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Yellow Ribbon Program:
Beginning August 1, 2024
American University is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon program. The Yellow Ribbon program was created to help bridge the gap between the VA GI Bill® Cap (average state tuition) and the tuition costs at American University. The agreement allows for additional funding to be processed, half by the VA and half by American University, to help with these costs within a GI Bill® Year (August 1stÌý-July 31st)
American University does not have a cap on the number of eligible students who can participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.Ìý
Newly admitted American University students who meet the basic eligibility requirements mustÌýapplyÌýto be a Yellow Ribbon Program participant.ÌýYellow Ribbon funding cannot be applied retroactively to an earlier GI BillÌý®Ìý²â±ð²¹°ù. Students must submit a Yellow Ribbon application as soon as possible, but no later than within the GI Bill ® year they plan to use Yellow Ribbon.**
**Students who need Yellow Ribbon funding for Term 3 or Summer must apply by July 31st of the Term 3 or Summer semester year.**
Current Yellow Ribbon Program recipients do not need to reapply unless you are changing yourÌýdegree program, i.e., bachelors degree to masters degree. Changing your major does not require a new Yellow Ribbon application.
Students who are approved as Yellow Ribbon program participants after completing the application process will remain Yellow Ribbon program participants until they complete their academic program or run out of months of eligibility, whichever comes first.Ìý
Understanding how Yellow Ribbon works:
Your School Certifying Official at AU will send your tuition and fees each semester to the VA. The VA will then send funding up to the GI Bill® Cap to AU. Once that cap is exhausted, your School Certifying Official will ask the VA for Yellow Ribbon Funding. Once received, AU will match Yellow Ribbon funds.
The current GI Bill® Cap and Yellow Ribbon Funding are as follows:
|
GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon Match 2024-25ÌýYear |
||||||||||||||||||||
Ìý |
Important Information Concerning GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Caps:
- Undergraduate students who exceed the caps and/or flat rate on tuition (12-17.5 CH) are responsible for the excess costs.
- ÌýGraduate students and Law students vary in their use of funds. Students who exceed both the GI Bill® cap and the Yellow Ribbon cap within an academic year are responsible for the excess costs.
- Any GI Bill® Cap or Yellow Ribbon funds not used within the GI Bill® Year (Classes that begin between August 1-July 31st) do NOT roll over to the next year.
Important Information for American University’s Yellow Ribbon Agreement:
General Eligibility Guidelines:
- Students must maintain eligibility to receive the Post-9/11 GI Bill® at the 100% benefit rate with remaining months of eligibility. (Once months of eligibility are exhausted, a student can no longer receive the GI Bill® cap and/or Yellow Ribbon funding)
- Students must maintain the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements toward the completion of their degree program. Info on SAP can be found using the following link:Ìý/financialaid/satisfactory-academic-progress.cfm
- Students pursuing a certificate or non-degree studies are not eligible to participate in AU’s Yellow Ribbon program.
- Visiting (Guest) students to AU are not eligible to participate in AU’s Yellow Ribbon Program. AU students who are guests at another university cannot have Yellow Ribbon funding applied while enrolled as a guest at another university.
- When Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill ® Benefit rates change which results in an increase to the 100% benefit rate and Yellow Ribbon eligibility, the date this change occurred is the effective date of Yellow Ribbon eligibility. AU will only award and disperse Yellow Ribbon funds from that date forward. Retroactive Yellow Ribbon funds cannot be processed for previous semesters.
- Students transferring from another private university to AU during the same funding year and have used part of their GI Bill® cap will NOT be eligible to receive AU Yellow Ribbon during that year. This policy is not applicable to students transferring from state schools within the same academic year.
- AU reserves the right to revise certifications and/or awards if miscalculation or clerical error(s)
AU's policy concerning Institutional Aid and Yellow Ribbon benefits:Ìý
- AU students are not eligible to receive two forms of institutional aid that come from different funding sources within the same academic year. As a Yellow Ribbon Program Participant, AU is committed to supporting military-connected students through providing a Yellow Ribbon match. This match helps bridge the gap between the GI Bill® cap each year and the tuition costs of a private institution. Institutional aid, including but not limited to, AU merit scholarships, AU Grant and AU tuition remission come from a different funding source than AU's Yellow Ribbon match.ÌýTherefore, students who complete a Yellow Ribbon application and are approved are opting to use their GI Bill®Ìýcap and Yellow Ribbon funding in lieu of other AU institutional aid.ÌýStudents receiving tuition restricted outside scholarships will have this amount reduced from the tuition and fees reported to the VA during theÌýcertification process.
