WGU Students that used/using GI Bill

I was wondering if I could get prior/current service members to hone in on this thread and share their experiences. I am trying to research as much as possible on my options (which are Chapter 1607 or the 9/11 GI Bill.)

It seems if I choose 1607, I can budget my money a lot better. Whereas the 9/11 seems to be a lot more unreliable/unstable in terms of payments.

Any tips are welcome.

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Comments

TheCudder

For the Post 9/11 G.I. bill I'd use this calculator to figure out what you'd have coming in The New GI Bill - Calculator
As for the 1607 you can just look at the payments amount for 2012 to know how much you'll be getting per month. ie. 60% of active duty gi bill for 12 months served.

Whiteout

I'm using the post 9/11 bill and very happy with it. The VA and WGU make it very smooth. The VA directly pays my tuition to WGU and then sends me a check each month. If your going to WGU you'll only get half of the BAH since its online, but you will also get $500 per term for books.

TheCudder posted a good link to see how much money you will be getting. I used that as well when trying to figure out how much benefits I would get at different schools.

Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.

Valsacar

I used the Post 9/11 at Excelsior, was easy to deal with and worked out great (I also took 1 class a semester at UMUC, for the housing, and had no problems). There were a couple times, over a year, where they were late (paying the school) but no schools ever cared and it didn't affect me at all.

That said, I won't use what is left of my GI Bill on WGU... the school is too cheap, that and I got my company to pay for it! Even if my company wouldn't pay, I would have done it out of pocket.

SteveLord

How does the book stipend work? I've also heard long term it may be better to start using 1607 and then transfer to 9/11 later on.

Qord

I would say to call the GI Bill's 800 number (1-888-GIBILL-1) and talk to them about it. I'm currently under the old GI Bill, and the VA rep told me to stay there until I exhaust my benefits. Once I drain the old GI Bill dry, she said to then apply for the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Nobylspoon

I'm still using Ch30 benefits so I can't comment on your choices but I just wanted to mention that WGU's VA department is really great. I always hated dealing with that department at my last school but I have had nothing but positive experiences working with the VA staff at WGU.

malenurse

I used REAP during my time @ excelsior before they starting the BAH.. I am think about about converting and am doing the research now but Id like to hear any updated experiences