August 28, 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Using Your VA Benefits for Barber School

Are you a military veteran looking for a new career path? Do you have a passion for grooming, precision, and helping people look and feel their best? If so, barbering could be the perfect career for you—and thanks to your VA education benefits, your journey to becoming a professional barber might be more accessible and affordable than you think.

At Premier Barber Institute, we are proud to support veterans and active-duty service members by accepting VA benefits for our barbering programs. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using your VA benefits to attend barber school, from eligibility requirements to application tips and beyond.

Why Barbering Can Be a Great Fit for Veterans

Before diving into the specifics of VA benefits, let’s take a moment to explore why barbering can be an excellent post-service career option for veterans.

Structure & Discipline

Military training instills discipline, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic—all of which are crucial in the barbering profession. From precise fades to clean shaves, barbering requires consistency, professionalism, and care.

Flexibility & Independence

Barbering offers flexible scheduling and the opportunity to work independently or even own your own shop. Many veterans enjoy the autonomy this career provides after years of structured service.

Community & Connection

Barbershops are more than places to get a haircut—they’re community hubs. Many veterans find fulfillment in building rapport with clients and being part of a local network.

Fast Track to a New Career

Unlike traditional four-year degrees, barbering programs can typically be completed in under two years. That means you can quickly transition into a career.

VA Education Benefits 101

What Are VA Education Benefits?

VA education benefits are financial resources provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help service members, veterans, and their families pay for education and training. These benefits can be used for college degrees, non-college degree programs (like barber school), on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and more.

Common Types of VA Education Benefits:

1. Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)

This is the most widely used benefit. It covers tuition and fees, provides a monthly housing allowance, and includes a stipend for books and supplies.

You may qualify if:

You served at least 90 days of active duty after September 10, 2001.
You were honorably discharged or are still on active duty.

2. Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (MGIB-AD – Chapter 30)

This program provides up to 36 months of education benefits for eligible veterans. It’s best suited for those who have served two or more years of active duty.

3. Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR – Chapter 1606)

For members of the Selected Reserve, including the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, and National Guard.

4. Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E – Chapter 31)

Formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, this program supports veterans with service-connected disabilities. It may cover tuition, counseling, and even job placement assistance.

5. Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA – Chapter 35)

Provides education benefits to dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or who died in service.

Is Premier Barber Institute Approved for VA Benefits?

Yes! Premier Barber Institute is proud to be a VA-approved barber school. That means eligible veterans and military-connected students can use their VA education benefits to help fund their training.

Whether you’re using the Post-9/11 GI Bill® or another benefit program, our admissions team is here to guide you through the entire process and ensure you make the most of what you’ve earned through your service.

How to Use Your VA Benefits at Barber School: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before enrolling, you’ll want to confirm your eligibility for VA education benefits. You can do this by:

Logging into your VA.gov account
Calling the VA Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551
Reviewing your DD-214 and military service record

Step 2: Apply for Benefits

Once you confirm eligibility, complete VA Form 22-1990 (Application for Education Benefits) on the VA website. You’ll need the following:

Personal information (name, address, SSN)
Military service details
School information (Premier Barber Institute)
Banking information for direct deposit (if applicable)

You’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in the mail once your application is approved.

Step 3: Apply to Premier Barber Institute

Submit your application to Premier Barber Institute and indicate that you plan to use VA benefits. Our admissions staff will guide you through the enrollment process, including:

Submitting your COE
Providing your military transcripts (optional but helpful)
Discussing your class schedule and program start date

Step 4: Coordinate with Our School Certifying Official

Once enrolled, our School Certifying Official (SCO) will submit your information to the VA for benefit processing. This ensures that your tuition, fees, and housing allowance (if applicable) are disbursed correctly.

Be sure to:

Stay in contact with your SCO
Notify us of any changes to your enrollment

Step 5: Attend and Succeed

You’re all set! Begin your barber training and focus on building your skills and shaping your future. Keep track of your attendance, academic progress, and compliance with school and VA policies.

What VA Benefits Can Cover at Premier Barber Institute

Depending on the type of benefit you’re using and your eligibility level, VA education benefits may cover:

Tuition and fees: Up to 100% for Post-9/11 GI Bill® recipients
Books and supplies: Up to $1,000 per academic year (under Post-9/11 GI Bill®)
Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA): Based on your location and rate of pursuit
Transportation and accommodations: May be partially covered under VR&E
Support services: Like counseling, resume building, and job placement assistance

Frequently Asked Questions About VA Benefits and Barber School

Can I use my benefits more than once?

Yes, depending on your remaining entitlement. Some veterans may be eligible for both the Post-9/11 and Montgomery GI Bills. Others may qualify for additional benefits under VR&E if they have service-connected disabilities.

Do I have to attend full-time?

Not necessarily. However, your Monthly Housing Allowance is calculated based on your rate of pursuit. Part-time attendance may reduce or eliminate this benefit.

What happens if I withdraw or fail a class?

The VA requires that we report changes in your enrollment status. Withdrawing from classes could affect your benefits or lead to an overpayment. Always consult with our SCO before making changes.

Can my spouse or children use my benefits?

Yes! If you’ve transferred your Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to your dependents while on active duty, they can use them at Premier Barber Institute.

Tips for Veterans Returning to the Classroom

Transitioning from military life to student life can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:

Connect with other veterans: Build a network of support with fellow military students.
Utilize veteran services: Take advantage of the resources available to you, including mental health services, tutoring, and career counseling.
Stay organized: Use a planner or digital calendar to manage assignments and appointments.
Ask for help: Whether it’s academic or administrative, Premier Barber Institute staff are here to support you.
Think long-term: Plan your career path beyond graduation. Consider apprenticeships, licensure, and even opening your own barbershop.

Life After Barber School: Career Opportunities for Veterans

Once you complete your program and earn your barber license, the career possibilities are endless. Here are just a few options for veterans:

Barber in a traditional shop or salon
Mobile barber or freelance grooming professional
Barbershop owner or entrepreneur
Instructor or educator at a barber school
Grooming specialist for TV, film, or fashion
VA or military base barber

Veterans bring a unique skillset to the grooming industry—one that’s deeply respected by clients and employers alike.

Why Choose Premier Barber Institute?

At Premier Barber Institute, we don’t just teach barbering—we shape the future of the profession. Here’s why veterans choose us:

VA-approved programs
Experienced instructors who care
Hands-on training and real-world experience
Career support from day one
Flexible scheduling options
Supportive, inclusive community

From your first day of class to your first day on the job, we’re committed to helping you thrive—both in school and beyond.

Start Your Next Chapter with Confidence

You’ve already served your country with honor—now it’s time to build a new future that brings you pride and purpose. Whether you dream of owning your own barbershop or working in a fast-paced salon, Premier Barber Institute is ready to help you use your VA benefits to get there.

Ready to take the first step?

Your next mission starts here—at the Premier Barber Institute.