by our College Data Analytics TeamWill you go to WestConn 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.
Here is how the Post-9/11 GI Bill® tuition benefit stacks up against the published cost of attending WestConn. Living-expense and book benefits are addressed in their own sections below.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Veteran tuition & fees | $12,763 |
| Guaranteed Post-9/11 tuition benefit | $12,763 |
| Tuition out of pocket | $0 |
For public schools, the Post-9/11 GI Bill® covers the full in-state tuition and fees, so eligible veterans typically owe nothing toward tuition at WestConn.
Western Connecticut State University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can cover tuition and fees beyond the Post-9/11 GI Bill® cap through matching funds from the school and the VA. Roughly 4 students used Yellow Ribbon benefits here in the latest reporting year.
The exact number of seats and the maximum contribution vary by degree level and program, so confirm the current limits with the schools veteran services office.
DoD Tuition Assistance pays up to $250 per credit hour for active-duty students; here is how the per-credit charge at WestConn compares.
| Residency | Per-credit charge | Below $250 cap? |
|---|---|---|
| In-state | $468 |  |
| Out-of-state | $468 | |
Beyond tuition, the Post-9/11 GI Bill® pays a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) while you are enrolled. The table compares the housing benefit to estimated living expenses at WestConn.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Estimated living expenses (room & board, academic year) | $9,282 |
| Post-9/11 monthly housing allowance (MHA) | $3,171/mo |
| Housing benefit (academic year, ~8 months) | $25,368 |
| Estimated surplus in your pocket | $16,086 |
The benefit generally more than covers off-campus living costs here. The MHA is based on the school’s ZIP code and is paid at the full-time rate for resident students.
With a Post-9/11 book stipend of up to $1,000 per year, the estimated $1,300 in supply costs at WestConn, leaving about $300 out of pocket.
Beyond the coverage math above, this is how much veteran education-benefit money actually flows to WestConn.
Roughly 61 students drew Post-9/11 GI Bill® tuition benefits totaling $530,347.
| Benefit | Recipients | Total disbursed | Average / recipient |
|---|---|---|---|
| GI Bill® (all students) | 61 | $535,258 | $8,775 |
| GI Bill® — undergraduate | 54 | $487,859 | — |
| GI Bill® — graduate | 7 | $47,399 | — |
GI Bill® benefits follow the veteran; DoD Tuition Assistance is an active-duty benefit paid while serving.
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.