Yellow Ribbon Program

The following information is located at the Virginia Department of Veterans Services website http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/Yellow_ribbon.htm

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 percent of those expenses and VA will match the same amount as the institution.

The Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) must agree to:

• Provide contributions to eligible individuals who apply for the Yellow Ribbon Program on a first-come first-served basis, regardless of the rate at which the individual is pursuing training in any given academic year;
• Provide contributions during the current academic year and all subsequent academic years in which the IHL is participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program and the student maintains satisfactory progress, conduct, and attendance;
• Make contributions toward the program on behalf of the individual in the form of of a grant, scholarship, etc;
• State the dollar amount that will be contributed for each participant during the academic year;
  • Lynchburg College's Contribution Amount (Per Student/Per Year)
    • $10,234 Undergraduate,
    • $693 Graduate,
    • $10,234 Doctoral
• State the maximum number of individuals for whom contributions will be made in any given academic year.
  • The number of individuals for whom contributions will be made by Lynchburg College is unlimited.

How Does the Yellow Ribbon Program Benefit Me?

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

Am I Eligible?

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

• You served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months;
• You were honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and you served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001;
• You 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.

• Remember, to receive benefits under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • You must be eligible for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill;
  • Lynchburg College must certify your enrollment to VA, including Yellow Ribbon program information.
• If you are eligible, your Certificate of Eligibility will also advise you if your service meets the requirements for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Take your Certificate of Eligibility to Lynchburg College and ask your Veterans Affairs Coordinator to certify your enrollment to VA, including Yellow Ribbon. You cannot certify your participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program directly to the VA. Your school must report this information on your enrollment certification.

How Do I Apply for Yellow Ribbon Benefits?

Yellow Ribbon Application

For Additional Information

Visit www.gibill.va.gov for additional information on the Yellow Ribbon Program or other benefits.