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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.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays up to the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition. Your tuition and fees may exceed that amount if you are attending a private institution, graduate school or attending in a non-resident status. If you 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 your education program without an additional charge to your 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, you may be eligible if:
- You served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months;
- You were honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and you served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001;
- You 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.
You must be enrolled in an approved program offered by an IHL. You may search for approved programs HERE. Beginning April 1, 2009, you 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:
- You qualify for the maximum benefit rate payable because you served an aggregate of at least 3 years on active duty after September 10, 2001.
- You 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 your state is $10,000; however, you are charged $20,000 for your program of education.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay $10,000 to the school, your school will waive $5,000 and VA will send a payment of $5,000 to the institution on your behalf. You 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.
Schools that intend to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program will to establish application procedures for eligible students. The school will determine the maximum number of students that may participate in the program and the percent of tuition that will be waived. VA is currently soliciting institution for interest in participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program. You may wish to inquire at your school about their intent to participate and the application procedures they plan to establish for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Please remember that you must be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% rate to be considered for the Yellow Ribbon Program.
VA is not currently accepting applications for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, however, once VA begins accepting applications, you are encouraged to submit your application on-line. VA will determine your eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and issue you a Certificate of Eligibility. Your Certificate of Eligibility will also advise you if your service meets the requirements for the Yellow Ribbon Program. If your school has volunteered to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, you should take your Certificate of Eligibility to your school and ask your school to certify your enrollment to VA, including Yellow Ribbon. You cannot certify your participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program directly to the VA. Your school must report this information on your enrollment certification.
Remember, to receive benefits under the Yellow Ribbon Program:
- You must be eligible for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill;
- Your school must agree to participate in the Yellow Program;
- Your school must have not offered Yellow Ribbon to more than the maximum number of individuals stated in their participation agreement;
- Your school must certify your enrollment to VA, including Yellow Ribbon.
Visit www.gibill.va.gov for additional information on the Yellow Ribbon Program or other benefits.
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