Your GI Bill Stays Untouched
VET TEC is a separate benefit from the GI Bill. Use VET TEC for tech training now, save your GI Bill for a degree later. You get both.
What Is VET TEC?
VET TEC (Veteran Employment Through Technology Education) is a VA program that pays for high-tech training at approved providers. It was created because the tech industry needs workers, and veterans need pathways to high-paying careers that don't require a 4-year degree.
$0 Tuition
VA pays the training provider directly
Housing Stipend
BAH-equivalent based on location
GI Bill Safe
Does not reduce your entitlement
How It Works
The mechanics are straightforward:
VA Pays Tuition
The VA pays the approved training provider directly. You pay nothing for the course itself.
You Get a Housing Stipend
For in-person programs, you receive a monthly stipend based on the training facility's ZIP code (similar to GI Bill BAH). Online programs pay a reduced rate.
Programs Are Short
Most VET TEC-approved programs run 8-26 weeks, not 4 years. You can go from veteran to employed tech worker in under 6 months.
Employment-Focused
Training providers must report employment outcomes. The VA tracks whether graduates get jobs in the field.
It Does NOT Use Your GI Bill
This is the single most important thing to understand about VET TEC. Let's be crystal clear:
VET TEC does NOT reduce your GI Bill entitlement
You can use VET TEC first, then use your full GI Bill later
You only need at least 1 day of remaining GI Bill eligibility to qualify
Eligibility requirement: You must be eligible for the GI Bill (any chapter) — even if you have zero months remaining. The VA just needs to confirm your GI Bill eligibility status. If you've never applied for GI Bill benefits, you'll need to do that first.
Eligible Training Types
VET TEC covers five categories of high-tech training:
Software Development & Coding
Full-stack web development, mobile app development, JavaScript, Python, Java, React, and more. The most common VET TEC track.
Data Science & Analytics
Data analysis, machine learning, Python for data science, SQL, Tableau, and business intelligence tools.
Cybersecurity
Network security, penetration testing, security operations, incident response. Military experience in security clearances is a major advantage here.
Information Technology
IT support, systems administration, cloud computing (AWS, Azure), networking, and IT project management.
Computer Programming
Lower-level programming, embedded systems, firmware development, and specialized coding domains.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
- 1
Confirm GI Bill Eligibility
You need at least 1 day of GI Bill eligibility. If you haven't applied for GI Bill benefits yet, submit VA Form 22-1990 first.
- 2
Choose a Training Provider
Browse the VA's list of approved VET TEC providers. Research their programs, formats (in-person vs. online), and employment outcomes.
- 3
Apply to VET TEC
Submit VA Form 22-0994 (Application for VET TEC) through va.gov. You can apply to up to 3 training providers at once.
- 4
Apply to the Training Provider
Apply directly to your chosen bootcamp or training program. Some have prerequisites, interviews, or coding challenges.
- 5
Get Accepted & Start Training
Once both the VA and the provider accept you, you're enrolled. The VA begins paying tuition and your housing stipend starts on day one of class.
Approved Training Providers
The VA approves specific training providers for VET TEC. Some well-known participants include:
Galvanize
Full-stack, data science
Flatiron School
Software engineering, data science
General Assembly
Web dev, data, UX design
Hack Reactor
Software engineering
Coding Dojo
Full-stack, multiple languages
Tech Elevator
Java, .NET development
Thinkful
Web dev, data science, cyber
Sabio
Full-stack web development
Note: The list of approved providers changes. Always check the current list at va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/vettec-high-tech-program/ before applying. New providers are added regularly.
Combining with Other Benefits
VET TEC plays well with other veteran benefits. Here are smart combinations:
VET TEC First, Then GI Bill
Get a tech job with VET TEC, then use your full GI Bill for a bachelor's or master's degree while working. Your employer may even offer tuition assistance on top of it.
VET TEC + VA Disability
Your VA disability compensation continues during training. Combined with the VET TEC housing stipend, this provides significant monthly income.
VET TEC + Certifications
Many bootcamps include industry certifications (AWS, CompTIA, etc.). These certs plus your clearance eligibility make you highly competitive in the tech job market.
Career Outcomes & Salary Expectations
Tech careers offer some of the highest entry-level salaries available — especially for veterans with security clearances.
Entry-Level Tech Salaries (with bootcamp training)
Veteran advantage: If you hold an active security clearance, add $10,000–$30,000 to these ranges. Cleared tech workers are in extreme demand, and veterans are one of the few pipelines for them.
Related Military Guides
Explore Alternative Pathways
VET TEC is just one path to a tech career. College Decoded's Pathways hub shows you bootcamps, certifications, trade schools, and more — all matched to your goals.
Explore Pathways