HR 3753119th CongressIn Committee

Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act

Introduced: Jun 5, 2025

EducationVeterans Affairs

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act would change how the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program calculates the monthly housing allowance (MHA) for veterans pursuing online-only education. Specifically, it would remove the current cap that limits online students’ MHA to 50% of the standard housing allowance. If enacted, online students who are enrolled more than half-time in programs delivered solely via distance learning would receive the full MHA amount that in-person students receive, starting with terms beginning on or after August 1, 2025. The goal is to make online degree and certificate programs more affordable for veterans by closing the gap between online and on-campus housing benefits.

Key Points

1Main change: Repeal the “50 percent of” reference in 38 U.S.C. 3313(c)(1)(B)(iii), effectively increasing online-only housing stipends to the full applicable MHA for those programs.
2Scope: Applies only to individuals pursuing programs of education solely through distance learning and enrolled more than half-time.
3Effective date: The amended provision takes effect for quarters, semesters, or terms beginning on or after August 1, 2025.
4Purpose: Expand access to online education for veterans by reducing the financial gap between online and in-person study.
5Sponsor/Intro: Introduced in the House as H.R. 3753 (June 5, 2025) by Rep. Ciscomani, with additional sponsors listed, and referred to the Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Impact Areas

Primary group affected: Veterans and other eligible individuals using the Post-9/11 GI Bill who study entirely online and are enrolled more than half-time.Secondary group affected: Institutions offering online programs, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (which administers the GI Bill housing benefit) will implement the change.Additional impacts: Potential increase in government costs due to higher housing stipends for online students; possible effects on online program enrollment trends and on-budget planning for the GI Bill program.

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