Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program

The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 that allows institutions of higher learning to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to fund tuition and fee expenses that exceed the annual Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition and fee cap. The VA matches the institution's contribution, effectively covering higher education costs at expensive private institutions or out-of-state public universities. This program helps veterans access educational opportunities at schools where costs exceed standard GI Bill benefits. Participating schools agree to contribute a specified amount toward tuition and fees, and the VA matches that contribution. This partnership between schools and the federal government ensures that qualifying veterans can pursue higher education at their school of choice without excessive out-of-pocket costs. The program is available to veterans who qualify for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, as well as their qualifying dependents who have received a transfer of benefits.