Yellow Ribbon Program — GI Bill extra money
A VA-approved agreement between the VA and participating private colleges and universities that supplements the Post-9/11 GI Bill to cover tuition costs that.
Official source: va.gov
The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers 100% of tuition for in-state public colleges and universities. However, private colleges can have much higher tuition costs. The Yellow Ribbon Program helps with these costs. It is an agreement between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and private colleges. Under this program, the college contributes a specific amount toward tuition, and the VA matches that amount dollar-for-dollar.
To qualify, veterans must have 100% eligibility under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which means they need to have served at least 36 aggregate days of active duty after September 10, 2001. Not every private school takes part in the Yellow Ribbon Program, and each school decides how much it will contribute and how many students it will support each year.
Before enrolling, it is important to check the Yellow Ribbon agreement for the specific school on VA.gov. This will confirm if the school participates and what funding amounts are available.
In real life
- A student can use the Yellow Ribbon Program to help pay for a private school.
- Someone can get more money for school if they already get the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- A veteran can go to a more expensive college with help from this program.
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Frequently asked questions about Yellow Ribbon Program
What is Yellow Ribbon Program?+
A VA-approved agreement between the VA and participating private colleges and universities that supplements the Post-9/11 GI Bill to cover tuition costs that exceed the program's public in-state school cap. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers 100% of in-state public tuition.
Who qualifies for Yellow Ribbon Program?+
Veterans (and in some cases their dependents or survivors) who meet the program's specific service, discharge, and eligibility rules. Use the BK Calculator and Filing Success Score to check your situation.
How do I apply for Yellow Ribbon Program?+
Apply at va.gov (search for the program by name) or work with a free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through your state VA office.
Where can I get help?+
Use BenefitKarma's free Benefit Eligibility Screener to see what VA benefits you may have missed, or talk with a free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through your state VA office.
Source: va.gov