Download Now
The VA's Yellow Ribbon Program: What You Need to Know
One of the great provisions in the new Post 9/11 G.I. Bill is the Yellow Ribbon Program. This G.I. Bill education enhancement program allows a degree-producing Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) to enter into a tuition-funding agreement with the Veterans Administration (VA). In the written agreement, participating yellow ribbon schools determine how much of your tuition, exceeding the maximum funding rate, they wish to contribute, with the VA paying an equal amount. If you're a veteran and going to private school, graduate school, or are paying out-of-state tuition, the Yellow Ribbon Program can be a great financial boost with no reduction in entitlements.
Under the new Bill, tuition funding is set at the maximum tuition rate charged by a public school for an undergraduate program in that state. The VA Web site has a by-state listing of the maximum tuition and fees.
Expand [+]
Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program?
To participate in the Yellow Ribbon Programs, you must be a veteran at the 100 percent benefit rate. You may also qualify for the program if:
- You served at least 36 aggregate months of service after September 10, 2001.
- You were discharged with a service-connected disability after completing at least 30 continuous days of service following September 10, 2001.
- You're a Transfer of Eligibility dependent.
Working the Numbers
To put this into perspective, let's take an example of a veteran enrolled in a yellow ribbon school and taking 12 credits starting this fall. Base tuition is $6,200 with additional fees of $1,100, bringing the grand total to $7,300.
The maximum tuition rate per term for that state is $300 per credit and $750 for fees. So without the Yellow Ribbon Program, the VA would pay $4,350. This leaves $2,950 not covered. Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, the school could waive up to half this amount and the VA would pay an equal amount.
Is Your College a Yellow Ribbon School?
As of August, 2009, over 2,700 post-secondary schools had signed up for the Yellow Ribbon Program. For a full list of participating schools by state, check out the VA's interactive map. And if you plan on taking advantage of distance learning to further your education, many of the 2,000+ schools on the Yellow Ribbon Program roster offer online degree programs.
This list does not include all schools that accept GI Bill funding. For a full list of schools by state, click here.
Campus Schools
As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.
We work closely with industry leaders to build market-driven degree programs. This ensures DeVry University graduates from our five distinguished colleges of study, as well as DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management, are prepared to meet the challenges of today’s global marketplace.
You deserve a better career and a better life. Rasmussen College in Minnesota can help you get both.
At Everest University you can get a higher education designed to meet the demands of employers in some of today's hottest fields.
Get the right foundation for your future with a degree from Strayer University. Evening, weekend and online classes are all available to meet the needs of busy adults.
Located just outside of Orlando, Florida, Full Sail University is an educational leader for those pursuing careers in the entertainment industry. The school's on-campus programs provide students with an innovative and accelerated style of education geared toward career opportunities in media, entertainment and the arts.
Full Sail's unique curriculum emphasizes intensive, real-world education, using the latest industry equipment and production processes. Students develop their skills in world-class recording studios, spacious film soundstages, motion capture studio, and a professional performing arts hall, all housed in a 110+ studio, 190-acre multimedia complex.
Full Sail's unique curriculum emphasizes intensive, real-world education, using the latest industry equipment and production processes. Students develop their skills in world-class recording studios, spacious film soundstages, motion capture studio, and a professional performing arts hall, all housed in a 110+ studio, 190-acre multimedia complex.
Carrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from eleven conveniently located campuses.
Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.
Advance your career with Olivet Nazarene University - Graduate and Continuing Studies. We offer continuing education certificates and master's degrees in history, counseling, religion, business, education, and nursing, plus a Doctorate of Education in Ethical Leadership.
The above schools represent only a portion of the schools that accept the GI Bill. Download a PDF of the full list of schools here: GI Bill Schools
Find GI Bill Rates for Your Home State
