It Can Use Your GI Bill Entitlement
Under VET TEC 2.0, if you have GI Bill entitlement left, the VA charges 1 month of entitlement for every 1 month of full-time training. If you have none left, you can still take part. Weigh that before spending months you may want for a degree later.
What Is VET TEC?
VET TEC (Veteran Employment Through Technology Education) is a VA program that pays for non-college-degree training in high-tech fields at approved providers. The current version, VET TEC 2.0, is limited to 4,000 paid participants per fiscal year, so openings can run out (VA.gov, VET TEC 2.0).
$0 Tuition
VA pays the training provider directly
Housing Stipend
Monthly housing allowance while you train
Uses Entitlement
1 month charged per month of full-time training, if you have any left
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
You receive a monthly housing allowance during training, plus money for books and supplies. You must verify your enrollment every month; the VA pays housing only after you do. Check VA's current VET TEC 2.0 rates for amounts.
Programs Are Short
VET TEC covers non-college-degree training, not degrees, so programs are typically measured in weeks or months rather than years. Check each provider's program length.
Employment-Focused
After you finish, you and your provider report your employment or education status, then verify you stayed in your job for 180 days (or 365 days if the provider hired you).
How It Affects Your GI Bill
This is the single most important thing to understand about VET TEC 2.0. Here are the current rules from the VA:
If you have GI Bill entitlement left, the VA charges 1 month of it for every 1 month of full-time VET TEC 2.0 training
If you have no entitlement left, even after using the 48-month maximum, you can still take part
You don't need to have qualified for any VA education benefit in the past
Eligibility requirements: You must be a Veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, or an active-duty service member within 180 days of separating. You also must have served at least 36 months on active duty and be under 62 when the VA approves your application. You can use VET TEC 2.0 only once. Source: VA.gov, VET TEC 2.0.
Eligible Training Types
VET TEC 2.0 covers non-college-degree training in computer programming, computer software, data processing, information sciences, and media applications. Common tracks include:
Software Development & Coding
Full-stack web development, mobile app development, JavaScript, Python, Java, React, and more.
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 You're Eligible
Check the rules above: at least 36 months of active duty, under 62 at approval, and an other-than-dishonorable discharge (or within 180 days of separating). Decide whether you're willing to spend GI Bill entitlement if you have any left.
- 2
Choose a Training Provider
Find approved VET TEC 2.0 providers on VA's GI Bill Comparison Tool. Research their programs, formats (in-person vs. online), and employment outcomes.
- 3
Apply to VET TEC 2.0
Submit VA Form 22-10297 (Application for VET TEC 2.0) online at va.gov. Apply early: paid slots are capped each fiscal year.
- 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 pays the provider directly, and you verify your enrollment each month to receive the housing allowance.
Approved Training Providers
The VA approves specific training providers for VET TEC 2.0 and lists them all on its GI Bill Comparison Tool. The VA names these distance-learning providers on its VET TEC 2.0 page:
ICOHS College
San Diego, CA (distance learning)
DSDT College Inc.
Detroit, MI (distance learning)
Lakewood University
Cleveland Heights, OH (distance learning)
Note: The list of approved providers changes. Always check the current list on VA's GI Bill Comparison Tool (linked from va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/vet-tec-2/) before applying.
Combining with Other Benefits
VET TEC can work alongside other veteran benefits. Here are combinations to weigh:
VET TEC and a Later Degree
Every month of full-time VET TEC 2.0 training uses a month of any GI Bill entitlement you have left, so plan the trade-off before you enroll. If your entitlement is already used up, VET TEC 2.0 is still open to you. Once you're working, your employer may offer tuition assistance for a degree.
VET TEC + VA Disability
Your VA disability compensation continues during training, alongside the VET TEC housing allowance.
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
Pay for tech jobs varies widely by role, location, and experience, and a short training program is only a starting point. Before you pick a program, ask the provider for its own graduate job-placement results, and compare typical pay for the roles you're targeting in the Career Explorer, which uses Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data.
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.
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