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The Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program
 The School of General Studies of Columbia University (GS) is pleased to announce its participation in the Department of Veteran Affairs' Yellow Ribbon Program. The scope of benefits provided by the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program will make a Columbia education accessible to eligible veterans, regardless of socio-economic status. Both GS undergraduates and students in the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program are eligible to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Benefits Provided by the Post 9/11 GI Bill
Amounts listed below are for the 2009-2010 academic year and will be finalized August 1, 2009. Benefits are awarded proportionately, based on eligibility, as determined by the Department of Veteran Affairs.
- Eligible veterans will receive tuition paid directly to the school not to exceed the maximum in-state tuition and fees at a public institution of higher learning. For students enrolled at Columbia University, the maximum tuition students will receive is $1,010 per credit, which is based on New York State rates.
- Fees for students enrolled at Columbia University (based on New York State rates) will be covered up to $12,697 per semester. Please consult the tuition and fees pages for examples of how benefits are applied.
- An annual books and supplies stipend of $1,000 paid proportionately based on enrollment.
- A monthly housing allowance based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school, which is approximately $2,744 per month.
The Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program is an initiative authorized by the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act that allows educational institutions to provide eligible student veterans with a tuition waiver or grant that is matched by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. This program supplements the base tuition benefits provided by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, GS will be granting an award that is the equivalent to funding the maximum 50 percent of a 34-credit (17 per semester) program, or up to $5,100 per year, to 150 eligible veterans on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Columbia application for Fall 2009 is now online.
Eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program
You may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill if:
- You served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 90 days;
- You were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and you served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001;
- You are a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran’s service under the eligibility criteria listed above.
If you are eligible for 100 percent of the maximum benefit in the Post-9/11 GI Bill (see chart below), you are eligible to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
For more information on eligibility, please consult the Dept. of Veteran Affairs website.
Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of: |
Includes entry level and skill training? |
Percentage of Maximum Benefit |
At least 36 months |
Yes |
100 |
At least 30 continuous days on active duty (Discharged due to service-connected disability) |
Yes |
100 |
At least 30 months, but less than 36 months |
Yes |
90 |
At least 24 months, but less than 30 months |
Yes |
80 |
At least 18 months, but less than 24 months |
No |
70 |
At least 12 months, but less than 18 months |
No |
60 |
At least 6 months, but less than 12 months |
No |
50 |
At least 90 days, but less than 6 months |
No |
40 |
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