Will you go to CMU CGES for free thanks to the G.I. Bill®? The answer depends on the school — benefits are capped and the details vary, so it pays to do your research.
The table below compares the guaranteed Post-9/11 tuition benefit to the cost of attending CMU CGES. Living-expense and book benefits are addressed in their own sections below.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Veteran tuition & fees | $6,960 |
| Guaranteed Post-9/11 tuition benefit | $6,960 |
| Tuition out of pocket | $0 |
Because tuition is at or below the annual Post-9/11 benefit, the GI Bill® covers it in full at CMU CGES.
Federal data does not indicate that CMU CGES currently participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Check directly with the school, since participation can change year to year.
DoD Tuition Assistance pays up to $250 per credit hour for active-duty students; here is how the per-credit charge at CMU CGES compares.
| Residency | Per-credit charge | Below $250 cap? |
|---|---|---|
| In-state | $270 | |
| Out-of-state | $270 |
Beyond tuition, the Post-9/11 GI Bill® pays a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) while you are enrolled. Here is how that benefit compares to the estimated cost of living at CMU CGES.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Estimated living expenses (room & board, academic year) | $8,140 |
| Post-9/11 monthly housing allowance (MHA) | $1,431/mo |
| Housing benefit (academic year, ~8 months) | $11,448 |
| Estimated surplus in your pocket | $3,308 |
For most full-time students the housing allowance covers the cost of living off campus, with money left over. Your actual MHA depends on your rate of pursuit and the school’s location.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill® pays a books-and-supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year. Estimated book and supply costs at CMU CGES run about $1,600, leaving about $600 out of pocket.
This is the real volume of GI Bill® and military tuition benefits paid out at CMU CGES.
| Benefit | Recipients | Total disbursed | Average / recipient |
|---|---|---|---|
| GI Bill® (all students) | 15 | $53,561 | $3,571 |
| GI Bill® — undergraduate | 13 | $48,935 | — |
| GI Bill® — graduate | 2 | $4,626 | — |
| DoD Tuition Assistance (all) | 1 | $2,250 | $2,250 |
| DoD TA — undergraduate | 0 | $0 | — |
| DoD TA — graduate | 1 | $2,250 | — |
GI Bill® dollars are paid on the veterans behalf, while DoD Tuition Assistance supports active-duty service members.
References
More about our data sources and methodologies.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at benefits.va.gov/gibill.