VA Education Benefits at Florida Commercial Diving Institute

Supporting Those Who’ve Served

At Florida Commercial Diving Institute (FCDI), we’re proud to welcome veterans and active-duty service members ready to start a new mission beneath the surface. Our programs are VA-approved, and we’re committed to helping you navigate your education benefits so you can focus on your training and career.

For full details and to apply, visit the VA Education Benefits Portal:

VA School Code – 25818210

Post-9/11 GI Bill® – Chapter 33

If you have at least 90 days of active-duty service after September 10, 2001—or were discharged due to a service-connected disability—you may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

Benefits Overview

Tuition Coverage:
Active-duty military and veterans training at FCDI may receive up to $28,937.09 in tuition benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA):
Based on BAH (E-5 with dependents) for Hudson, FL (ZIP 34667) — currently $2,943/month at 100% eligibility.
Note: This rate reflects the 2024 BAH and is subject to annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) changes.

Books and Supplies Stipend:
Up to $1,000 per academic year, paid directly to the student.

Eligibility for 100% Benefits:

You may qualify for the full benefit if:

• You served at least 36 months (1,095 days) of active duty, or
• You were awarded a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, or
• You served at least 30 continuous days before being discharged due to a service-connected disability.

If you served less than 36 months, your benefits are prorated based on total active service time.

Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by mail.

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

Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% and a serious employment handicap, or a 20% or greater disability rating, may qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) benefits.

Eligibility and approval are determined by your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC). The counselor makes the final determination on whether you qualify for VR&E services.

VR&E may provide:

• Tuition and fees
• Books, supplies, and equipment
• Housing assistance
• Career counseling and job placement support

For questions or assistance, veterans should contact their assigned VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

Montgomery GI Bill® – Chapter 30

Active-duty members who have served at least two years, or veterans with an honorable discharge, may qualify for Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB) benefits. Benefit amounts vary depending on length of service and training type.

Dependents Education Assistance (DEA) – Chapter 35

This program provides education benefits to eligible dependents (spouses or children) of veterans who are deceased, permanently disabled, or missing in action due to service-connected causes. Benefits may include monthly stipends for tuition, books, and supplies.

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

Members of the Selected Reserve (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Army National Guard, or Air National Guard) may qualify for up to 36 months of education benefits after completing initial active-duty training with a six-year service obligation.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

For official information on VA education benefits, visit their website.

Once you receive Certificate of Eligibility, please mail to:

Florida Commercial Diving Institute
17212 US-19
Hudson, FL 34667​

or use the form below to upload directly to our admissions team.

Note: If you attended any other institution prior to FCDI, you must complete a 22-1995-ARE (Request for Changes of Program or Place of Training). Log on to www.ebenefits.va.gov.