The Yellow Ribbon Program can help you pay for higher out-of-state, private school, or graduate school tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill® doesn't cover. The Post-9/11 GI Bill® pays up to all public in-state tuition and fees. However, additional funds may be available to the student through the Yellow Ribbon program. Institutions that voluntarily enter into a Yellow Ribbon Program Agreement with VA choose the amount of tuition and fees to contribute. VA will match that amount and directly pay the institution up to 50% of the difference.

Applications will be accepted beginning August 1st for the upcoming academic year.

Funds are granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Yellow Ribbon funds can pay up to 50% of the difference of what the student owes.

Yellow Ribbon Application
(NetBadge Required)


Who Is Eligible?

Individuals below who are entitled to the maximum benefit level, based on service requirements, may receive this funding.

  • Those who served at least 36 months of active duty after Sept 10, 2001
  • Purple Heart recipients with an honorable discharge and any amount of service
  • Service members who were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and served 30 days in a row after Sept 10, 2001
  • A dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®
  • Fry Scholarship recipients using benefits on or after August 1, 2018

Starting August 1, 2022, you may become eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program if you’re currently an active-duty service member who qualifies at the 100% level (you already served on active duty for at least 36 months) or if you’re a spouse using the transferred benefits of an active-duty service member who meets these qualifications.

Yellow Ribbon Eligibility

Degree Level School Number of Students Max School Contribution Amount (per year)
Undergraduate All 5
(Funds are granted on a first-come, first-serve basis)
$1,000
Graduate Darden School of Business Unlimited $2,500
Graduate Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy Unlimited $2,500
Graduate School of Law Unlimited $2,500
Graduate School of Commerce 4 $2,500


Please note: Your VA educational benefits will impact certain financial aid eligibility. Veterans benefits will be included as a financial resource in your financial aid award package and may reduce state grants, University grants, federal loans and work study, and private loans. Each financial aid award type is different, so the VA benefit may affect each person's award differently. Please contact Student Financial Services for questions about how your Veterans benefits may impact your financial aid at [email protected] or 434-982-6000.

Yellow Ribbon Contacts:

Undergraduate:
Kerstin Lopez
[email protected]

Darden:
Susan Loduha
[email protected]

Law:
Matt Wakeman
mwakeman@law.virginia.edu

Batten:
Amanda Crombie
[email protected]

Commerce Graduate:
Cathy Fox
[email protected]

This institution is approved to offer GI Bill® educational benefits by the Virginia State Approving Agency. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.