The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs provides significant financial aid opportunities to students who served in the U.S. Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001, as well as the dependents of these veterans. More information about the bill’s benefits and eligibility requirements is available at http://www.gibill.va.gov/.

In addition, through an 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 U.S. 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 for those students that qualify at the 100% level for the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

SIPA is happy to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.  Qualifying veterans and qualifying dependents of veterans may apply for consideration beginning Friday, June 15, 2012, at 1p.m. EDT.  Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, eligibility for the Yellow Ribbon Program is determined on a first-come, first-served basis.  The application will be available at:  http://sipa.columbia.edu/resources_services/financial_aid/index.html.   Please check the site on June 15th.

For details about the Yellow Ribbon Program, visit The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website.  If you have questions about your eligibility level for The Post 9/11 GI Bill, please contact the VA at www.va.gov or 1-888-442-4551. 

For general information about veteran affairs at Columbia University, please visit: www.veteranaffairs.columbia.edu.