- If your months of eligibility are exhausted before the completion of your program, please reach out to Veteran Services atÌýveterans@american.eduÌýand we will work with our campus partners in Financial Aid to help formulate a plan for your remaining semesters.
Guidelines Specific to Undergraduate Students:
- Undergraduates who enroll in a full-time status during Fall and Spring generallyÌýexhaust their funding for the academic year. Students interested in taking summer courses should contactÌýveterans@american.eduÌýand we can help you navigate what resources may be available to cover these costs.
Ìý
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 website:Ìý
2023-2024 Yellow Ribbon Policy
Beginning August 1, 2023
Ìý
American University is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon program. The Yellow Ribbon program was created to help bridge the gap between the VA GI Bill® Cap (average state tuition) and the tuition costs at American University. The agreement allows for additional funding to be processed, half by the VA and half by American University, to help with these costs within a GI Bill® Year (August 1st -July 31st)
American University does not have a cap on the number of eligible students who can participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.Ìý
Newly admitted American University students who meet the basic eligibility requirements mustÌýapplyÌýto be a Yellow Ribbon Program participant. Yellow Ribbon funding cannot be applied retroactively to a previous GI Bill ® year. Students must submit a Yellow Ribbon application as soon as possible, but no later than within the GI Bill ® year they plan on using Yellow Ribbon.**
**Students who need Yellow Ribbon funding for Term 3 or Summer must apply by July 31st of the Term 3 or Summer semester year.**
Current Yellow Ribbon Program recipients do not need to reapply unless you are changing your degree program, i.e., bachelors degree to masters degree. Changing your major does not require a new Yellow Ribbon application.
Students who are approved as Yellow Ribbon program participants after completing the application process will remain Yellow Ribbon program participants until they complete their academic program or run out of months of eligiblity, whichever comes first.Ìý
Understanding how Yellow Ribbon works:
Your School Certifying Official at AU will send your tuition and fees each semester to the VA. The VA will then send funding up to the GI Bill® Cap to AU. Once that cap is exhausted, your School Certifying Official will ask the VA for Yellow Ribbon Funding. Once received, AU will match Yellow Ribbon funds.
The current GI Bill® Cap and Yellow Ribbon Funding are as follows:
|
GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon Match 2023-24ÌýYear |
||
|
Student Status |
Yearly Yellow Ribbon Cap |
Total Yellow Ribbon |
|
Undergraduate |
$16,500ÌýVA + $16,500 AU |
$33,000 |
|
Graduate |
$14,500ÌýVA + $14,500ÌýAU |
$29,000 |
|
WCL |
$24,886.48ÌýVA + $24,886.48ÌýAU WCL |
$49,772.96 |
2023-24ÌýGI Bill® Cap: $27,120.05
Important Information Concerning GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Caps:
- Undergraduate students who exceed the caps and/or flat rate on tuition (12-17.5 CH) are responsible for the excess costs.
- ÌýGraduate students and Law students vary in their use of funds. Students who exceed both the GI Bill® cap and the Yellow Ribbon cap within an academic year are responsible for the excess costs.
- Any GI Bill® Cap or Yellow Ribbon funds not used within the GI Bill® Year (Classes that begin between August 1-July 31st) do NOT roll over to the next year.
Important Information for American University’s Yellow Ribbon Agreement:
General Eligibility Guidelines:
- Students must maintain eligibility to receive the Post-9/11 GI Bill® at the 100% benefit rate with remaining months of eligibility. (Once months of eligibility are exhausted, a student can no longer receive the GI Bill® cap and/or Yellow Ribbon funding)
- Students must maintain the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements toward the completion of your degree program. Info on SAP can be found using the following link:Ìý/financialaid/satisfactory-academic-progress.cfm
- Students pursuing a certificate or non-degree studies are not eligible to participate in AU’s Yellow Ribbon program
- Visiting (Guest) students to AU are not eligible to participate in AU’s Yellow Ribbon Program. AU students who are guests at another university cannot have Yellow Ribbon funding applied while enrolled as a guest at another university.
