Find out how these programs can put higher education within reach for those who\u2019ve served and their families!<\/p>\n
What Is the GI Bill\u00ae?<\/h2>\n
The GI Bill\u00ae<\/a> originated as a series of benefits enacted by Congress and President Franklin D. Roosevelt to help returning World War II veterans in the 1940s. It included financial aid like low-cost mortgages, unemployment compensation, and education expenses.<\/p>\n While the original bill expired in 1956, there have been subsequent versions and benefit expansions in later years. Today, there are a number of GI Bill\u00ae programs to help veterans and members of the military to pursue higher education, which we\u2019ll explain below.<\/p>\n Depending on your personal circumstances and the type of GI Bill\u00ae benefit you use, you may be able to use your funding during active duty.<\/p>\n The Post-9\/11 GI Bill\u00ae, for example, may be used on active duty as long as you have served for at least 90 days. But it\u2019s important to note that benefits generally increase the longer you serve. Once you\u2019ve served at least 36 months, you may be eligible for 100% of your funding. Some students choose to attend school online during their military service, so they can get their education while still on base.<\/p>\n Keep in mind that if you choose to use this while on Active Duty, you may not receive your Monthly Housing Allowance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n To access your benefits, you\u2019ll first need to apply! We recommend that you apply online<\/a> for your GI Bill\u00ae benefits for culinary school. This route is generally faster and more efficient than filling out paperwork and mailing it in. You\u2019ll need the following to complete the application process:<\/p>\n If you\u2019re still on active duty, you might have an education services office on your base or ship. Ask them to help you set up an online account, and then reach out to Veterans Affairs (VA)<\/a> to learn more about your potential benefits.<\/p>\n Consider your options carefully. In most circumstances, you can only use one<\/em> type of education benefit<\/a> for a period of service.<\/p>\n Make sure to apply early! The application can take over a month to be reviewed, accepted, and funded, so be sure to get moving as soon as you\u2019ve decided on your college or vocational school. You don\u2019t want any roadblocks to getting your next career started. Not all schools accept the GI Bill\u00ae, but you can compare possible benefits at different schools using the VA\u2019s GI Bill\u00ae Comparison Tool<\/a>.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also need to start your application to the school you wish to attend. We recommend that you contact an Admissions representative<\/a> to have them walk you through Escoffier\u2019s application process.<\/p>\n Veterans and active-duty military may be able to fund higher education through the GI Bill\u00ae<\/p><\/div>\n The following GI Bills\u00ae may be used for training at Escoffier, whether you wish to attend our Austin<\/a> or Boulder<\/a> campus programs or a distance learning program<\/a>. Keep in mind that each fund has its own eligibility requirements, and not all veterans\/service members will be eligible for all programs. Be sure to check with Veterans Affairs to clarify your funding eligibility.<\/p>\n For students who fit into certain categories, the MGIB-AD<\/a> may provide a monthly education benefit. These funds go straight to your bank account, and you can then pay your tuition, housing, and school supply expenses yourself.<\/p>\n While there are four categories of qualification, today most students who use the MGIB-AD meet the following criteria:<\/p>\n Check the complete Montgomery GI Bill\u00ae Active Duty eligibility requirements<\/a> for additional categories and complete qualification rules.<\/p>\n Effective October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025, students may receive up to the following amounts<\/a> (depending on how many courses they\u2019re taking, length of service, and additional factors):<\/p>\n If you\u2019re waiting on MGIB-AD funds, contact Escoffier\u2019s Financial Aid Office<\/a>. We need to know if there\u2019s a delay in receiving your award that prevents you from paying your tuition on time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The Post-9\/11 GI Bill\u00ae<\/a> shares many of the same benefits as the Montgomery Bill and is an accepted use of the GI Bill\u00ae for culinary school. The Post-9\/11 GI Bill\u00ae may be a better option for students completing a full-time four-year degree, as it may offer more overall assistance.<\/p>\n To be eligible for this benefit, you must have met at least one of the following criteria:<\/p>\n Unlike the Montgomery GI Bill Grant, the funds from the Post-9\/11 GI Bill go directly to the school, which many students find more convenient. It\u2019s also transferable within your family, which is another benefit active members and veterans appreciate. If you are looking to transfer benefits to a spouse or child (aged 18-26), you\u2019ll need to request a transfer through the Department of Defense\u2019s milConnect portal<\/a>.<\/p>\n This fund may entitle you to 36 months of post-secondary education. This means this bill could cover an entire bachelor\u2019s degree (nine months of education for four years). Or it could be used for degrees or diplomas at a vocational school like Escoffier.