The Yellow Ribbon Program

Thanks to the Yellow Ribbon Program and the Post 9/11 GI Bill, military students attending Saint Leo University will have their tuition expenses completely covered. This provision of the Post 9/11 GI Bill ensures that a military student incurs no out-of-pocket expenses for attending Saint Leo University.

Our love for military students prompted us to be one of the first universities to partake in this supportive program. Here’s some information about how the Yellow Ribbon Program works and about how it applies to military students:

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post 9/11 GI Bill designed to support additional financial expenses that go above-and-beyond the tuition rates covered. If the tuition expenses of a private college exceed the in-state university undergraduate tuition expenses, the Yellow Ribbon Program can be utilized to cover the additional costs.

How does it work?

A private college that chooses to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program can waive up to 50% of the additional expenses of the tuition. In return, the VA will match however much is waived.

A student does not have to worry about additional tuition expenses at all when their college has maximum participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The school will cover 50% and the VA will cover 50%.

For example, the university campus for Saint Leo University exceeds the tuition of an in-state Florida university’s undergraduate costs by $312 per semester, provided the student is enrolled for 12 credits. Saint Leo University, opting to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, waives $156 of these additional expenses; the VA, in return, pays the other $156. This leaves a student attending Saint Leo University’s main campus with zero tuition expenses under the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon provision.

Do all colleges participate in this program?

No. Saint Leo University voluntarily supports the Yellow Ribbon Program in order to show support for active military, the reserve, and veterans attending their school. A university has the option to decline participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

How do I know I qualify?

Your qualification in the Yellow Ribbon Program will be noted on your chapter 33 Certificate of Eligibility. If you are entitled to the maximum benefit rate offered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program.