- When Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill ® Benefit rates change which results in an increase to the 100% benefit rate and Yellow Ribbon eligibility, the date this change occurred is the effective date of Yellow Ribbon eligibility. AU will only award and disperse Yellow Ribbon funds from that date forward. Retroactive Yellow Ribbon funds cannot be processed for previous semesters.
- AU reserves the right to revise certifications and/or awards in the event of miscalculation or clerical error(s)
AU's policy concerning Institutional Aid and Yellow Ribbon benefits:Ìý
- AU students are not eligible to receive two forms of institutional aid that come from different funding sources within the same academic year. As a Yellow Ribbon Program Participant, AU is committed to supporting military-connected students through providing a Yellow Ribbon match. This match helps bridge the gap between the GI Bill® cap each year and the tuition costs of a private institution. Institutional aid including but not limited to AU merit scholarships, AU Grant and AU tuition remission come from a different funding source than AU's Yellow Ribbon match. Therefore, students who complete a Yellow Ribbon application and are approved are opting to use their GI Bill® cap and Yellow Ribbon funding in lieu of other AU institutional aid.ÌýStudents receiving tuition restricted outside scholarships will have this amount reduced from the tuition and fees reported to the VA during theÌýcertification process.
- If your months of eligibility are exhausted before the completion of your program, please reach out to Veteran Services at veterans@american.edu and we will work with our campus partners in Financial Aid to help formulate a plan for your remaining semesters.
Guidelines Specific to Undergraduate Students:
- Undergraduates who enroll in a full-time status during Fall and Spring generallyÌýexhaust their funding for the academic year. Students interested in taking summer courses should contact veterans@american.edu and we can help you navigate what resources may be available to cover these costs.
2022-2023 Yellow Ribbon Policy
Beginning August 1, 2022
The 2022-23 Yellow Ribbon application will be available starting May 1st, 2022
American University is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon program. The Yellow Ribbon program was created to help bridge the gap between the VA GI Bill® Cap (average state tuition) and the tuition costs at American University. The agreement allows for additional funding to be processed, half by the VA and half by American University, to help with these costs within a GI Bill® Year (August 1st -July 31st)
American University does not have a cap on the number of eligible students who can participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.Ìý
Newly admitted American University students who meet the basic eligibility requirements mustÌýapplyÌýto be a Yellow Ribbon Program participant. Yellow Ribbon funding cannot be applied retroactively to a previous GI Bill ® year. Students must submit a Yellow Ribbon application as soon as possible, but no later than within the GI Bill ® year they plan on using Yellow Ribbon.**
**Students who need Yellow Ribbon funding for Term 3 or Summer must apply by July 31st of the Term 3 or Summer semester year.**
Current Yellow Ribbon Program recipients do not need to reapply unless you are changing your degree program, i.e., bachelors degree to masters degree. Changing your major does not require a new Yellow Ribbon application.
Understanding how Yellow Ribbon works:
Your School Certifying Official at AU will send your tuition and fees each semester to the VA. The VA will then send funding up to the GI Bill® Cap to AU. Once that cap is exhausted, your School Certifying Official will ask the VA for Yellow Ribbon Funding. Once received, AU will match Yellow Ribbon funds.
The current GI Bill® Cap and Yellow Ribbon Funding are as follows:
|
GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon Match 2022-23 Year |
||
|
Student Status |
Yearly Yellow Ribbon Cap |
Total Yellow Ribbon |
|
Undergraduate |
$14,500ÌýVA + $14,500 AU |
$29,000 |
|
Graduate |
$12,500ÌýVA + $12,500ÌýAU |
$25,000 |
|
WCL |
$23,974.82ÌýVA + $23,974.82ÌýAU WCL |
$47,949.64 |
2022-23ÌýGI Bill® Cap: $26,381.37
Important Information Concerning GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Caps:
- Undergraduate students who exceed the caps and/or flat rate on tuition (12-17.5 CH) are responsible for the excess costs.
