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The Yellow Ribbon Program helps cover the increased costs of non-resident tuition. As well as those attending private or foreign institutions that charge more than the maximum amount covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

  • Public colleges/universities MUST now charge 'out-of-state' students using the Post 9/11 GI Bill in-state resident tuition rates. Simply, the time needed to reside in a state or obtain things like a in-state drivers license are waived. HOWEVER, the student must still meet the institution's residency requirements in terms of living within the same state as the institution.

Eligibility

Both the student AND the school must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Student

MUST qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% benefit level AND at least one of these must be true:

  • You served at least 36 months on active duty (either all at once or with breaks in service) and were honorably discharged;

  • You received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged after any amount of service;

  • You served for at least 30 continuous days (all at once, without a break) on or after September 11, 2001, and were discharged or released from active duty for a Service-connected disability;

  • You’re a dependent child using benefits transferred by a Veteran; or

  • You’re a Fry Scholar (eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program on or after August 1, 2018).

School

ALL of these must be true:

  • Your school is an institution of higher learning;

  • Your school offers the Yellow Ribbon Program;

  • Your school hasn’t offered the Yellow Ribbon benefit to more than the maximum number of students in their agreement with the VA; and

  • Your school has certified your enrollment with the VA and provided Yellow Ribbon Program information.

Find if your school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program

  • Click HERE to see a list of all current schools that offer the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Application Process

  1. Apply - for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

  2. Turn in - your certificate of eligibility (COE) to your school.

    • Turning in usually means to your school’s certifying official (SCO), financial aid office, or military/Veteran liaison. When you do turn it it REMEMBER to ask to apply for your school’s Yellow Ribbon Program.

  3. Wait - Your school will determine if they have reached the maximum number of students they accept into the program as well as the amount of money you will receive.

  4. Notification - Your school will inform you if you got approved and for what amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This depends on several factors set by the school. Such as:

    • Degree Type (undergraduate, graduate, doctoral)

    • Degree Program (Engineering, Computer Science, Etc.)

  • No.

  • Maybe, this is dependent upon your school.

  • No, so long as your school remains in the program you are automatically renewed into the program.

    UNLESS:

    • You take a semester (fall or spring) off, or

    • You do NOT make acceptable progress toward obtaining your degree (as determined by the school), or

    • Your Post 9/11 GI Bill runs out, or

    • You transfer to another school.

  • Your school will notify you before the start of the next semester.

Reference