<\/p>\n Here are some of the maximum program benefits that you may be eligible for (rates for Aug. 1, 2025-July 31, 2026):<\/p>\n The Yellow Ribbon Program<\/a> is a benefit within the Post-9\/11 GI Bill\u00ae bill that may give students expanded access to tuition funds. This program is only for those who qualify for full benefits through the Post-9\/11 GI Bill\u00ae, and who:<\/p>\n There are additional possible qualifications, so make sure to check with the VA for all requirements!<\/p>\n Escoffier offers the Yellow Ribbon Program to students who apply and qualify, but not all schools do. Be sure to check with the VA office to see if the Yellow Ribbon Program can supplement your GI Bill\u00ae funding, especially if you decide to attend our campus in Austin or Boulder.<\/p>\n The timeline for GI Bill\u00ae benefits varies depending on your dates of service.<\/p>\n If you left the military before January 1, 2013, you have to use your Post-9\/11 GI Bill\u00ae within 15 years of your last 90-day period of active duty service.<\/p>\n But if you left the military after<\/em> January 1, 2013, there is no time limit to when you can use your GI benefits, thanks to the 2017 Forever GI Bill\u00ae.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Escoffier is a school that accepts the GI Bill\u00ae and actively supports veterans.<\/p><\/div>\n The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program<\/a> is dedicated to veterans who survived circumstances such as capture or a permanently debilitating injury. It may also be used by children (ages 18-26) of a service member who died on active duty, or a surviving spouse. If you\u2019re faced with having to leave military service, or you are a spouse re-entering the workforce, this funding option can help get you on the right track.<\/p>\n This program may pay the following benefits (effective October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025) for degree-granting or vocational education:<\/p>\n The Fry Scholarship<\/a> is another source of funding for children or spouses of veterans who lost their lives in the line of duty or from a service-related disability after September 11, 2001. For private education or non-college degree programs, this scholarship will pay up to $29,920.25 (effective August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026). There may also be funding available for a housing allowance, books and supplies, and additional costs. Consult with Veterans Affairs to establish whether you\u2019re entitled to this benefit.<\/p>\n If you qualify for both the DEA program and Fry Scholarship, you may only use one at a time. The benefits of both programs combined cap out at 81 months.<\/p>\n The MyCAA<\/a> program provides scholarships to spouses of active service members. Spouses may be eligible for up to $4,000 in scholarship funds, with a $2,000 cap per year. To qualify, you must apply while your spouse is an active member of the military, National Guard, Coast Guard, or reserves within certain pay grades.<\/p>\n Escoffier offers grants to qualifying service members, their spouses, and their dependents. Note that these grants cannot be used in conjunction with any other institutional grant and\/or scholarship. So be sure to clarify whether these will suit your overall financial needs. And talk to one of our Financial Aid representatives<\/a> to explore your eligibility!<\/p>\n Students who are on active duty may qualify for a $1,000 grant towards tuition and educational expenses. This includes active duty, Drilling National Guard, and Drilling Reservist service members. Students must complete the application process, validate their military status, and have an outstanding financial need to be considered.<\/p>\n Escoffier is also pleased to provide a $1,000 grant to select honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Military in order to make their culinary education more affordable. Students must complete the application process, validate their military status, and have an outstanding financial need to be considered.<\/p>\n There are opportunities for spouses and\/or dependents of honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Military to get financial aid through this $500 grant. Please talk with Escoffier\u2019s Financial Aid staff to find out whether this grant applies to your family\u2019s circumstances.<\/p>\n Military spouses can pursue higher education while their partner is serving.<\/p><\/div>\n It\u2019s true: for many reasons, those who have served in the military can also serve up excellent food.<\/p>\n The military attracts a very special kind of individual: they\u2019re adventurous, but they like routines. They\u2019re independent thinkers, but they also understand the value of teamwork. They\u2019re not afraid to lead, but they also know the importance of following a leader. They\u2019re willing to take calculated risks in order to succeed. They like to serve others\u2026and they love a good challenge.<\/p>\n But it\u2019s the structure of professional kitchens themselves that gives people with a military background a distinct advantage over their peers. The \u201ckitchen brigade\u201d system, known as the brigade de cuisine<\/em><\/a> and used by top professional kitchens everywhere, was created by our school\u2019s namesake, Auguste Escoffier\u2014who was a soldier himself.<\/p>\n Escoffier is proud to help veterans get the education they may need for their next act. Meet a few of these impressive Escoffier graduates!