- ÌýGraduate students and Law students vary in their use of funds. Students who exceed both the GI Bill® cap and the Yellow Ribbon cap within an academic year are responsible for the excess costs.
- Any GI Bill® Cap or Yellow Ribbon funds not used within the GI Bill® Year (Classes that begin between August 1-July 31st) do NOT roll over to the next year.
Important Information for American University’s Yellow Ribbon Agreement:
General Eligibility Guidelines:
- Students must maintain eligibility to receive the Post-9/11 GI Bill® at the 100% benefit rate with remaining months of eligibility. (Once months of eligibility are exhausted, a student can no longer receive the GI Bill® cap and/or Yellow Ribbon funding)
- Students must maintain the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements toward the completion of your degree program. Info on SAP can be found using the following link:Ìý/financialaid/satisfactory-academic-progress.cfm
- Students pursuing a certificate or non-degree studies are not eligible to participate in AU’s Yellow Ribbon program
- Visiting (Guest) students to AU are not eligible to participate in AU’s Yellow Ribbon Program. AU students who are guests at another university cannot have Yellow Ribbon funding applied while enrolled as a guest at another university.
- When Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill ® Benefit rates change which results in an increase to the 100% benefit rate and Yellow Ribbon eligibility, the date this change occurred is the effective date of Yellow Ribbon eligibility. AU will only award and disperse Yellow Ribbon funds from that date forward. Retroactive Yellow Ribbon funds cannot be processed for previous semesters.
- AU reserves the right to revise certifications and/or awards in the event of miscalculation or clerical error(s)
Guidelines Specific to Graduate Students including Washington College of Law:
- Students are not eligible to receive an institutional tuition restricted scholarship, grant, or tuition remission as a Yellow Ribbon program participant. As a Yellow Ribbon Program Participant, AU is committed to supporting military-affiliated students through providing a Yellow Ribbon match. This match helps bridge the gap between the GI Bill® cap each year and the tuition costs of a private institution. Students receiving tuition restricted outside scholarships will have this amount reduced from the tuition and fees reported to the VA during theÌýcertification process.
Guidelines Specific to Undergraduate Students:
- Undergraduates who enroll in a full-time status during Fall and Spring generallyÌýexhaust their funding for the academic year. Students interested in taking summer courses should contact veterans@american.edu and we can help you navigate what resources may be available to cover these costs.
- If your months of eligibility are exhausted before the completion of your program, please reach out to Veteran Services at veterans@american.edu and we will work with our campus partners in Financial Aid to help formulate a plan for your remaining semesters.
Ìý
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 website:Ìý
Yellow Ribbon Program:
AU is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon program. The Yellow Ribbon program was created to help bridge the gap between the VA GI Bill® Cap (average state tuition) and the tuition costs at American University. The agreement allows for additional funding to be processed, half by the VA and half by AU, to help with these costs.
Generally speaking, students are eligible to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program if they meet the following criteria:
- Eligible to receive the Post-9/11 GI Bill® at the 100% rate with remaining months of eligibility.
- Once a student runs out of months of eligibility for Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits, they will no longer be eligible for Yellow Ribbon funding.Ìý
- Currently not on active duty or the spouse of an active duty member
Important note for students who recently came off of active duty before applying for Yellow Ribbon Program:ÌýStudents who recently came off of active duty must contact the VA at 1-800-983-0937 or throughÌýÌýand submit a copy of their DD-214 to have their status updated with the VA. The VA will not review your updated status automatically.Ìý
Newly admitted AU students who meet the basic eligibility requirements mustÌýapplyÌýbefore the close of the VA GI Bill® year they would like to use benefits.ÌýThe VA academic year resets each August 1st. Current Yellow Ribbon Program recipients need not reapply UNLESS you're changing your degree program (BA/BS to MA/MS, etc).
