The GI Bill® can pay for Trade school

By Katherine Brito, 

Did you know that there are trade schools that accept the GI Bill®? Trade school is often an ideal next step for active service members and Veterans, because the skills developed in the military– such as dedication, persistence, problem-solving, and teamwork– are a huge advantage as you pursue the path of becoming a tradesperson. Use your GI Bill benefits to alleviate any financial concerns for yourself or your family.

Does the GI Bill® pay for trade school?

The GI Bill can help active service members and Veterans with the cost of education or vocational training. This means that the GI Bill may cover the partial or total cost of your tuition and fees, housing, books, and supplies. The exact benefits that are available to you are unique, be sure to check your GI Bill Statement of Benefits to see what benefits are currently available and how much time you have left to use those benefits. If you don’t have a statement available, you can call the VA at (800) 698-2411, contact your local VA for more information, or check your benefits online. 

For IYRS specifically, the VA will cover up $28,937.09 of your tuition and fees. It is encouraged that potential students apply for scholarships and federal financial aid. You may be eligible for federal grants and low interest rate loans. Keep in mind that IYRS only offers full-time programs, but full-time at IYRS is a full day, Monday through Friday. Because of the structure of our programs, education benefits will be applied differently from a traditional college or university, be sure to ask for more information when you speak with the VA. For example, instead of taking a class here and there, students are expected to attend a full-day of hands-on learning. For information specific to full or partial benefit rates, go on the va.gov website, there you will find detailed information on education benefits. The financial aid office at IYRS is a good resource for most questions, as well. 

How do I find trade schools that accept the GI Bill?

The VA provides tools that outline GI Bill-approved trade schools, help you select the right school for you, and clarify your benefits. IYRS School of Technology & Trades is a VA-approved school that accepts the GI Bill and proudly welcomes active service members and Veterans.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will allow up to $28,937.09 for students training at non-degree granting institutions. You can use the VA’s GI Bill tool to calculate your specific benefits for attendance at IYRS. 

Veterans can apply for an IYRS Veteran's Scholarship to support any gap between their benefits and the cost of tuition and fees. This scholarship may cover an amount not covered by the VA, up to $3,000. You can apply for the scholarship here or contact us with any questions.

How do I know if trade school is the right next step for me?

Deciding what step to take post-military can be a challenge. At IYRS, we’ve helped many Veterans establish new careers. 

Jesse Green retired from the Coast Guard after a 26-year career and offers advice for those transitioning out of the military:

I knew that if I needed to reenter the workforce, IYRS would provide me with the connections, the certifications, and a strong foundation to be able to reintegrate myself after leaving military life. I chose to utilize my GI Bill and to do that, I went through the VA website. Once I was approved by IYRS, the administrative staff here actually did most of the work and made it very seamless.

22-year-old Christopher Isola was a corporal in the marine corps and shares his journey to IYRS, including the use of the DOD Skillbridge program.

I came to IYRS because I love the ocean…I love that atmosphere. For the Skillbridge process, you need to be six months out from your exit date from your service that you’re in. And from there, you decide on where you want to go. The school or job that you’d like to go to has to be registered as a Skillbridge affiliate. One of the tips I have is to use your resources. There’s career centers on every base and they’ll walk you through the process.

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Why veterans should choose IYRS

Find out more about our enrollment cap, approval to certify educational benefits for eligible Veterans, structured learning environment, diverse student body, and hands-on experiential model. 

If you need extra assistance as you consider using your GI Bill benefits to attend IYRS, please reach out to Katherine Brito, our Financial Aid Associate. We're here to help and want to make the process as smooth and simple as possible. Getting an early start on financial aid will always make things easier for the VA, and the school, but most importantly, will give you more time to make the decisions that are right for you. 

Considering a trade career? Learn more about what IYRS has to offer.

IYRS School of Technology & Trades offers ACCSC-accredited programs ranging in duration from 6 to 20 months. Each program allows students to continue growing as a person and make the most of their gap year. Depending on the program, enrollment takes place in March and/or September each year.

Marine Systems
Marine Systems is a 6-month program during which students learn how to install, repair, and troubleshoot all aspects of a boat’s systems, from the engine to electrical to hydraulics and plumbing, preparing them to become in-demand marine technicians or to provide a solid foundation that becomes a springboard to a career as an engineer or entrepreneur.

Composites Technology
Composites Technology is a 9-month program that teaches students to design and build with advanced materials like carbon fiber, fiberglass, and epoxy, preparing them for careers in some of the world's most exciting industries like aerospace, yacht building, automotive, sporting goods, and wind energy. 

Digital Modeling & Fabrication
Digital Modeling & Fabrication is a 9-month program that teaches students about design thinking, generating innovative solutions, and how to utilize 3D modeling software like SOLIDWORKS®, Mastercam and RHINO while also gaining knowledge in using CNC mills and lathesYou will design and build a capstone project before concluding the program with an industry externship.

Boatbuilding & Restoration
Boatbuilding & Restoration is a 20-month program that is dedicated to the craft and related disciplines of boatbuilding and marine woodworking. Students gain knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience as they prepare for a rewarding career in the boatbuilding and repair industry.