The Associated Press lists the benefits outlined in the bill:

$63 billion over 10 years for increased college aid for military service members and veterans who served after Sept. 11, 2001. The value of the benefit is more than doubled _from $40,000 to $90,000, enough to cover a full four-year college education in most cases. The new benefit would provide full in-state tuition and fees for enrollment in a public college, a monthly housing stipend and $1,000 per year for books and supplies. People who serve three years would receive the full benefit; those with shorter enlistments would receive between 40 percent and 90 percent of the benefit. The benefits could be transferred to a service member’s spouse or children.

Author of the bill, Senator Jim Webb when speaking on Countdown with Keith Obermann today, said that this bill will, “give the people who served since 9/11 the same kind of benefits as those who served during World War 2 and they’ve got a chance at a first class future. I couldn’t be happier.”

If you are a veteran wondering if you will qualify for these benefits, Leo Shane III at Stars and Stripes as a good overview: The new GI Bill: A study guide

For editorial commentary, here are a couple of the interesting reactions about this bill passing:

Dorian De Wind at The Moderate Voice has written several posts about this bill including The New G.I. Bill — From Someone “on the Ground” and this final update.

Jason Linkins at Huffington Post sums up what many news junkies, bloggers and otherwise, quickly picked up on: Bush Wrongly Credits McCain For ‘Working Hard’ On G.I. Bill

• Explore Internet Resources: In addition to the big names like amazon.com, barns&noble.com, and internet classifies like craigslist, there are a number of internet sights that offer new and used textbooks. My best advice is to google it, so you can take a look at what’s out there for yourself. You should also keep your ears open for any websites that your friends and classmates may be using. And as always, be careful when shopping on the internet. Make sure the sight is reputable and that they will be able to get the book(s) to you in a timely manor before you buy.

• Shop for Used Books: Just about any resource you go to, including your campus book store, should offer a selection of used books. Teachers and professors often insist on using the latest editions of particular texts though. So you won’t always be able to go this rout. Also, make sure you are choosing the used books that are right for you. Some students prefer using books that already have passages highlighted and/or notes in the margin left by the previous owner. Others want to use those that are in as next-to-new condition as possible. Take a few minutes to flip through the pages and see what is inside before picking a used book off the shelf.

• Off-Campus Book Stores: Once you know what books you will need to buy, it might be a good idea to look around at off-campus book stores. This especially applies when your assigned reading includes things other than traditional textbooks such as novels, plays, or books by philosophers or economists. You may be able to save a few dollars on these just by looking around at a store designed for the general public.

• Tips for students from rural, or small towns
• Importance of the FAFSA
• Availability of student loans for community colleges
• Cautions about private student loan
• Pitfalls students should watch out for
• Special information parents who are small business owners

Listen to this audio podcast for free.

• Parking Passes: Buying a parking pass can be a great idea for students who commute. Look carefully first though at what you are getting for your money. You may be able to save by purchasing a “lower grade” pass that restricts you to lots further from campus, or by finding an off-campus parking space.

• Living On or Near Campus: This is one of the most common ways that students try to save money on transportation. If you are not able to find housing on campus, or within walking distance as you would like, consider finding a place withing biking distance, or somewhere near a mass-transit system you can use.

• Busing and Mass-Transit: Many universities have their own mass transit systems you can use. Also, you may be able to use city transit at a discount, or for free, with your student ID.

• Carpooling: Carpooling sounds like a good idea, but can be difficult for students who often have conflicting and variable schedules. If you are in a position to carpool with someone, take the first step, and volunteer to drive or spring for gas money for someone who can.

• Internet Courses: Be careful when considering internet courses as a way to save on transportation. If you don’t have all the computer resources you need at home, you may defeat yourself through the necessity of using computers you have to drive some place to use.

• Scheduling: When making out your schedule for the next semester, keep in mind the number of times you will have to get to and from campus. You may be surprised at the amount of time and money you can save by compressing your on-campus time rather than spacing classes out throughout the week.

• Auto Maintenance: Finally, if you have a car, and must use it to get to and from class, make sure you are keeping up the regular maintenance on your vehicle. Staying current on things like oil changes and tire pressure can dramatically increase the mileage you get out of the gas you buy.

An article in today’s on-line Chicago Tribune highlights some of the great ways you can expand your scholarship search. It also provides a great example of why time spent applying for scholarships is always a great investment, no matter what the job market may be like.

The four types of Federal Grants include the Federal PELL Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant, and the National SMART Grant. The PELL grant is the most common, and most readily available. PELL awards range from $400 to $4050 per student per academic year depending on the student’s level of financial need and the number of credit hours her or she takes. Like the PELL, the other federal grants are also primarily based on financial need, as determined by your FAFSA application. There are a few other qualifications as well, but the first and most important is to apply.

You can learn more about grants and other types of federal aid at studentaid.ed.gov. And as always, check with the financial aid office at your school about applying for these and all other grants that might be available to you.

Here are my personal picks for top five.

• How to Play Tailgating Games by Dave Lamm
• 12 Tips for Seniors Accepting Awards by Carolyn Bahm
• How to Start Reading Blogs by Brad Shorr
• How to Keep Parents Happy When You’re Sticking Them With Cookie Dough by Jim Berigan
• How to Survive a 26.2 Mile Marathon by Sandra Sims

As of today, voting is still going on. If any of you fellow bloggers would like to cast your vote, just write a post listing your favorites and send a link to Pureblogging per the instructions on the site.