VET TEC: Free Tech Training for Veterans ($60K-$120K Career Path)
Bottom Line Up Front: VET TEC = Free tech training for veterans (coding bootcamps, cybersecurity, data science) + BAH while training. No GI Bill used (separate program). Eligibility: Veterans with 1+ day GI Bill remaining, honorable discharge. Duration: 3-6 month programs. BAH: Same as Post-9/11 GI Bill ($1,500-$3,500/month depending on location). Approved programs: Coding Dojo ($15K bootcamp FREE), Flatiron School, Fullstack Academy, SANS Cyber (security training). Post-training salary: $60K-$120K (software developer, cybersecurity analyst, data scientist). Application: VET TEC application on VA.gov, choose approved program, get accepted by school, VA approves. Zero upfront cost.
What Is VET TEC?
Program Overview
Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses:
- FREE tech training (no tuition)
- BAH while training (same rate as GI Bill)
- Does NOT use GI Bill benefits (separate program)
- Focus: High-tech careers (software development, cybersecurity, data science)
Launched: 2019 (relatively new program)
Funding: VA pays schools based on your job placement (school only gets paid if you get hired)
Eligibility
Must have:
- ✅ At least 1 day of Post-9/11 GI Bill remaining
- ✅ Honorable discharge (or general under honorable)
- ✅ High school diploma or GED
Don't need:
- Prior tech experience (beginner-friendly)
- College degree (high school sufficient)
- Specific military job (any MOS/AFSC/Rating)
Can use VET TEC multiple times:
- Different programs (coding bootcamp → cyber cert → data science)
- As long as you have GI Bill remaining
Approved VET TEC Programs (2025)
Software Development / Coding Bootcamps
Coding Dojo
- Training: Full-stack web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Java)
- Duration: 14 weeks (full-time) or 28 weeks (part-time)
- Format: Online or in-person (Seattle, Dallas, LA)
- Tuition: $15,000 (FREE via VET TEC)
- Outcomes: 85% job placement, $65K-$85K starting salary
Flatiron School
- Training: Software engineering, data science
- Duration: 15 weeks (full-time)
- Format: Online or NYC campus
- Tuition: $16,900 (FREE via VET TEC)
- Outcomes: 82% placement, $70K-$95K starting
Fullstack Academy
- Training: Full-stack JavaScript, cybersecurity
- Duration: 17-26 weeks
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $17,000+ (FREE via VET TEC)
- Outcomes: 80% placement, $70K-$100K starting
Hack Reactor
- Training: Advanced software engineering
- Duration: 12-36 weeks
- Format: Online or San Francisco
- Tuition: $17,980 (FREE via VET TEC)
- Outcomes: 79% placement, $100K+ starting (highest salary outcomes)
Cybersecurity Training
SANS Institute
- Training: Cybersecurity certifications (GIAC)
- Duration: 5-10 days intensive (plus self-study)
- Format: Online or in-person
- Cost: $7,000-$9,000 per course (FREE via VET TEC)
- Outcomes: 90%+ placement, $80K-$120K starting
SecureSet Academy
- Training: Application security, network security
- Duration: 20 weeks
- Format: Denver (hybrid)
- Cost: $15,000 (FREE via VET TEC)
- Outcomes: 85% placement, $75K-$110K
Data Science / Analytics
Thinkful
- Training: Data science, data analytics
- Duration: 6 months (part-time) or 5 months (full-time)
- Format: Online
- Cost: $16,000 (FREE via VET TEC)
- Outcomes: 78% placement, $70K-$100K
Springboard
- Training: Data science bootcamp
- Duration: 6 months
- Format: Online (mentor-guided)
- Cost: $7,500-$9,900 (FREE via VET TEC)
- Outcomes: Job guarantee or tuition refund
VET TEC vs. GI Bill (Which to Use?)
VET TEC Advantages
Use VET TEC for:
- ✅ Short-term tech training (3-6 months)
- ✅ Career changers (want tech career but no degree)
- ✅ Saving GI Bill (use VET TEC, save GI Bill for later degree)
Advantages:
- Doesn't consume GI Bill
- BAH same as GI Bill (get paid while training)
- Job-focused (schools incentivized to place you in jobs)
GI Bill Advantages
Use GI Bill for:
- ✅ 4-year degree (bachelor's)
- ✅ Graduate school (master's, PhD)
- ✅ Long-term education (2-4 years)
VET TEC limitations:
- Only for approved tech programs (can't use for nursing, teaching, etc.)
