Does the GI Bill® cover trade school?

Yes, if the specific program is approved for VA benefits. VA calls these non-college degree programs and gives examples such as HVAC repair, truck driving, EMT and beautician school. Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, VA pays the net tuition and mandatory fees for these programs up to $30,908.34 per academic year (Aug 1, 2026 to Jul 31, 2027), scaled to your eligibility percentage.

[VA: Non-college degree programs] [VA: Post-9/11 GI Bill rates]

Search the school or program in VA's GI Bill Comparison Tool. Programs are approved by State Approving Agencies, which review schools and training programs on VA's behalf. Approval is program by program, so check the exact program you plan to take.

[VA: GI Bill Comparison Tool] [VA: School and program approval]

Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you can receive a monthly housing allowance (MHA) based on the Defense Department's Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents at the ZIP code where you train. You must train at more than half time to receive it, and it is not paid while you are on active duty.

[VA: Post-9/11 GI Bill rates]

Yes. VA lets you use the GI Bill for approved on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs. You earn wages from the employer, and VA pays a monthly benefit on top. Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill you can also get up to $83 a month for books and supplies.

[VA: On-the-job training and apprenticeships] [VA: Post-9/11 GI Bill rates]

It depends on the school's cost, where you train and your eligibility. Post-9/11 pays tuition to the school plus a ZIP-code-based housing allowance; the Montgomery GI Bill pays a flat monthly amount directly to you (for example, $2,601.00 a month full time at the 3-year rate from Oct 1, 2026). Compare both with the Comparison Tool before you choose, because the choice can be irrevocable.

[VA: Post-9/11 GI Bill rates] [VA: Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty rates] [VA: GI Bill Comparison Tool]