Yellow Ribbon Program for Veterans

ter — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:06:00 GMT

A while back I covered the "New GI-Bill", officially called the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. If you recall, this new bill will pay up to 100% of the highest paid in-state undergraduate tuition for qualified students. But what if you're enrolled in a private school, or you are a graduate student, or you enrolled in a college as a non-resident and your tuition expenses exceed the highest paid in-state undergraduate tuition? Depending on which school you attend, you could receive additional assistance.

The Yellow Ribbon Program can allow qualified veterans to receive additional assistance provided by the college and Veterans Administration. Colleges have the choice to enter into an agreement to waive up to 50% of the exceeding highest in-state tuition charges, and the VA will match the college's percentage. Keep in mind that not all students may benefit:

When enrolling in the Program, colleges must indicate how many students will benefit, and the Program is on a first-come, first-served basis
Student must be qualified and in the first-come, first-served pool of applicants
Student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, conduct, and attendance

The Yellow Ribbon Program begins on or after August 1, 2009. Remember, this is based on your qualification and whether or not you are paying tuition that exceeds the highest in-state tuition rate. Colleges must establish procedures for applying to this Program. I doubt that too many colleges have their procedures in place (I know we don't) if you were to inquire now.

This is a very broad overview of the Yellow Ribbon Program because of the detailed requirements. If you think you qualify please go to the Yellow Ribbon Program website to get additional information. This site also has a link to the "New GI-Bill" requirements. Please check into these programs if you have served active duty post 9-11.

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Financial Aid Answers - presented by eLearners.com : GI Bill

Yellow Ribbon Program for Veterans