- Shorter programs (3-6 months max)
Can Use Both
Strategy:
- VET TEC: Coding bootcamp (6 months, FREE, get $70K job)
- Work 2-3 years (save money, gain experience)
- GI Bill: Computer Science bachelor's (while working)
- Result: Career + degree, maximized benefits
How to Apply for VET TEC
Step 1: Choose Program
Research approved programs:
- VA VET TEC Program List (VA.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/vettec-high-tech-program/)
- Compare: Curriculum, job placement rate, format (online vs. in-person)
Apply to bootcamp:
- Most require: Pre-work (coding challenges), interview, application
- Acceptance rates: 30-60% (not everyone gets in)
Step 2: Apply for VET TEC
VA application:
- VA.gov → Apply for VET TEC
- VA Form 22-0994 (VET TEC application)
- Provide: DD-214, program info
Processing:
- 30 days typical
- VA confirms: Eligibility, GI Bill remaining
Step 3: School Acceptance + VA Approval
School:
- Accepts you into program
- Confirms enrollment with VA
VA:
- Approves VET TEC payment
- Sets up BAH payments
Step 4: Start Training
You receive:
- Free tuition (VA pays school)
- BAH (monthly, same as GI Bill rate for your ZIP code)
BAH examples (2025):
- San Francisco: $4,200/month
- NYC: $3,900/month
- Dallas: $2,100/month
- Online from home: Based on ZIP code
During training:
- Study full-time (40-60 hours/week - intensive)
- Assignments, projects, exams
- Job placement support (resume, interview prep)
Step 5: Job Placement
Schools help with:
- Resume building
- Interview coaching
- Employer connections (hiring partners)
- Some offer job guarantee (or tuition refund)
Average timeline:
- Complete bootcamp: Month 3-6
- Job search: 1-3 months (concurrent with end of bootcamp)
- Job offer: Month 4-8 from start
Outcomes:
- 70-85% job placement (within 6 months of graduation)
- Starting salary: $60K-$120K depending on location, role
VET TEC Success Stories
Example 1: Marine → Software Developer
- Background: Infantry, E-5, no tech experience
- VET TEC: Coding Dojo (14 weeks)
- Outcome: Software Developer at startup, $75K salary
- Timeline: Applied March, started bootcamp May, hired September
Example 2: Army → Cybersecurity Analyst
- Background: Signal, E-6, some IT experience
- VET TEC: SANS Security Essentials (GSEC)
- Outcome: Cybersecurity Analyst at defense contractor, $95K
- Clearance + GSEC cert = high demand
Example 3: Navy → Data Analyst
- Background: Admin, E-4, Excel skills
- VET TEC: Thinkful Data Analytics (6 months)
- Outcome: Data Analyst at healthcare company, $68K
- Remote position (works from anywhere)
Common VET TEC Mistakes
❌ Mistake #1: Not Applying Because "I'm Not Tech-Savvy"
Reality:
- "I don't know how to code, I can't do bootcamp"
- Doesn't apply
Truth:
- Bootcamps designed for beginners
- No prior experience required (teach from scratch)
- Many veterans with zero tech background succeed
Fix: Apply anyway (bootcamp teaches everything)
❌ Mistake #2: Choosing Program Based on Hype (Not Outcomes)
Reality:
- Hears about trendy bootcamp
- Doesn't research job placement rates
- Completes program, can't find job
Fix: Research placement rates (70%+ = good), alumni reviews, employer partnerships
❌ Mistake #3: Not Taking It Seriously (Because It's Free)
Reality:
- Free tuition = "I'll just try it, no pressure"
- Doesn't put in effort
- Fails out or doesn't get job
Fix: Treat like paid bootcamp (study 40-60 hours/week, do all assignments, engage fully)
❌ Mistake #4: Forgetting BAH Is Taxable
Reality:
- Receive $3,000/month BAH
- Spend all of it
- Tax time: Owe $2,000 (didn't withhold taxes)
Fix: Set aside 15-20% for taxes OR adjust withholding
❌ Mistake #5: Not Using GI Bill After VET TEC
Reality:
- Complete VET TEC, get job
- Never use GI Bill (expires 15 years after separation)
Fix: Use GI Bill for bachelor's degree (while working), maximize benefits
Action Steps
This Month (Research):
- ✅ Browse VA VET TEC approved programs
- ✅ Compare: Job placement rates, curriculum, format
- ✅ Read alumni reviews (Course Report, SwitchUp)
Next 3 Months (Apply):
- ✅ Apply to 2-3 bootcamps (increase acceptance odds)
- ✅ Complete pre-work (coding challenges, prep courses)
- ✅ Apply for VET TEC (VA.gov)
During Training:
- ✅ Study full-time (40-60 hours/week)
- ✅ Build portfolio (projects to show employers)
- ✅ Network (attend tech meetups, connect with alumni)
Job Search (Last Month of Bootcamp):
- ✅ Resume (bootcamp helps)
- ✅ Apply to jobs (50-100 applications)
- ✅ Interview prep (LeetCode, mock interviews)
Related Guides
Remember: VET TEC = free tech bootcamp ($7K-$17K value) + BAH while training ($1,500-$4,200/month). No GI Bill used (save GI Bill for degree later). Eligibility: 1+ day GI Bill remaining. Outcomes: 70-85% job placement, $60K-$120K starting salary. Best for: Career changers, high-income tech path, veterans without degrees. No prior tech experience required (bootcamps teach from scratch). Thousands of veterans use VET TEC for tech careers - you can too.