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✓ LIONEL UNIVERSITY • VA EDUCATION BENEFITS

GI Bill® Benefits at Lionel University

Use your earned VA education benefits toward flexible online degree programs designed to help you advance your education and prepare for careers in exercise science, fitness, health, and human performance.

★ VA-approved online degree programs provide military-connected students with the flexibility to pursue their education from anywhere.

Military Benefits

Who Is Eligible for GI Bill® Benefits?

VA education benefits may be available to:

  • U.S. military veterans
  • Active duty service members
  • National Guard and Reserve members
  • Eligible spouses of service members
  • Eligible dependent children
  • Survivors of fallen service members

Eligibility depends on military service history and the specific VA education program used.

VA Education Benefits

Types of GI Bill® Programs

Veterans and service members may qualify for several VA education programs.

🎖

Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® is one of the most widely used education benefits for veterans who served after September 10, 2001.

Benefits may include:

• Tuition and fee coverage
• Annual books and supplies stipend

Click Here To Learn More
📜

Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB)

The Montgomery GI Bill® provides education benefits for:

• Active-duty service members
• Selected Reserve members

This program supports approved education and career training programs.

Click Here To Learn More
👥

Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)

DEA benefits provide education assistance for spouses and dependents of eligible veterans.

Click Here To Learn More

Is a Degree in Exercise Science Right for You?

Take our 3-minute Exercise Science Readiness Quiz and get a personalized report on your strengths, interests, and potential career fit.

Take the 3-Minute Readiness Quiz

Veteran & GI Bill® Benefits

4 Easy Steps to Use Veteran & GI Bill® Benefits at Lionel

Follow these four simple steps to understand your benefits, apply through the VA, and get started at Lionel University.

Step 1: Apply to Lionel University

Complete your online application for your selected degree program.

 

Step 2: Apply for VA Education Benefits

Submit your GI Bill or VA education benefits application through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at va.gov.

Step 3: Submit Your VA Certificate of Eligibility

Once approved, provide your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to Lionel University so our team can process your education benefits

 

Step 4: Begin Your Coursework Online

Start your degree with flexible 100% online courses designed to fit your work, family, and post-service career goals.

Service members must typically request TA approval through their branch’s education portal before enrolling in courses.

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Additional Veteran Support

Yellow Ribbon Program at Lionel University

Additional GI Bill® Tuition Support for Eligible Veterans

Lionel University is proud to participate in the VA Yellow Ribbon Program, providing additional financial support to eligible veterans and military students using the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

The Yellow Ribbon Program helps cover tuition costs that exceed the standard GI Bill® tuition benefit, making higher education more affordable for those who have served.

How the Yellow Ribbon Program Works

Through the Yellow Ribbon Program:

• Lionel University contributes a portion of remaining tuition costs
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs matches that amount
• This combined contribution helps reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket tuition expenses

This partnership allows eligible veterans to pursue their education with greater financial support and fewer barriers.

Who Is Eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program?

You may qualify for Yellow Ribbon benefits if you:

• Are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% benefit level
• Meet VA eligibility requirements for the program
• Are enrolled in a participating Yellow Ribbon institution

Eligibility is determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Why the Yellow Ribbon Program Matters

The Yellow Ribbon Program helps ensure veterans have access to quality education by reducing tuition gaps that may occur when GI Bill benefits do not fully cover program costs.

At Lionel University, our participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program reflects our commitment to supporting veterans pursuing careers in exercise science, health, fitness, and human performance.

Learn More About Using Your Yellow Ribbon Benefits

Our military support team can help you understand the process of applying your Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon benefits toward your degree and connect you with VA resources. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determines eligibility for VA education benefits.

📞 Call: 1-800-650-4772
🌐 Visit: lionel.edu

Trade In. Trade Up. Finish Faster.

You Don’t Have to Start Over

Already earned college credits, certifications, military training, or work experience? Don’t leave them behind — stack them toward your degree.

At Lionel University, we make it easy to trade in what you’ve already accomplished and trade up to a higher credential — whether that’s an associate's, bachelor’s, or master’s in Exercise Science.

✓ Credits never expire

✓ Certifications can count toward your degree

✓ Military and work experience may qualify

✓ Save time and thousands in tuition

Transfer-student-credits

Is a Degree in Exercise Science Right for You?

Take our 3-minute Exercise Science Readiness Quiz and get a personalized report on your strengths, interests, and potential career fit.

Take the 3-Minute Readiness Quiz

Academic Pathways

Explore Our Programs

Build your future with stackable credentials, associate, bachelor's, and master's degree options designed for working adults.

Master Trainer Credential

Gain job-ready skills and start earning credits toward your degree.

 
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Associate's Degree

Build a strong foundation for a career in health, fitness, and wellness.

 
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Bachelor's Degree

Develop advanced expertise and prepare for long-term career growth.

 
Learn More

Master's Degree

Specialize your skills and prepare for leadership roles in the industry.

