Set up as a matching program between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and universities, the Yellow Ribbon program helps make a college education more affordable for eligible students. It is designed to help cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees not covered by the GI Bill^®, up to the maximum award amount designated by the university. 

Qualifications

Must be certified as eligible per the VA, as well as by APU’s VA certifying official. For more information on the GI Bill and the VA Yellow Ribbon program, visit the VA website.

Yearly Amount

Up to $14,000 of APU Yellow Ribbon (Institutional Aid). The VA Yellow Ribbon will also match up to $14,000. State policies may also reduce or eliminate state grants (including the Cal Grant).

How to Apply

1. Submit an eligibility request to the VA.
2. Contact APU’s VA certifying official in the Office of Military and Veteran Education Benefits and complete the application steps needed.

Disbursement

Once the student’s financial aid file is complete, this award usually disburses into the student’s APU account during the first month of the semester (first half of the award in fall, the second half in spring), or later depending on when documentation is received.

Other Important Information

1. The student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
2. Should a student drop or withdraw from a class, the federal government will not pay the GI Bill toward that course. The student will be responsible for any outstanding balance created by dropping or withdrawing from a course.
3. The student will be responsible for any outstanding charges not covered by the GI Bill, VA Yellow Ribbon, or APU Yellow Ribbon awards.

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