Selecting Your Benefit
Selecting Your VA Education Benefit
Not sure which VA education benefit is right for you?
Compare each VA education benefit side-by-side to better understand eligibility, how tuition is paid, and what additional benefits may be available.
Compare VA Education Benefits
Use the table below to compare the most common VA education benefits available at UNM. Each program has different eligibility requirements and payment methods.
| Benefit | Tuition Paid to UNM | Monthly Housing | Monthly Stipend | Book Allowance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill® | ✕ | ✕ | ✔ | ✕ | Active Duty Veterans |
| Chapter 31 VR&E | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Veterans with a minimum of 10% VA Service-Connected Disabilities |
| Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill® | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ | ✔ | Veterans with Qualifying Active Duty Service |
| Chapter 35 DEA | ✕ | ✕ | ✔ | ✕ | Eligible Dependents |
| Chapter 1606 MGIB-SR | ✕ | ✕ | ✔ | ✕ | Selected Reserve & National Guard |
Explore Each VA Education Benefit
Hover over each card to learn more about eligibility requirements, payment methods, current benefit rates, and important information for each VA education benefit offered at UNM.
CHAPTER 30
(MGIB-AD)
WHO QUALIFIES
Veterans who qualify for Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty benefits.
HOW YOU'RE PAID
- Monthly stipend paid directly to the student.
- Students are responsible for paying UNM tuition and fees.
- Current full-time rate: $2,518.00/month.
- Less than full-time enrollment receives a prorated payment determined by the VA.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Students with the $600 Buy-Up Program or Army College Fund may receive additional monthly payments.
- Benefits are generally available for up to 10 years after separation from active duty.
CHAPTER 31
WHO QUALIFIES
Veterans with a service-connected disability who are found entitled to Chapter 31 benefits by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
HOW YOU'RE PAID
- Tuition and eligible fees are paid directly to UNM.
- Required books, supplies, and equipment may also be covered.
- Students receive a monthly subsistence allowance based on eligibility.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Standard Chapter 31 Institutional Training: starts at $812.84/month for a full-time student with no dependents.
- Students who qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® Subsistence Allowance receive the E-5 with Dependents BAH for the school’s ZIP code.
- UNM Main Campus 87131: $2,211.00/month for eligible full-time students.
- Less than full-time enrollment receives a prorated payment determined by the VA.
CHAPTER 33
WHO QUALIFIES
Veterans, National Guard members, and Reservists with qualifying active-duty service after September 10, 2001.
HOW YOU'RE PAID
- Tuition and eligible fees are paid directly to UNM based on benefit percentage.
- Eligible students may receive a Monthly Housing Allowance.
- Eligible students may receive up to $1,000 per academic year for books and supplies.
- Less than full-time enrollment receives a prorated payment determined by the VA.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- UNM Main Campus 87131: $2,211.00/month for eligible full-time students attending at least one in-person course.
- Students enrolled exclusively online may receive up to $1,169.00/month.
- Housing is based on benefit percentage and rate of pursuit.
- The Forever GI Bill removed the 15-year time limit for many Veterans who became eligible on or after January 1, 2013.
CHAPTER 35
WHO QUALIFIES
Eligible spouses and dependent children of Veterans or service members who meet the VA’s eligibility requirements.
HOW YOU'RE PAID
- Monthly stipend paid directly to the student.
- Students are responsible for paying UNM tuition and fees.
- Current full-time rate: $1,574.00/month.
- Less than full-time enrollment receives a prorated payment determined by the VA.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Benefits are generally available for up to 36 months.
- Eligibility periods vary based on the dependent’s relationship to the Veteran or service member.
- UNM certifies enrollment, but the VA determines eligibility and payment amounts.
CHAPTER 1606
(MGIB-SR)
WHO QUALIFIES
Members of the Selected Reserve, Army National Guard, or Air National Guard who meet VA eligibility requirements.
HOW YOU'RE PAID
- Monthly stipend paid directly to the student.
- Students are responsible for paying UNM tuition and fees.
- Current full-time rate: $493.00/month.
- Less than full-time enrollment receives a prorated payment determined by the VA.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Benefits are generally available for up to 36 months.
- Students with a GI Bill® Kicker may receive an additional monthly payment.
- Eligibility generally ends when leaving the Selected Reserve unless an extension applies.
- UNM certifies enrollment, but the VA determines eligibility and payment amounts.
CHAPTER 33 TOB
WHO QUALIFIES
Eligible spouses and dependent children who have received a Transfer of Benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® from a qualifying service member.
HOW YOU'RE PAID
- Tuition and eligible fees may be paid directly to UNM based on transferred benefit percentage.
- Eligible students may receive a Monthly Housing Allowance.
- Eligible students may receive up to $1,000 per academic year for books and supplies.
- Less than full-time enrollment receives a prorated payment determined by the VA.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Transfer of Benefits must be approved by the Department of Defense before a dependent may use the benefit.
- Spouses using transferred benefits while the service member is on active duty are not eligible for MHA.
- Online-only enrollment may receive the online MHA rate, if otherwise eligible.
- Students must receive a Certificate of Eligibility before UNM can certify enrollment.
