The Yellow Ribbon Program

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP)?
YRP is part of the Chapter 33 education benefit for Veterans.

How does it affect the education benefit?
YRP has been developed to provide extra tuition assistance to meet the higher private college tuition costs.

How does it work at CSS?
The Veterans Administration (VA) and CSS have partnered to provide coverage for tuition. The formula followed requires the VA to provide approximately ¾ of the tuition cost while CSS contributes the balance.

Are there any other benefits?
A $1000/year for books is provided along with a monthly housing allowance. The payment amount is based on the equivalent of an E-5 rank with dependents for this region. In addition, certain fees charged by the College are also met.

Highlights: Undergraduate Students
Tuition of over $29,000 may be free for most
$1,000 book allowance
Certain College fees are paid
Housing allowance based on E-5 rank with dependents in this region

Highlights: Graduate Students
Graduate tuition may be free for most
$1,000 book allowance
Certain College fees are paid
Housing allowance based on E-5 rank with dependents in this region

How do I know if I am eligible?
You are eligible if you meet these general criteria:
1. You are a vet.
2. You have been active for 3 or more years since 9/11/01.
3. You have been certified by the VA as 100% eligible. *** Only those with 100% eligibility, as certified by the Veterans Administration, can participate in the YRP.***
Veterans who served less than 36 months are eligible for the full benefit if they have been honorably discharged for a service connected injury.

Do I qualify for YRP if I have been in the National Guard or Reserves?
You may if you have been activated by the federal government for three or more years since 9/11. Check with your education officer or veteran's administration representative to determine eligibility.

How do I apply for VA Education Benefits, including YRP?
You need to do is go to this website and fill out the application in VONAPP:
http://gibill.va.gov/apply-for-benefits/application/

Can I transfer my benefit to my spouse or dependent?
You can transfer your education benefit to your spouse if you are currently active and have 6 years of service and agree to serve until you have completed 10 years of duty. To transfer the benefit to a dependent you must be active and have 10 years of service.

I am currently receiving the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB). Can I switch to the YRP?
Yes, you can and in certain cases your YRP benefit may be extended by 12 additional months.

How long do I have to access to use the YRP?
You have 15 years from your date of discharge to access and use the YRP benefit.

Do I have to attend CSS full-time to get the benefit?
No, you can use the benefit on a part-time basis.

Can I use the benefit if I plan to enroll as an online student at CSS?
Yes, but you will not be eligible to receive the housing allowance.

I want to learn more about the YRP; where can I go on the web?
The VA has an information site about the YRP. It can be found using a search (VA Yellow Ribbon) or by visiting this link:
http://www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_gibill/yellow_ribbon_program.html