When applying for the Yellow Ribbon program, you will decide which eligible VA GI Bill® year you would like to begin using Yellow Ribbon benefits. Depending on the VA GI Bill® year chosen, your Yellow Ribbon application will be valid for that VA academic year and forward until you finish your degree program at AU or no longer have eligibility remaining for VA Education benefits.Ìý
Your Yellow Ribbon eligibility will be processed based on August 1stÌýof the GI Bill® Year you choose or the date in which you were eligible for Yellow Ribbon benefits from the VA, whichever date is later. In order to process a Yellow Ribbon application submitted mid-year, institutional awards may be pulled retroactively from a previous semester. An example of this is if a student applies for Yellow Ribbon in Spring. Any institutional aid from the previous Fall semester would be removed from the account by the Office of Financial Aid and VA Education Benefits and Yellow Ribbon eligibility would be processed.
Understanding how Yellow Ribbon works:
Your School Certifying Official at AU will send your tuition and fees each semester to the VA. The VA will then send funding up to the GI Bill® Cap to AU. Once that cap is exhausted, your School Certifying Official will ask the VA for Yellow Ribbon Funding. Once received, Yellow Ribbon funds will be matched by AU.
| Student Status | Yearly Yellow Ribbon Cap | Total Yellow Ribbon |
|
Undergraduate |
$14,000ÌýVA + $14,000 AU | $28,000 |
|
Graduate |
$11,360ÌýVA + $11,360ÌýAU | $22,720 |
|
WCL |
$22,907.10ÌýVA + $22,907.10ÌýAU WCL | $45,814.20 |
2021-22ÌýGI Bill® Cap: $26,042.81
Undergraduates who enroll in a full-time status during Fall and Spring generallyÌýexhaust their funding for the academic year and it is not recommended to enroll in the Summer.
Undergraduates who exceed the caps and/or flat rate on tuition (12-17.5 CH) are responsible for the excess costs. Graduate students and Law students vary in their use of funds. Students who exceed both the GI Bill® cap and the Yellow Ribbon cap within an academic year are responsible for the excess costs. Any funds not used in GI Bill® Cap or Yellow Ribbon do NOT roll over.
Important Information for American University’s Yellow Ribbon Agreement:
- Students are not eligible to receive an institutional tuition restricted scholarship, grant or tuition remission as a Yellow Ribbon program participant. As a Yellow Ribbon Program Participant, AU is committed to supporting military-affiliated students through providing a Yellow Ribbon match. This match helps bridge the gap between the GI Bill® cap each year and the tuition costs of a private institution. Students receiving tuition restricted outside scholarships will have this amount reduced from the tuition and fees reported to the VA during theÌýcertification process.
- Students pursuing a certificate or non-degree studies are not eligible to participate in AU’s Yellow Ribbon program
- Visiting students to AU are not eligible to participate in AU’s Yellow Ribbon Program. AU students who are guests at another university cannot have Yellow Ribbon funding applied while enrolled as a guest at another university.
- When Chapter 33 Post-9/11 eligibility ratings change that result in an increase to where the student becomes eligible to receive Yellow Ribbon (ex: 90% to 100%), the date the applicant became eligible is considered the effective date of eligibility to be awarded Yellow Ribbon. AU will only award and disperse Yellow Ribbon funds from that date forward. Retroactive Yellow Ribbon funds cannot be dispersed to previous semesters.
- Students transferring from another private university to AU during the same funding year and have used part of their GI Bill® cap will NOT be eligible to receive AU Yellow Ribbon during that year. This policy is not applicable to students transferring from state schools within the same academic year.
-
To be awarded Yellow Ribbon, you must maintain the requirements of the VA and AU for being a Yellow Ribbon participant. These include the following:
-
Service members cannot be on active duty and must remain so for the duration of their award
-
Spouses of active duty service members are not eligible
-
You must have months of eligibility remaining at the 100% benefit rate for the Post 9/11 GI Bill®
-
You must maintain the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements toward the completion of your degree program. Info on SAP can be found using the following linkÌý/financialaid/satisfactory-academic-progress.cfm
-
- AU reserves the right to revise certifications and/or awards in the event of miscalculation or clerical error(s)
Ìý
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 website:Ìý
Yellow Ribbon Eligibility Quiz!
Would you like to see if you meet the eligibility requirements to participate in AU's Yellow Ribbon program?
Ìý