<\/p>\n Auguste Escoffier\u2019s brigade de cuisine<\/em> involves a high level of discipline, structure and respect.<\/p>\n At the top of the brigade, you have your executive chef<\/a>\u2014the general of the kitchen. They call the shots. To help implement their vision, they have a second-in-command in the sous chef<\/a>. This person may oversee the rest of the chefs in the kitchen, create schedules, and do much of the hands-on management. Next, there are the station chefs like garde manger<\/em><\/a>, patissier, and saucier. And below them are the line cooks<\/a>\u2014the ones who do most of the cooking. This top-down system creates a clear chain of command and streamlines communication.<\/p>\n Our veteran students and alumni often excel under the brigade<\/em> rules and routines. That\u2019s because the uniform, system of communication, assignment of duties, and chain of command were all adopted by Escoffier from his military experience for greater efficiency, speed, and teamwork in the kitchen.<\/p>\n Trading one uniform and routine for another may help veterans to adjust to civilian life.<\/p><\/div>\n Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Boulder (including online programs), was recently awarded the \u2018Military Friendly\u2019 designation. Military Friendly Schools<\/a>\u00ae demonstrate best practices from the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs, as well as meeting laws and regulations surrounding the GI Bills\u00ae. Escoffier has received particularly high ratings in the Financial Aid & Assistance and Military Student Support & Retention categories.<\/p>\n Army veteran Lance McWhorter<\/a> is a graduate of online culinary school<\/a> at Escoffier. \u00a0He enrolled after his service and time as a security contractor. And he\u2019s a vocal proponent of Escoffier\u2019s online education.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m pretty notorious for jumping on Escoffier threads and getting into it,\u201d* he says. \u201cIt\u2019s definitely a program that I believe in, and it\u2019s one that I recommend as long as [the students] have realistic expectations. History, terminology, calculating COGS, profit margins, profit\/loss, product waste\u2014there\u2019s so much more to learn than just cooking. I’m already winning contests and built my own restaurant. I kind of fast-tracked myself. And I really feel like Escoffier was a huge part of that.\u201d*<\/p>\n\tCan You Use Your GI Bill\u00ae While On Active Duty?<\/h3>\n
How to Use the GI Bill\u00ae For College<\/h2>\n
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![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/A-woman-in-a-military-uniform-posing-for-a-photo-with-a-child-768.jpg\")
The Most Common GI Bills\u00ae Used to Pay for Culinary School<\/h2>\n
Montgomery GI Bill\u00ae Active Duty (MGIB-AD) \u2013 Chapter 30<\/h3>\n
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How Much Aid Could I Get Through MGIB-AD?<\/h3>\n
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Post-9\/11 GI Bill\u00ae \u2013 Chapter 33<\/h3>\n
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How Much Aid Could I Get Through The Post-9\/11 GI Bill\u00ae?<\/h3>\n
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The Yellow Ribbon Program<\/h4>\n
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When Can I Use GI Bill\u00ae Benefits?<\/h3>\n
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Survivors\u2019 and Dependents\u2019 Educational Assistance (DEA) \u2013 Chapter 35<\/h3>\n
How Much Aid Could I Get Through DEA?<\/h3>\n
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![\"Escoffier](\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/kadie-sardo.jpeg\")
\u201cI worked with Jordan in the Financial Aid Department, who helped me get some of the scholarships I qualify for because my dad is a disabled veteran. Jordan does a ton of paperwork and extra work for me to get things submitted for this application, which needs to be updated every four months.\u201d*
\nKadie Sardo, Escoffier Boulder Culinary Arts Graduate<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nMilitary Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)<\/h3>\n
Grants from Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts<\/h2>\n
![\"Military](\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Military-Veterans-Grants-768.png\")
\nMilitary Grant<\/h3>\n
Veterans Grant<\/h3>\n
Veterans Spouse or Dependent Grant<\/h3>\n
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Why Do Military Veterans Make Such Great Chefs?<\/h2>\n
Meet Some of Escoffier\u2019s Veteran Graduates<\/h3>\n
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Brigade de Cuisine: A Familiar Concept for Veterans<\/h3>\n
![\"Lance](\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/lance-mcwhorter.jpg\")
\u201cI harp on getting more veterans to the kitchen\u2014it\u2019s a good world for us. That structure definitely helps fill that void, the loss [of leaving the military].\u201d*
\nLance McWhorter, Army and Navy Veteran; Escoffier Online Graduate; Executive Chef\/Owner, Culture ETX and The Plaid Rabbit Social Club & Speakeasy at Culture ETX; Food Network\u2019s \u201cChopped\u201d Contestant<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n![\"Four](\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Four-Escoffier-students-in-uniform-posing-for-a-photo-in-the-kitchen-768.jpeg\")
The Escoffier Experience for Veterans and Active-Duty Military<\/h3>\n