Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement 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 the Veterans Administration (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.
How Does the Yellow Ribbon Program Benefit Me?
If you are enrolled at a private institution, graduate school, or attending in an out-of-state status, you may have tuition and fees that exceed the maximum benefit of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. If your institution participates in the Yellow Ribbon program, 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 under the Post-9/11 GI Bill (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.
- Lynchburg College must certify your enrollment to VA, including Yellow Ribbon program information.
If you are eligible, your Certificate of Eligibility will 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?
For Additional Information
All of the information on this page is located at the Virginia Department of Veterans Services website http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/Yellow_ribbon.htm
