Yellow Ribbon Program

Apply for additional VA funding through the Yellow Ribbon Program!

Eligible veterans and their dependents who meet specific criteria can receive additional VA funding for out-of-state costs through the Yellow Ribbon Program.

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a part of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows U.S. institutions of higher learning to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Degree-granting institutions partner with VA to cover tuition and fee expenses that exceed the in-state rate. Schools can contribute a specified dollar amount. VA will match the amount, not to exceed 50 percent of the difference.

How does the Yellow Ribbon Program benefit participants?

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® pays a student’s public in-state tuition and mandatory fees. However, if a school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, additional funds may be available to the student for out-of-state tuition costs not covered.

How does it work?

Participating schools agree to:

• Provide funds to eligible individuals who apply for the Yellow Ribbon Program on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contributions must be given regardless of the rate at which the individual is pursuing training.
• Provide funds during the current academic year and all following academic years. This continues as long as:
  • The institution is participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
  • The student maintains satisfactory progress, conduct and attendance.

Who is eligible?

1. You must qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% benefit level.
2. At least one of the following must be true:
   1. You served at least 36 months of active duty (not necessarily continuous) and were honorably discharged.
   2. You received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001 and were honorably discharged (any amount of service). 
   3. You served at least 30 continuous days on or after September 11, 2001 and were discharged due to a service-connected disability. 
   4. You’re an active-duty service member who already qualifies for 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. 
   5. You’re a spouse or dependent child using transferred benefits from a service member who qualifies at the 100% level. 
   6. You’re a Fry Scholar (dependent child benefit tied to service member death injuries).

Note: The key requirement is 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility — if you qualify at a lower percentage, you won’t be eligible for Yellow Ribbon funds. You must still have remaining entitlement left in your Post-9/11 GI Bill — if your GI Bill benefits are already fully used, Yellow Ribbon won’t apply.

How do I apply for funding?

In order to apply for Yellow Ribbon funding at Rio Salado College, eligible participants enrolled must submit the Rio Salado Yellow Ribbon Application annually to the Veteran Services Department. The application needs to be submitted each award year the student wishes to receive the benefit and is based on a first-come, first-served basis. The VA award year begins August 1 and ends July 31 each year. Students must fulfill Lawful Presence requirements to receive institutional Yellow Ribbon funding.

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 Web site.