Veterans Benefits
GI Bill® & VA Education Benefits
American Barber Institute accepts VA education benefits. Veterans, service members, and eligible dependents can use their GI Bill® to train at ABI.
Your Service Earns Your Education
American Barber Institute proudly supports veterans and active duty service members pursuing a career in barbering. We accept Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits and other VA education programs to help make your training as affordable as possible.
Whether you are transitioning out of service and starting fresh, or looking for a recession-proof second career, barbering offers independence, creativity, and strong earning potential — and ABI will prepare you fully.
Our admissions team is experienced in working with VA benefits and can help you certify your enrollment so your benefits start as quickly as possible.
VA GI Bill® WebsiteWhat VA Benefits May Cover at ABI
- Tuition and program fees (up to 100% with Post-9/11 GI Bill®)
- Monthly housing allowance (Post-9/11 GI Bill®)
- Books and supplies stipend up to $1,000/year
- Full tuition for eligible VR&E (Chapter 31) recipients
- Monthly stipend for Montgomery GI Bill® recipients
Have Questions?
Our admissions team is ready to help you apply your benefits at ABI.
Contact Admissions (212) 290-2289VA Education Benefit Programs
ABI accepts multiple VA education programs. Here is an overview of the most common ones.
Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
The most comprehensive VA education benefit. Covers tuition and fees, housing allowance, and books/supplies stipend for eligible veterans and dependents who served after September 10, 2001.
- Tuition and fees (up to 100% based on eligibility)
- Monthly housing allowance (BAH equivalent)
- $1,000/year books and supplies stipend
- Yellow Ribbon Program eligibility (if applicable)
Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30)
For veterans who contributed to the program while on active duty. Provides a monthly stipend to help cover education costs at approved institutions.
- Monthly education benefit payment
- Applicable at approved vocational schools
- Amount depends on training time and eligibility tier
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) — Chapter 31
For veterans with service-connected disabilities. VR&E can cover full tuition plus a subsistence allowance while you train at ABI.
- Full tuition and fees in many cases
- Books, tools, and supplies
- Monthly subsistence allowance during training
- Additional support services
Survivors & Dependents Assistance (DEA) — Chapter 35
Education benefits for eligible dependents (spouses and children) of veterans who died in service or have a permanent and total disability.
- Monthly education benefit payment
- Available for approved vocational training programs
*GI BILL® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Benefit amounts and eligibility are determined by the VA, not ABI.
How to Use VA Benefits at ABI
Follow these steps to apply your VA education benefits to your ABI tuition.
Verify Your Eligibility
Check your eligibility and remaining benefits at va.gov or by calling the VA at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551). You can also check your Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
Apply for Benefits
If you haven't applied yet, submit VA Form 22-1990 (new application) or 22-1995 (transfer of benefits) online at va.gov. Processing typically takes 4–6 weeks.
Contact ABI Admissions
Notify ABI that you plan to use VA benefits when you apply. We will provide your VA-issued Certificate of Eligibility and coordinate directly with the VA.
Submit Your Certificate of Eligibility
Provide ABI with your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). ABI will certify your enrollment with the VA so your benefits can begin.
Benefits Begin
Once certified, the VA will pay ABI directly for approved tuition and fees. Your housing and supply stipends will be paid directly to you.
Veterans FAQ
Is ABI approved to accept GI Bill® benefits?+
Yes. American Barber Institute is an approved institution for VA education benefits. Contact our admissions office for the latest approval information and our VA facility code.
How much of my tuition will the GI Bill® cover?+
Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), if you have 100% eligibility, your tuition and fees are covered in full at ABI. Those with less than 100% eligibility will have a proportional amount covered. Other programs pay a monthly stipend.
How long does it take for VA benefits to start?+
After ABI certifies your enrollment with the VA, payment typically begins within 4–8 weeks. We recommend applying for benefits and completing enrollment well before your start date.
Can dependents of veterans use benefits at ABI?+
Yes. Eligible dependents (spouses and children) of qualifying veterans may use Chapter 35 (DEA) or transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill® entitlements at ABI.
What if I have both VA benefits and ACCES-VR?+
It is possible to use both programs in some circumstances. Speak with your VA counselor and ACCES-VR counselor to determine how they can work together. ABI can assist in coordinating both.
Who do I contact at ABI about VA benefits?+
Contact our admissions office directly at (212) 290-2289 or admission@abi.edu. Our team will guide you through the certification process.
Honor Your Service — Start Your Career
You've earned these benefits. Let ABI help you use them to build a lasting career as a licensed Master Barber in New York.
