery GI Bill, also called Chapter 30, was created for former active duty military personnel who made a monthly contribution towards their education during their active duty tenure. If military personnel contribute a minimum of $100 per month towards their education during their tenure as an active duty member, they are entitled to a minimum of 36 months of educational benefits through the Montgomery GI Bill. These benefits can be used for a wide variety of educational programs for up to 10 years after leaving active duty.

The post 9/11 GI Bill provides former active duty personnel who served after Sept. 11, 2001, with a percentage-based benefit dependent upon the length of time served in active duty. The post 9/11 GI Bill is available up to 15 years after leaving active duty, however, it can only be used for the maximum tuition rate of the local state university. For example: If the veteran lives in California, where state school tuition costs about $5,000 per year, this is the total annual grant funding even if the former active duty student attends a private university where tuition may cost $32,000 per year.

The Veterans Educational Assistance Program is available to veterans who initially served on active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985. This is a contribution-based program in which the government provides $2 for every $1 contributed by the active duty personnel. Like the Montgomery GI Bill, the Veterans Educational Assistance Program is only available for 10 years after leaving or being discharged from active duty service.

There are many specialized grants and scholarships available to former active duty members. These grants are provided by independent organizations and affiliations for specific types of service. Some grants are available for veterans wounded in the line of duty, veterans who worked in specific units like the 82nd Airborne, and for veterans and their immediate family members who served in specific branches of the military such as the Coast Guard, Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Reserves or National Guard. These valuable grants and resources can be found on the U.S. Government National Resource Directory.