Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows private degree-granting institutions of higher learning in the U.S. to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to fund up to 50% of the gap, if any, between an eligible student’s primary Post-9/11 (Chapter 33) benefit and the annual cost of tuition and fees. Yellow Ribbon matches whatever amount the school contributes.

A veteran must be receiving 100% Post-9/11 (Chapter 33) benefits and not be on active duty in order to be eligible for Yellow Ribbon benefits. View all eligibility guidelines and benefit requirements for Post-9/11 benefits.

How Yellow Ribbon Works at USF

• Schools and programs at USF have committed funds to the Yellow Ribbon Program.
• Federal law states that Yellow Ribbon awards must be made on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• There are limited openings in each school for Yellow Ribbon awards. Applicants will be placed on the waitlist based on the date they submit a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and DD-214 to the Registrar’s office.
• Yellow Ribbon may only be applied after the Post-9/11 (Chapter 33) cap has been met.
• The sum total of the Post-9/11 (Chapter 33) benefit and Yellow Ribbon scholarship may not exceed the cost of tuition and fees.

Yellow Ribbon Eligible Programs Offered at USF for 2021–22

Note: Online degree programs are not eligible for Yellow Ribbon benefits.

*Once the Post-9/11 (Chapter 33) cap is met, Yellow Ribbon may be applied toward your remaining tuition balance if you are eligible and the funds are needed.