 
Learn More

Military Guide

Download Our Military Guide

Learn more about military education benefits, available funding options, and support resources for service members, veterans, and military families at Lionel University.

Career Services

Career Support From Day One and for Life

From enrollment through graduation and beyond, Lionel University students receive lifetime access to career coaching, professional development tools, and resources designed to help them achieve their goals.

✓ Personalized career coaching

✓ Resume and LinkedIn support

✓ Job search tools and resources

✓ Professional development guidance

✓ Lifetime access at no additional cost

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GI Bill® Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about GI Bill® benefits, online degree programs, benefit eligibility, Tuition Assistance, and VA education resources.

 
Can I use the GI Bill for online degree programs? ⌄

Yes. Eligible veterans can use GI Bill benefits for approved online degree programs and universities.

How long do GI Bill benefits last? ⌄

Most GI Bill programs provide up to 36 months of education benefits.

What is the difference between Tuition Assistance and the GI Bill®? ⌄

Tuition Assistance is generally used while actively serving, while GI Bill® benefits are commonly used after separation or retirement, though some may qualify to use them on active duty.

Can spouses or dependents use GI Bill benefits? ⌄

In some cases, service members may transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to spouses or dependent children.

What is the GI Bill Comparison Tool? ⌄

The VA GI Bill Comparison Tool allows students to:

  • Compare GI Bill approved schools
  • Estimate tuition and housing benefits
  • Research military-friendly universities

Lionel Students Are:

Fitness Sales Advisor (1)

Working While Learning

  • 86% of students are employed while enrolled, with a majority working 30+ hours per week

  • Most students are balancing full-time work, family, and school — a powerful testament to Lionel’s flexible, stackable program design

  • Despite demanding schedules, student satisfaction remains high

Copy of Student 3

Consistently Engaged, Fully Invested

  • 80%+ of students log in 3–6 days per week, showing strong commitment and consistent engagement

  • 90%+ plan to continue to the next term, demonstrating exceptional retention and satisfaction

  • New graduate and certificate programs are earn high marks building confidence and sustained growth
Student 2 (1)

Satisfied — and Ready for What’s Next

  • 98% of students said they are satisfied with their studies at Lionel

  • 94–95% would recommend their course to a friend

  • 90%+ achieved the learning goals they set at the beginning of the course

Student 3

Mentored by Industry Leaders

  • Instructors scored 4.6–4.8 out of 5 on average across all categories

  • Top-rated traits: respect for students, prompt grading, and helpful feedback

  • Nearly every student felt valued and supported by their instructors

Transform Your Skills.
Expand Your Opportunities.
Shape Your Career.

Stackable education built for real-world success. Discover the certifications and stackable pathways that help fitness professionals grow their skills, expand their impact, and advance toward long-term education and career goals. 

CPT THUMBNAIL (1.802 x 2.375 in) (1)

Certified Personal Trainer

Begin with CPT to build foundational coaching and exercise science skills. This pathway serves as the launch point into strength training, performance, and entry-level degree credit.

Science of Nutrition

Foundations of Nutrition Science

Start with core nutrition education that prepares you for advanced nutrition specialist programs and degree-level coursework in health promotion and wellness.

Corrective Exercise Specialist

Corrective Exercise Specialist

Build the ability to assess movement patterns and design programs that improve function and reduce risk. This pathway supports roles in recovery-focused coaching and connects to clinical exercise science study.

Thumbmail FITNESS SALES SPECIALIST - BILLBOARD (279 x 173 px) (2-906 x 1-802 in) (1-802 x 2-906 in)

Fitness Sales
Specialist

Develop communication, leadership, and business skills essential for guiding gym operations and client engagement. This pathway prepares you for supervisory roles and aligns with fitness management degree tracks.

Facility Management

Facility Management Specialist

Learn core operations, safety, and service principles needed to manage modern fitness environments. This pathway supports leadership advancement and aligns with managerial degree pathways.

Behavior Based Coaching

Behavior-Based Coaching Specialist

Build communication and behavior-change techniques that help clients create sustainable, long-term progress. This pathway complements coaching roles and connects to leadership or psychology coursework.

Blood & Bio Spec-1

Blood & Biomarker Specialist

Learn to interpret key biomarkers that influence training, recovery, and long-term wellness goals. This pathway supports advanced work in performance optimization and future study in human physiology.

Linkedin (1.802 x 2.375 in)

LinkedIn Networking
Specialist

Enhance your professional presence and networking strategy to attract clients and career opportunities. This pathway supports job placement readiness and aligns with degree-level professional development tracks.

Launch Yourself (1.802 x 2.375 in)

Influencer Marketing: Launch You

Learn to create content, grow audiences, and build authentic partnerships in the wellness space. This pathway expands digital career opportunities and pairs well with coaching and nutrition programs.

Entrepreneur Tool Kit

Entrepreneurship
Toolkit

Develop essential business skills to launch, market, and operate a fitness or wellness brand. This pathway supports independent professionals and integrates with business or leadership-focused coursework.