Yellow Ribbon Program for Veterans

How eligible veterans use Yellow Ribbon benefits to reduce college costs after service

The Yellow Ribbon Program helps eligible veterans cover tuition costs not fully paid by the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. This guide explains how the program works for veterans, when it’s most useful, and how to use it strategically after military service.

--> Find Yellow Ribbon Schools by State

Who this guide is for

This guide is designed for:

• Veterans who have separated from military service
• Veterans using or planning to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill®
• Veterans returning to school after time away

If you’re pursuing education as part of your transition to civilian life, the Yellow Ribbon Program may help reduce out-of-pocket costs. Dependent on your eligibility and school choice.

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® that helps cover tuition costs beyond what the GI Bill® pays at participating schools.

When a school participates:

• The school contributes additional tuition funding
• The Department of Veterans Affairs matches that contribution
• Eligible veterans receive reduced or eliminated out-of-pocket tuition costs

Participation and benefits vary by institution.

How Yellow Ribbon works for veterans

For veterans, Yellow Ribbon is typically used after service, not during active duty.

Key points to understand:

• Eligibility depends on Post-9/11 GI Bill® status
• Not all GI Bill® recipients qualify
• Schools set their own participation limits
• Benefits may vary by program or degree level

Because of this flexibility, understanding how a specific school participates is essential.

When Yellow Ribbon makes the most sense

Yellow Ribbon benefits are often most helpful when:

• Attending private or higher-cost colleges
• Paying out-of-state tuition at public universities
• Enrolling in graduate or professional programs
• Using GI Bill® benefits for a career change or advancement

It’s especially valuable when combined with careful school and degree selection.

Using military experience to reduce time to degree

Many veterans can further lower costs by shortening time to completion.

Options may include:

• Prior learning credit for military training
• Transfer credit for previous college coursework
• Degree paths designed for adult or returning students

Reducing time to degree can amplify the value of Yellow Ribbon benefits.

→ Turn military experience into college credit

How to find participating Yellow Ribbon schools

Yellow Ribbon participation is determined by individual colleges and varies by location.

Rather than reviewing a national list, most veterans start by exploring options by state and then reviewing school-specific participation details.

Yellow Ribbon and long-term education value

Covering tuition is important — but outcomes matter too.

RoEDU™ helps veterans compare schools and degrees using cost, time to completion, and outcomes, so you can understand the long-term value of your education choices after benefits are applied.

Not sure where to start?

• New to Yellow Ribbon? Begin with eligibility and how it works
• Focused on location? Browse schools by state
• Planning a career transition? Compare degrees and outcomes

→ Explore veteran education options

Frequently asked questions

Do all veterans qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program?

No. Eligibility depends on Post-9/11 GI Bill® status and service history.

Is Yellow Ribbon available at all colleges?

No. Participation is optional and varies by school, program, and enrollment limits.

Can Yellow Ribbon be used for graduate school?

Yes. Some graduate and professional programs participate, but availability varies.

Does Yellow Ribbon cover all tuition costs?

It can, but coverage depends on the school’s contribution and matching limits.