Hey there, future college star! If you’re transitioning from military boots to campus sneakers this fall, first of all, hooray for you! Secondly, let’s chat about making sure your GI Bill benefits do everything they’re supposed to—like a well-trained guard dog keeping those pesky tuition bills at bay.

Here’s the scoop: Not all schools play fair when it comes to explaining how your GI Bill benefits cover tuition and fees. Some might suggest you take out student loans before your benefits kick in (spoiler: that’s not how it works). Others promise your benefits will cover everything, only to leave you scrambling for loans mid-semester. Yikes!

So, how do you avoid getting caught in the tuition trap? Here’s your game plan:

  1. Start with the VA. Your first stop should be the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. They manage your education benefits, so they’re the best source for checking your eligibility, researching possible schools, and applying for benefits. If you need a little extra help, the VA offers accredited professionals to guide you through—free of charge. Talk about a sweet deal!

  2. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool. Don’t just eyeball a school’s glossy brochure. This handy VA tool shows you exactly how your benefits will pay out at approved schools. Plus, it gives you contact info for the school’s certifying official, just in case you’ve got burning questions or need to clarify any fine print.

  3. Stay scam-savvy. Sign up for the Military Consumer blog for the latest tips on dodging scams, especially those that target students like you. It’s like having a digital watchdog that keeps you informed and ready to share crucial info with friends and family.

  4. Report shifty schools. If you find yourself at a school that’s not delivering on its promises, report them to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your state attorney general’s office. Think of it as doing your part to keep the academic jungle free of predators.

In a nutshell, do your homework before you hit the books. With a little research and the right resources, you can make those GI Bill benefits work as hard as you do!

For more detailed advice, check out the original article here: [Original Article URL]

Original article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/06/using-your-gi-bill-college-fall-get-real-help-and-avoid-scams