Yellow Ribbon Program (VA)

The Yellow Ribbon Program helps cover tuition and fee costs that exceed the amount covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. It’s designed for students attending private schools, graduate programs, or out-of-state public colleges.

How the Yellow Ribbon Program Works

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and participating colleges and universities. Schools contribute additional funding toward tuition and fees not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The VA matches that amount, helping eligible students reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs.

This benefit is especially useful for:

• Private colleges with tuition higher than the GI Bill cap
• Graduate and professional degree programs
• Out-of-state public colleges with nonresident fees

Each school sets its own Yellow Ribbon funding policies, including the amount it contributes and the eligibility criteria for students.

Who’s Eligible

To use the Yellow Ribbon Program, students must:

• Be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% benefit level
• Be enrolled in a degree program at a participating Yellow Ribbon school.
• Not be on active duty (unless you're the dependent of an active-duty service member transferring benefits)
   

You may qualify for 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill coverage if:

• You served at least 36 months on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001
• You were awarded a Purple Heart on or after that date.
• You served at least 30 continuous days and were discharged due to a service-connected disability.
• You're using transferred benefits from someone who meets those requirements. 

How to Apply

If you’re interested in applying, here’s how you go about it: 

1. Apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill through VA.gov
2. Receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) showing 100% GI Bill eligibility.
3. Submit your COE to your school’s veterans or financial aid office.
4. Ask the school to confirm your Yellow Ribbon eligibility and funding availability.

Applications for Yellow Ribbon are handled directly by the school, not the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

What You Can Study

Yellow Ribbon funding allows you to further your education in these areas:

• Undergraduate and graduate degree programs
• Professional programs (e.g., law, medicine, business)
• Online or in-person formats, depending on the school’s policy

Use the VA’s Yellow Ribbon School Finder to search participating institutions and review what’s offered.

Yellow Ribbon Program FAQs

Can dependents use the Yellow Ribbon Program?
Yes, if the benefits have been transferred to them and they are eligible for 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill coverage.

Do all colleges offer Yellow Ribbon funding?
No. Each school sets its participation limits. Not all schools or programs are included.

Can Yellow Ribbon be combined with scholarships or other aid?
Yes. Students can use Yellow Ribbon in addition to grants, financial aid, and scholarships to help with remaining costs.