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Ultimate List of Yellow Ribbon Schools

Your Education, Your Future. As a veteran or military-affiliated student, you’ve earned powerful education benefits through the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program. With over 2,000 schools participating in 2025, the Yellow Ribbon Program can cover tuition costs beyond the GI Bill’s $28,937 cap (2025-26), potentially saving you thousands.

Why Yellow Ribbon Schools Matter for You:

  • Save Big: Up to 100% tuition coverage beyond GI Bill limits.
  • Opportunity: Over 2,000 schools, plus all public universities offer in-state tuition for veterans (up to 3 years post-discharge).
  • Spots are limited: Apply early to secure benefits.

Eligibility: You need 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits (36+ months service or equivalent).

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Find Yellow Ribbon Schools by State

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

Who Qualifies? (Eligibility Essentials)

  • Eligible: Honorably discharged veterans using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
  • Not Eligible: Active duty service members or their spouses (focus on dependents' programs like Chapter 35 instead).

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Key Facts on GI Bill & Yellow Ribbon Program

Public schools waive out-of-state tuition for in-state rates, while private schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program to cover additional costs beyond the GI Bill cap.

School TypeKey BenefitDetails
Public SchoolsIn-State Tuition WaiverAll public colleges/universities offer reduced in-state rates for eligible veterans, valid up to 3 years post-discharge. Ideal for affordable higher education across states like California, Texas, or New York.
Private SchoolsYellow Ribbon MatchingSchools cover up to 50% of excess tuition/fees; VA matches the other 50%. Perfect for top private universities (e.g., NYU, Stanford) without out-of-pocket costs.

Coverage & Limitations

  • What's Covered: Full tuition and fees only.
  • What's Not Covered: Room, board, books, or living expenses (pair with housing allowance for full support).
  • State Based Benefits: Visit our state based benefits page for more details.

Application Tips for Success

  • Limited Availability: First-come, first-served and spots fill fast! Apply ASAP via your school's VA certifying official.
  • Flexibility Options:
    • Full-time or part-time enrollment.
    • Summer sessions (if available at your institution).
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How To Use The Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program helps cover tuition and fees at private, out-of-state, foreign, or graduate schools that exceed the Post-9/11 GI Bill cap of $29,920.95 for the 2025-2026 academic year. Participating schools contribute funds, which the VA matches dollar-for-dollar, potentially covering 100% of your costs.

1. Confirm Your Eligibility

  • Verify 100% Post-9/11 benefits: 36+ months active duty (honorable discharge), Purple Heart (post-9/11), 30+ days service-connected disability, or transferred/ Fry Scholar status.

2. Find School

3. Select School/Program

  • Review and compare each school/program offering to ensure you can maximize your education benefits.

4. Apply & Enroll

  • Submit transcripts/test scores. Apply as regular student; enroll in courses.

5. Certify Your Enrollment

  • The School's VA official will submit via WEAMS with Yellow Ribbon details. Use Form 22-1995 if electing benefits.

6. Track Your Benefits

FAQs

Is Yellow Ribbon automatic? No, you must apply through your school. Spots may be limited by program or student count.

Does it cover all tuition? Not always, it depends on school’s agreement with VA. Typically covers mandatory fees, not housing.

Can I use it online? Yes, for participating online schools.

What if my school isn’t listed? Verify with the school’s VA office or search VA’s Yellow Ribbon Database.