The Post-9/11 GI Bill monthly housing allowance (MHA) rate for full-time students enrolled in an online college, school or distance-learning program is $1,169.00 per month until July 31, 2026.
Note: If you see your MHA decrease, it’s because the MHA for students taking online courses is based on the national average rate of BAH for someone ranked E-5 with dependents, divided in half. In 2024, half the national average was $1,177.50, in 2025, half the national average is $1,169.00, so a slight decrease.
Even though 2025 BAH rates are effective as of Jan. 1, 2025, the effective date for Post-9/11 GI Bill MHA adjustments is the beginning of the academic year, Aug. 1.
Online College Payment Rates for 2025 Academic Year (Aug. 1, 2025–July 31, 2026)
Exclusively online training (no classroom instruction) – $1,169.00 per month, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Click here to Calculate rates for students.
How Will the New Forever GI Bill Affect MHA for In-Person and Online Student Veterans?
Monthly housing allowance (MHA or BAH) amounts are based on the campus where a student attends the majority of their classes. For students who began their studies prior to Aug. 1, 2018, the rate is based on the school’s primary campus location.
How Is BAH Calculated for Online Education or Distance Learning Students?
The basic allowance for housing for online student veterans is half the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents.
What If You’re Attending Part-Time?
MHA payments are lower for part-time students. Students must be enrolled in at least 50.1% of a full time course load to be eligible for MHA benefits.
How Does the VA calculate Part-Time MHA Rates?
The VA calculates course loads over 50% (but not 100%) to the nearest 10%. For instance, if your training time (e.g., number of credits) equals 68% as calculated above, you will receive 70% of the applicable housing allowance. If your training time is calculated to be 56%, you will receive 60% of the applicable housing allowance.
What Is the MHA Rate if You’re Taking Online or On-Campus Classes?
A full-time student taking at least one classroom course will get the full MHA rate based on the school’s ZIP code.
Do Online Students Get BAH?
Yes, the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvements Act (GI Bill 2.0) made this change effective Oct. 1, 2011. However, the MHA for online coursework is lower than the MHA for in-person class attendance.
How Is the MHA Calculated for a Hybrid Course That Combines Online and Classroom Training?
If any portion of a class requires students to physically attend class, then it receives the same housing allowance as an on-campus course.
Click here for more information on BAH Rates.
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Jon Rehagan covers financial topics and military news, aimed at helping those who've served our country and everyday civilians
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Kate Horrell is an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC)® and personal financial educator who helps the military community make the most of their pay and benefits.