Yellow Ribbon Program Explanation and Guide

Since our inception over 200 years ago, the University of Cincinnati (UC) has proudly served our nation’s heroes and dependents. As one of the top-ranked colleges for veterans, we’re proud to count more than 2,000 military-affiliated students among our ranks, and we’re committed to helping current and prospective students understand their military benefits, including the Yellow Ribbon Program.

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. It was designed to assist veterans who served at least 36 months on active duty after September 10, 2001.

This program allows institutions of higher learning in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to fund tuition expenses that exceed either the annual maximum cap for private institutions or the resident tuition and fees for a public institution.

It is especially beneficial in situations where tuition may exceed the limits of standard GI Bill® benefits, such as enrolling in a graduate program.

How Does the Yellow Ribbon Program Work?

What Does It Cover?

The Yellow Ribbon Program supplements the costs of your degree above and beyond your GI Benefits. The program allows UC to partner with the VA to contribute funds to our veterans’ unmet tuition and fee charges when their tuition and fees charges exceed the amount payable under Chapter 33. UC can contribute up to 50 percent of veterans’ unmet costs; the Department of Veterans Affairs will match the amount.

Thirty Yellow Ribbon scholarships are reserved for UC undergraduate students, 10 for graduate students, and five for the College of Law, College of Medicine, and College of Pharmacy.

Contact UC’s Veterans Programs and Services department to speak to a professional about your benefits and Certificate of Eligibility. Once that step is complete, they should be able to walk you through the process of applying for the Yellow Ribbon program if you qualify.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program, you must meet the following criteria:

• Qualify for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.
• Served at least 36 months of active duty after September 10, 2001.
• Be honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability after serving 30 continuous days.
• Be a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

Benefits

The Yellow Ribbon Program offers significant financial benefits, including:

• Reduced or eliminated tuition costs.
• Increased access to programs that might otherwise be financially out of reach.

How to Apply

Applying for the Yellow Ribbon Program involves several steps:

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements outlined by the VA.
2. Apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®: Submit your application for Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits through the VA.
3. Inform the University: UC will process your Yellow Ribbon application with the VA once your GI Bill® benefits are approved.

Learn More about Taking Advantage of the Yellow Ribbon Program with UC Online

UC is a proud Yellow Ribbon school, offering extensive support to military veterans and their families. UC Online provides flexible and accessible education opportunities that align with the needs of service members, veterans, and their dependents. By participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, UC Online ensures eligible students can pursue their academic goals without the burden of excessive tuition costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What qualifies you for the Yellow Ribbon Program?

You must be eligible for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and plan to attend a participating institution such as UC Online. Specific requirements include serving at least 36 months on active duty after September 10, 2001, or being honorably discharged due to a service-connected disability after 30 continuous days of service. For more information on requirements and eligibility, visit the VA website.

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program in the US?

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® that allows UC to contribute additional funds toward tuition and fees that exceed the standard benefits. The VA matches these contributions, reducing the financial burden on eligible veterans and their families.

Can you use the Yellow Ribbon Program without the GI Bill®?

No, you cannot use the Yellow Ribbon Program without first qualifying for and using Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits. The program is designed to supplement the GI Bill® by covering additional tuition costs not included in the standard benefits.

To learn more about the Yellow Ribbon program and how to apply, visit the VA website.

Contact our Department of Veterans Programs and Services to speak to a professional about your benefits and Certificate of Eligibility.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website, benefits.va.gov/gibill.