Yellow Ribbon Program

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill that allows veterans to attend private schools and graduate programs costing more than the state tuition cap. Under the program, participating colleges and universities must offer a veterans-only scholarship which the VA will then match up to the full cost of tuition and fees. Click below for answers to frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?

A: The Yellow Ribbon Program of the Post 9/11 GI Bill will help make graduate schools and private universities more affordable for veterans. This program is designed to help veterans “bridge the gap” caused by schools charging tuition/fees higher than the Post 9/11 GI bill would cover. Private schools or graduate programs willing to create a veterans-only scholarship will be matched dollar for dollar by the VA up to the full cost of tuition/fees for the veteran. For example, in the District of Columbia the Post 9/11 GI bill will only provide about $3000 toward tuition/fees. George Washington University, the first college to accept the WWII GI Bill, has signed up for the Yellow Ribbon Program and agreed to contribute $18,000 toward a veteran’s tuition/fees. The VA will match that $18,000 contribution under the Yellow Ribbon Program. Thanks to the Yellow Ribbon Program and the generosity of George Washington University, a veteran attending George Washington University will receive a full ride, up to $39,000/yr toward their tuition/fees.

Q: What forms are needed to be filled out?

A: Schools need to fill out VA Form 22-0839 in order to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The name, address, and facility code fields at the top of the agreement must be filled out along with questions 5, 6 and 7 for the agreement to be valid. Please mail the form to: Department of Veteran Affairs Education Service 810 Vermont Ave NW Yellow Ribbon Program Washington, DC 20420

Q: When is the deadline to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program for the 2009-2010 academic year?

A: VA must receive signed agreements no later than June 15, 2009, in order to secure participation for the 2009-2010 academic year. Electronic PDF file copies and late agreements will not be accepted. Schools must re-submit the form for each additional academic year the school wishes to participate in, the agreement indicates a return by February 15 for all subsequent academic years.

Q: Are any schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program?

A: Yes, so far approximately 700 schools are participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Click here for a list of participating schools.

Q: Are there any rules that the school or veteran needs to know about the yellow ribbon program?

A: There are some rules a veteran needs to keep in mind when thinking about the yellow ribbon program. First, the school can limit the number of students it will grant the money to, so be sure to keep that in mind when you are making college choices. Yellow Ribbon payments are to be awarded on a first come first served basis, so a veteran should follow up with the school right away. Secondly, schools can choose to offer the yellow ribbon benefits for particular programs on campus, like for undergraduates or graduate programs or for a particular graduate program (e.g. Law School or Medical School). Lastly, the Yellow Ribbon Program has to be renewed each year, so a veteran should be aware that the program may not be renewed after they start at a particular school.

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