GI Bill Calculator 2026
See your tuition coverage, monthly housing allowance (MHA), and books stipend. Free, instant, no sign-up. Real-time calculation as you change inputs.
2026 GI Bill caps
- Public in-state tuition: 100% covered for full benefit tier
- Private/out-of-state cap: $28,937.09 per year (2025-26)
- Online-only MHA: $1,043/month flat (national avg/2)
- Books stipend: $1,000/year, paid pro-rata
- Maximum entitlement: 36 months of full-time benefits
- Time limit: 15 years after separation (no limit if discharged after 1/1/2013)
Your monthly housing payment depends on your school's ZIP code. Use the GI Bill Housing Allowance (MHA) estimator to look up your Monthly Housing Allowance by ZIP code and enrollment status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Post-9/11 GI Bill cover in 2026?
At 100% tier, the GI Bill covers 100% of in-state public tuition with no cap. For private or out-of-state schools the annual cap is $28,937.09. Your benefit tier (40%-100%) scales all three components: tuition, MHA, and the books stipend.
What is the GI Bill housing allowance (MHA) in 2026?
MHA equals the BAH rate for your school's ZIP code at full-time enrollment and 100% tier. Online-only students receive a flat $1,043/month regardless of ZIP. Part-time enrollment reduces MHA proportionally, and MHA is not paid during your last term of entitlement.
How is the GI Bill payment calculator 2026 estimate calculated?
Your annual total = (tuition paid by VA) + (monthly MHA × 9 months) + (books stipend up to $1,000). All components scale with your benefit tier. The calculator above computes this instantly as you adjust your inputs.
Can I use the GI Bill for online classes?
Yes. Online-only students receive the national MHA flat rate of $1,043/month (50% of the national BAH average) instead of a ZIP-based rate. Tuition and books stipend are still covered at your benefit tier percentage.