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1,100 Schools Sign New GI Bill 'Yellow Ribbon' Pact

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, July 13, 2009) -- More than 1,100 colleges, universities and schools across the country have entered into "Yellow Ribbon" program agreements with the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve financial aid for veterans participating in the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

The new GI Bill will normally fund tuition up to the level of the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. The Yellow Ribbon program funds tuition expenses at private schools that exceed that rate. Institutions can contribute up to 50 percent of those expenses, and VA will match this additional funding for eligible students.

More than 3,400 agreements were received from the 1,100 schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon program.

"This is a strong response to a new benefit," said Keith Wilson, director of VA's Education Service. "We are pleased so many institutions are supporting our veterans."

"The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an important part of fulfilling our promise to the men and women who have served our country so honorably," Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said. "Implementing this landmark legislation and providing even more veterans with a quality education is a top priority for VA. We are grateful so many schools are joining us as partners in this unprecedented effort."

The Yellow Ribbon program is reserved for veterans eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100-percent benefit level. This includes those who served at least 36 months on active duty or served at least 30 continuous days and were discharged due to a service-related injury.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress last year, is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944.

The maximum benefit allows every eligible veteran, servicemember, reserve and National Guard member an opportunity to receive an in-state, undergraduate education at a public institution at no cost.

Provisions of the program include payments for tuition and fees, housing, and a books and supplies stipend. Benefits are payable for training pursued on or after August 1, 2009. The tuition and fee benefit is paid directly to the school.

(Information provided by a White House press release)

1. What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?

The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning (degree granting institutions) in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. The institution can contribute up to 50% of those expenses and VA will match the same amount as the institution.

2. How does the Yellow Ribbon Program benefit the student?

The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays up to the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition. The student's tuition and fees may exceed that amount if they are attending a private institution, graduate school or attending in a out-of-state status. If they are enrolled at a Yellow Ribbon participating institution and the tuition and fees exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition, additional funds may be available for their education program without an additional charge to their entitlement.

Institutions that voluntarily enter into a Yellow Ribbon Agreement with VA choose the amount of tuition and fees that will be contributed. VA will match that amount and issue payment directly to the institution.

3. Who Is Eligible?

Only individuals entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive this funding.  Therefore, they may be eligible if:

• They served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months;
• They were honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and they served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001; 
• They are a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran’s service under the eligibility criteria listed above. 

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