Yellow Ribbon Program for Veterans
Loyola Marymount University and the Yellow Ribbon Program
What is the 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 degree granting institutions in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the Veteran’s Administration (VA). Under this agreement, the school may contribute up to 50% of tuition expenses, and the VA will match that amount.
Detailed information about the Yellow Ribbon Program can be found at http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/Yellow_Ribbon.htm.
Loyola Marymount University, Westchester Campus, will provide Yellow Ribbon Program benefits for the 2009-2010 academic year, beginning with the fall 2009 term, for the number of students and the maximum amounts specified below.
LMU Yellow Ribbon Benefits:
Undergraduate:
Up to ten (10) eligible veterans admitted and enrolled in a first undergraduate degree program will receive up to $11,900 per academic year. Student seeking a second Bachelor's degree are not eligible for LMU Yellow Ribbon benefits. The actual amount of the academic year benefit will be based on the number of units taken and charged for each term.
Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, the Department of Veterans Affairs will match the LMU contributions made to eligible veterans each academic year that LMU remains in the program.
Graduate:
Up to fifteen(15) eligible veterans admitted and enrolled in their first LMU
graduate degree program will receive up to $2,000 per academic year. The actual
amount of the academic year benefit will be based on the number of units taken
and charged each term. LMU Yellow Ribbon Benefits are not available for a student working
on a second LMU Master’s degree.
Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, the Department of Veterans Affairs will match the LMU contributions made to eligible veterans each academic year that LMU remains in the program.
Note: The maximum award amounts are for the academic year as defined by the VA, August 1st to July 31st. Benefits can only be used during the summer sessions if not received in the prior fall or spring term within the academic year.
The Post-9-11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Entitlement:
Who is Eligible?
Only individuals entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive Yellow Ribbon benefits from LMU and the VA. We strongly encourage you to review the eligibility criteria directly from the VA’s website at http://www.gibill.va.gov/.
Active duty members and spouses of active duty members eligible for transfer of entitlements are not eligible if their tuition and fees are paid in full under another VA benefit program.
The general eligibility requirements for the Yellow Ribbon Program include:
- Student served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months
- Student was honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and you served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001
- Student is 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
Veterans interested in attending LMU should refer to the VA for eligibility for additional educational benefits related to monthly housing allowances and books and supply stipends.
How Do I Apply for Yellow Ribbon Benefits under Post-9/11 GI Bill?
The Department of Veterans Affairs is now processing applications for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Interested students should complete and submit the application form available online at http://www.gibill.va.gov/.
To complete an application on-line, you will need LMU’s VA Code number: 3-1-5042-05
You will receive written notification explaining the VA’s decision regarding your eligibility for the program. If you are eligible, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) that specifies you are “potentially eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program.” The VA will notify you of the amount of the Yellow Ribbon Program benefits they will pay. The final funding decision, however, will be made by Loyola Marymount University.
For questions regarding COE, contact the veteran’s administration at 1-888-GIBILL1 (442-4551) to speak with an Education Case Manager.
Once you receive your COE and are deemed potentially eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program, submit your COE to the LMU Registrar’s Office at the following address:
Registrar’s Office
Attention: Yellow Ribbon Program Administrator
One LMU Drive, Suite 107
Los Angeles, Ca 90045-2659
Upon receipt of your COE, the Registrar will certify your enrollment to VA, including eligibility for the Yellow Ribbon Program benefit. A copy of your COE will be forwarded to the Financial Aid Office for consideration of your Yellow Ribbon award.
You cannot certify your participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program directly to the VA. LMU’s Registrar’s Office must report this information on your enrollment certification.
If you have questions regarding LMU’s certifying your participation, contact the Registrar’s Office at 310-338-2740.
How will LMU select Yellow Ribbon Program benefit recipients?
Students selected for this benefit is based on a first come first serve basis. Once the maximum awards available have been offered, no additional Yellow Ribbon Program benefits will be offered by LMU.
The University strongly encourages all applicants for the Yellow Ribbon Program to apply for federal and state assistance. For more information on the Financial Aid Application process, please refer to the University’s Financial Aid website at http://financialaid.lmu.edu.
Application Deadline Dates:
Undergraduate Students: If you are an eligible veteran and you will be enrolled in the fall of 2009, submit a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA to the Registrar’s Office by July 15, 2009 to allow us time to process your request by the LMU’s Student Accounts’ July 31st financial clearance deadline.
Graduate Students: If you are an eligible veteran and you will be enrolled in the fall of 2009, submit a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA to the Registrar’s Office by August 1, 2009.
How will I know if I have received the Yellow Ribbon Program benefit from LMU?
If you are awarded a Yellow Ribbon award, it will be coordinated into your financial aid award in accordance with all federal, state and institutional rules and regulations. You will be notified of this award via a letter from the Financial Aid Office and your LMU MyAid/PROWL account.
How is this benefit applied to my student account?
The LMU portion of your Yellow Ribbon award will credit to your account once you meet all enrollment and disbursement requirements. Most awards will credit to your account 10 days before the first day of classes.
The VA match of your Yellow Ribbon award will issue payment directly to the University on your behalf after your enrollment certification is processed by the VA.
Will my Yellow Ribbon Award be renewed?
LMU will offer you a Yellow Ribbon Program benefit as long as the following apply:
• LMU continues to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program*
• You maintain in good academic and conduct standing as defined in the University
• You have remaining entitlement as defined by the VA
* LMU’s participation in the Yellow Ribbon program is voluntary. LMU may choose not to participate or change the contribution amount offered in future years.
For Additional Information
Visit www.gibill.va.gov for additional information on the Yellow Ribbon Program or other benefits.