Yellow ribbon around mailbox

Updates

The VA . The two figures (maximum tuition per credit hour and maximum fees) listed on the table for a particular state are not added together to obtain a single number for purposes of determining the amount subject to the Yellow Ribbon program. Rather, one calculation is done to determine the difference between an institution’s tuition charge and the maximum in-state tuition charge. A second calculation is done to determine the difference between an institution’s fee charge and the maximum in-state fee. The results of these two calculations are then combined to determine the amount subject to the Yellow Ribbon program.

In addition, the Yellow Ribbon page includes links to an FAQ document, program agreements, information about how payments will be made to institutions, and the listing of institutions participating in the program.

News items

Click here for recent news about the GI Bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “Yellow Ribbon” Program? It is part of the new Post- 9/11GI Bill legislation signed into law last year. In general, the maximum tuition and fees benefit available under the bill is capped at the level of the in-state undergraduate charges at the most expensive public institution in a state.

The “Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program” covers situations where an institution’s tuition and fees exceed the maximum public in-state amount. Under this program, the federal government will match dollar-for-dollar any institutional contributions made to help eligible veterans cover any tuition and fee costs in excess of the maximum in-state public college tuition amount.

Which veterans are eligible to participate? Only veterans who are eligible to receive 100% of the benefit rate provided under the bill may participate in the “Yellow Ribbon” program. To be eligible for 100% of the benefits, an individual must have served at least 3 years on active duty in the Armed Forces beginning on or after September 11, 2001, or have served at least 30 continuous days and been released for a service-connected disability.

Will all institutions of higher education participate in the program? Institutions are not required to participate in the program. Those that choose to participate may do so at any matching level up to 50% or may limit the number of veterans eligible for the aid. Institutions that choose to participate will enter into agreements with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

What is included in a “Yellow Ribbon” participation agreement? The Department of Veterans Affairs has issued formal Yellow Ribbon program agreement forms. Click here for the program agreement form and cover letter with additional details.