Hey folks, I recently read about this 'Yellow Ribbon' military college program. Could anyone elaborate on this? What is it and how does it assist with college education?
Sure, happy to discuss the Yellow Ribbon Program!
Originally developed as an extension of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program is intended to help cover education costs, primarily tuition and associated fees, that may exceed the maximum state amount public institutions can receive from the GI Bill.
As a part of the initiative, the participating institution can voluntarily choose to fund a certain percentage of these extra charges, and then the Department of Veterans Affairs matches the same amount. This can significantly extend your education benefits, helping towards the costs of attending more costly private universities or out-of-state schools.
To be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program, you must qualify for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This typically requires at least 36 months of active duty service, or you could be eligible due to a service-connected disability after a minimum of 30 continuous days on active duty.
However, bear in mind that not all schools participate in the program, and those that do might do so for certain degree programs only. Each school's contribution is also different. Remember to check with the specific institution to determine whether they are part of the program and learn about their specific details.
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