Yellow Ribbon Program

The US Department of Veterans Affairs provides significant financial aid opportunities to students who served in the US Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001, as well as the dependents of these veterans. 

Through a new initiative authorized by the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, higher education institutions can provide eligible student veterans with a tuition waiver or grant that is matched by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. This program, known as the Yellow Ribbon Program, enhances the base tuition benefits provided by the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. More information about the program's benefits and eligibility requirements is available online.

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program Scholarship. As stipulated by the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon Program benefits are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis; accordingly, it is recommended that you complete the application as soon as possible.

Applying for the Yellow Ribbon Program

  1. If you are a qualifying veteran, or the qualifying dependent of a veteran, and you are interested in applying for the Yellow Ribbon Program, you must apply online.
  2. In addition to completing the above application, you must submit a Veterans Certification Request to Columbia's VA Certifying Official to receive VA benefits each semester.

See also the Financing Your Education section of the Veteran Affairs website.

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), this school adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA.  This school will not:

  • Prevent nor delay the student’s enrollment;
  • Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
  • Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
  • Deny the student access to any resources available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution, including but not limited to access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities.

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

  • Produce the Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class;
  • Provide written request to be certified;
  • Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.

For more information about GSAS's Yellow Ribbon Program scholarship, please email [email protected]. View policy information regarding VA benefits here

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official US government website