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Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning (degree granting institutions) in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. The institution can waive up to 50% of those expenses and VA will match the same amount as the institution.
- Provide contributions to eligible individuals who apply for the Yellow Ribbon Program on a first-come first-served basis, regardless of the rate at which the individual is pursuing training in any given academic year;
- Provide contributions during the current academic year and all subsequent academic years in which the student maintains satisfactory progress, conduct, and attendance;
- Make contributions toward the program on behalf of the individual in the form of a waiver;
- Choose the percentage that will be waived and waive the same percentage (up to 50%) of established charges that exceed the in-State maximum for each student eligible;
- State the maximum number of individuals for whom contributions will be made in any given academic year.
If your school is interested in participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program please click here.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays up to the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition. The student’s tuition and fees may exceed that amount if they are attending a private institution, graduate school or attending in a non-resident status. If they are enrolled at a Yellow Ribbon participating institution and the tuition and fees exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition, additional funds may be available for their education program without an additional charge to their entitlement.
Institutions that voluntarily enter into a Yellow Ribbon Agreement with VA choose the percentage of tuition and fees that will be waived. VA will match that percentage and issue payment directly to the institution.
Only individuals entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive this funding. Therefore, they may be eligible if:
- They served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months;
- They were honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and they served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001;
- They are a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran’s service under the eligibility criteria listed above.
They must be enrolled in an approved program offered by an IHL. Students may search for approved programs HERE. Beginning April 1, 2009, students may search for institutions that have expressed interest in participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Benefits are payable for training pursued on or after August 1, 2009. No payments can be made under this program for training pursued before that date.
Example:
- A student qualifies for the maximum benefit rate payable because they served an aggregate of at least 3 years on active duty after September 10, 2001.
- They are attending a Yellow Ribbon participating institution that has agreed to pay 50% of the charges that exceed the highest undergraduate tuition charged at in-State IHL.
- The maximum amount payable in their state is $10,000; however, they are charged $20,000 for their program of education.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay $10,000 to the school, their school will waive $5,000 and VA will send a payment of $5,000 to the institution on their behalf. They may also be eligible for additional benefits including a housing allowance and a books and supplies stipend. Visit www.gibill.va.gov for more information on the housing allowance and the books and supplies stipend.
Visit www.gibill.va.gov for additional information on the Yellow Ribbon Program or other benefits.
Letter from VA Secretary James Peake explaining the Yellow Ribbon Program
Letter from Director, VA Education Service containing participation survey
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