VR&E vs. GI Bill — Which One Should You Use?

By Abdias Lallemand — VeteransMoneyGuide.com
Last Updated: 2025

If you’re a veteran planning to go back to school, start a new career, or switch career fields, you’ve probably asked:

• Should I use VR&E (Chapter 31) or the GI Bill (Chapter 33)?
• Which gives better benefits?
• Which one pays more?
• Can I switch back and forth?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know — payments, tuition, eligibility, housing allowance, career outcomes, and which option gives you the most long-term value.

Quick Summary: VR&E vs. GI Bill (At a Glance)

What Is VR&E (Chapter 31)?

VR&E = Veteran Readiness & Employment Program
Purpose: Help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for suitable employment.

Examples VR&E may pay for:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees
• Technical school training
• CDL / trade school
• Cybersecurity & IT certifications
• Project management
• Apprenticeships & OJT
• Tools, uniforms, gear
• Laptops (including high-performance models)
• Job-placement services
• Internships

What Is the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)?

The GI Bill provides:

• Tuition & fees
• Books stipend
• Monthly Housing Allowance (BAH E-5 w/ dependents)
• Certification exam fees
• Flight school training

GI Bill includes 36 months of benefits.

Tuition & Fees Comparison

VR&E Tuition Coverage

VR&E can pay full tuition for:

• Public universities
• Private universities
• Out-of-state programs
• Graduate school
• Technical programs
• Lab fees and required materials

GI Bill Tuition Coverage

The GI Bill provides:

• Full in-state tuition for public colleges
• Annual cap for private schools (~$28K/year)
• Yellow Ribbon benefits where applicable

Housing Allowance: VR&E vs GI Bill

GI Bill MHA

• BAH E-5 with dependents rate
• Based on school ZIP code
• Paid only while enrolled

VR&E Subsistence Allowance

• Traditional VR&E rate, OR
• Option to use GI Bill housing rate (often higher)
• May pay during approved breaks

Which Program Is Better for School?

VR&E Is Best For:

• Graduate degrees
• Technical certifications
• Veterans needing equipment or laptops
• Veterans changing careers
• Those needing job-placement support

GI Bill Is Best For:

• Veterans without a VA disability rating
• Transfer to dependents
• Simple, hassle-free education benefits

Supplies, Tools & Equipment

VR&E Covers:

• Laptops (Mac or PC)
• Software
• Tools, uniforms, boots
• Tutoring
• Transportation assistance

GI Bill Covers:

• Books stipend (~$1,000 per year)
• Certification exams

Career Support & Job Placement

VR&E Provides:

• Career counseling
• Resume building
• Internships
• Job-placement assistance

GI Bill Provides:

• No direct career services

Timeline and Length of Benefits

VR&E:

• Up to 48 months
• Extensions possible for employment reasons

GI Bill:

• 36 months

Switching Between VR&E and GI Bill

Yes, you can switch.

• Start on GI Bill → switch to VR&E
• VR&E can override GI Bill if both apply
• GI Bill months may be preserved

Which Should You Choose?

Choose VR&E If:

• You have a VA disability rating
• You want a career change
• You want graduate school paid for
• You want supplies and equipment
• You want job placement support

Choose GI Bill If:

• You want a simple education benefit
• You want to transfer benefits to dependents
• You do not have a disability rating

FAQ

Does VR&E take away GI Bill benefits?
Not always; some veterans keep remaining GI Bill months.

Can VR&E fund a Master’s degree?
Yes — if required for employment.

Does VR&E pay for online school housing?
Yes — using the MHA Post-9/11 rate.

References

• VA.gov — Veteran Readiness & Employment
• VA.gov — Post-9/11 GI Bill
• 38 CFR § 21.40
• 38 U.S.C. § 3313
• M28C VR&E Manual