Tie a Yellow Ribbon Around Your Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, also known as the New GI Bill, includes benefits not found in previous versions of the GI Bill. One of the least understood benefit is the Yellow Ribbon GI Bill Program. Administered through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the program rewards veterans by potentially paying most, if not all, of their college education expenses.

What Is the GI Yellow Ribbon Program?

Unique to the New GI Bill is the VA's by-state listing of the maximum tuition and fees it pays. Each state's maximum amount is based its most expensive public school's undergraduate program tuition and fees. Unfortunately, the education costs many veterans have exceed this amount.

If you attend a Yellow Ribbon school, it can agree to pay up to 50 percent of the difference between what the school charges and what the GI Bill pays. The VA then matches the school's contribution amount. Between your GI Bill, your school's Yellow Ribbon pledge, and what the VA pays, up to 100 percent of your education costs may be covered.

Contributions from the school to pay their portion are typically in the form of scholarships, grants and waivers--none of which require repayment. In their yearly GI Yellow Ribbon agreement, each school determines:

• the maximum amount paid per veteran
• the maximum number of students it can cover in the program
• the degree levels covered

Am I Eligible to Attend a GI Yellow Ribbon School?

Not all Post-9/11 GI Bill users are eligible to use the Yellow Ribbon GI Bill Program. First, you must be at the 100 percent benefit level. To get to that level, you must:

• serve with an honorable discharge for three years on active duty, after September 10, 2001
• serve for at least 30 days on active duty and discharge honorably or due to a service-connected disability
• be a spouse or dependent child getting education benefits via the Transfer of Entitlement process

Who Benefits From the GI Yellow Ribbon Program?

If you attend a public college or university in your home state, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover most all your tuition and fees, but if you choose a different educational venue, it may not. You may benefit from the Yellow Ribbon GI Bill Program if you plan to:

• pay out-of-state tuition
• attend a private school
• enroll in a graduate program

If any of these conditions apply, ask if your school is a Yellow Ribbon school before enrolling. The GI Yellow Ribbon Program doesn't cover just on-campus programs, it also covers online courses in certain schools. Check with the VA for a list of Yellow Ribbon Schools offering Yellow Ribbon online programs.

The ultimate goal of the Yellow Ribbon Program is to give veterans the maximum advantage in preparation for civilian careers. Using the Yellow Ribbon GI Bill Program is not only a benefit that makes a significant impact on your future, but it can make an immediate financial impact as a student.

Ron Kness retired from the military in 2006 with 36 years of service. His last assignment was a Division Command Sergeant Major/ E-9