The Yellow Ribbon Program is a valuable resource for veterans looking to attend high-cost institutions
For many veterans, pursuing higher education can be a key step toward building a successful civilian career.
Read also:
- What is the deadline to claim the $1,400 stimulus payment? Less than a month left
- Nigel Farage skips PMQs and local election prep to fundraise for Donald Trump at $450 MAGA dinner
- Trial for the death of Maradona: police officers say that in the house “there were no medical items”
- Joe Burrow drops NFL bombshell at the Bernabeu: “Please let it be true”
- U.N. staffer killed and 5 others wounded in a strike in the Gaza Strip
However, the cost of tuition, especially at private universities, graduate programs, or out-of-state public schools, can be a major hurdle.
While the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides substantial financial support, it may not always cover the full cost of tuition and fees.
This is where the Yellow Ribbon Program comes in, offering additional financial assistance to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for eligible veterans and their dependents.
The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill designed to help cover tuition costs that exceed the maximum reimbursement limit set by the government.
This initiative allows participating schools to waive a portion of those extra expenses, with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) matching that amount.
As a result, veterans attending high-cost institutions may pay little to no tuition, depending on their school’s level of participation.
Each year, the VA sets a national maximum reimbursement rate for private school tuition under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, this limit is $28,937.09.
If a school’s tuition exceeds this amount, it can voluntarily enter a Yellow Ribbon agreement with the VA, agreeing to waive part of the remaining balance.
The VA will then match that waiver, further reducing the veteran’s financial responsibility.
For example, if a private university charges $50,000 per year in tuition and agrees to waive $10,000 for Yellow Ribbon participants, the VA will contribute an additional $10,000.
Combined with the $28,937.09 from the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the total tuition covered would be $48,937.09, leaving the student responsible for just $1,062.91.
To qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program, veterans must be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% benefit level.
This applies to those who meet at least one of the following criteria:
Additionally, the school must be a participating institution, meet VA enrollment requirements, and have available Yellow Ribbon benefits for new students.
Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, eligible students can receive additional funding for tuition and fees at:
The specific amount covered varies by school and program, but the combined support from the university and the VA can significantly reduce tuition costs, making higher education more accessible to veterans and their families.
