Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning (degree granting institutions) in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed either the $18,077.50 cap for private institutions ($18,077.50 cap effective August 1, 2012). The institution can contribute up to 50% of those expenses and VA will match the same amount as the institution. (NOTE: All scholarships, other federal, state, institutional, or employer-based aid or assistance (excluding loans and Title IV funds) will be deducted from the student’s tuition/fees in order to determine the amount submitted to VA for certification purposes.)

Southern Methodist University supports our valued Soldiers and Veterans. We have chosen to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program for the 2013-2014 academic year. To read more about the Yellow Ribbon Program, go to http://www.gibill.va.gov/school-certifying-officials/yellow-ribbon-agreement/

The following colleges/professional schools will participate for the 2013-2014 academic year, as follows:

	Maximum amount per academic year	Number of students
Cox School of Business (Graduate)	$7,500	Unlimited
Dedman College (Graduate)	Up to 50%	5
Dedman School of Law	Up to 50%	10
The Guildhall	$7,500	8
Meadows School of the Arts (Graduate)	Up to 50%	Unlimited
Perkins School of Theology	Up to 50%	10
Simmons School of Ed & HD (Graduate)	Up to 50%	10
Undergraduate – All	Up to 50%	45

Veterans who wish to be considered for the Yellow Ribbon Program must complete and submit the YRP application to the SMU VA Certifying Official. Click here for the application. Please note that this is a first-come, first-served basis.

Veterans should keep in mind that they MUST be eligible for 100% of the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefit in order to qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Also, students must maintain satisfactory progress, conduct, and attendance according to the regularly prescribed standards of the university in order to receive Yellow Ribbon funds. Academic probation is a serious warning that a student is not making satisfactory academic progress. Therefore, a student on academic probation does not qualify for Yellow Ribbon.

For a list of required documents needed in order to be certified with VA, please go to http://smu.edu/registrar/vet_benefits_apply.asp