Covering Additional Tuition with the Yellow Ribbon Program
If you want to go to an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) as a nonresident student, the Yellow Ribbon Program helps cover the additional cost not provided for under the current Post-9/11 GI Bill. In August of 2011, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay for the cost of in-state tuition and fees for public schools and up to $17,500 per year for private school.
Students who will need to pay more for a public school because they are not a resident of that state or who want to go to a private school that costs more than $17,500 a year can utilize the Yellow Ribbon Program to get the necessary additional funds. The IHL can choose to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program so that you are provided with additional funds without any additional charges to your GI Bill.
How it Works
The IHL chooses the amount of tuition and fees that they will contribute. The Veterans Administration matches that amount and pays it directly to the school. Eligibility for the Yellow Ribbon Program is similar to that of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, meaning that you must have an aggregate period of active duty of 36 months after
The Department of Veterans Affairs has a listing of participating IHLs for the 2011 to 2010 school year. The list also shows the maximum amount contributed by the school. For example, the Academy of Art University in
Application for funds under the Yellow Ribbon Program starts with completing an application for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. If eligible, your Certificate of Eligibility will show your eligibility for the Yellow Ribbon Program. The participating school will then certify your enrollment with the school and the Yellow Ribbon Program and send it to the Veterans Administration. It is important to work closely with the school of your choice to make sure that they have agreed to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program and that they have not offered it to more students than stated in their participation agreement.
Sources:
Benefits Of The Yellow Ribbon Program. (2010) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
CA State Yellow Ribbon Program Information 2011 - 2012. (2011) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.