Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program provides service members with additional benefits beyond those from the Post-9/11 GI Bill. More than 1,100 colleges participate in the GI Education Enhancement (Yellow Ribbon) Program. These colleges have generously committed to providing additional funding to service members eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. In many cases, this combination will cover most of your college education expenses! To qualify for the Yellow Ribbon program, you must be eligible for the maximum benefit of the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

The Veterans Association and the colleges participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program are providing Yellow Ribbon funds under these terms:

  • Eligible individuals who apply for the Yellow Ribbon Program receive contributions on a first-come, first-served basis. Translation: Apply early!
  • Contributions are provided during the current and subsequent academic years when the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. This means that you are guaranteed these benefits for 36 months!

Colleges must publish the award amount each student will receive and the maximum number of students who will receive the benefit in any given academic year. Knowing this information will make it easier for you to budget and understand future college expenses. Learn if your college participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Applying for the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program

If your college participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, you should first apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill by completing VA Form 22-1990. Next, take your certificate of eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill to your college’s student aid office, and they will help you complete the process.

Learn more about other aspects of the Post-9/11 GI Bill:

I worked with Robin. She was fantastic and made it all very, very easy. I appreciated the service. Thank you.
- Katherine V.
New York, New York