Yellow Ribbon Program Aids Veterans

A program available at Methodist University is helping veterans get a college education at a low cost.

This educational opportunity through The Yellow Program is offered to veterans who have served at least 36 consecutive months, since Sept. 10, 2001, or were honorably discharged after serving 30 days since that date.

The program was created to give veterans enhanced educational benefits that cover educational expenses, provide a living allowance, money for books and the ability to transfer unused educational benefits to spouses or children who are eligible for the Transfer of Entitlement under the post 9/11 GI Bill.

While active duty members and spouses do not qualify for this program, their children are eligible if the active duty member is qualified at the 100 percent rate.  

Veterans attending both Methodist and Troy universities will have 100 percent of their tuition costs covered through the program and the remaining costs covered by both school’s Veteran’s Affairs Departments, without affecting GI Bill entitlements.

Methodist University has opened its doors through the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement program to military participants who are interested in receiving a collegiate degree.

Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, Methodist’s Department of Veterans Affairs will match tuition assistance up to 50 percent of the difference between the student’s tuition benefit and the total cost of tuition and fees. Recipients can attend Methodist at no cost through the Yellow Ribbon Program and GI Bill base assistance.         

Former Logistician for the Army at Fort Bragg, Norbert White, a junior at Methodist, found out about the Yellow Ribbon Program there through the Veterans Administration’s website.

“I chose Methodist University because of its academic excellence in Business and its commitment to the Fort Bragg and the Fayetteville Community,” said White.

“Because of the op tempo in the military with the 82nd Airborne Division, getting an education while on active duty can be almost next to impossible. I have served seven combat tours overseas and a lot of those places were remote and did not forward me the opportunity to continue my learning.”

Many military students, like White, have gotten the opportunity to continue their education at Methodist University through the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Randy Smith, Director of Veterans Services, is in charge of assisting students who are eligible for Veterans Administration Education benefits.

“An education is a noble endeavor that should be pursued by all, and learning never stops no matter how old you are,” said White. “The Yellow Ribbon program is a constant reminder to the men and women who serve that they are appreciated for their service and sacrifice.”

Veterans who apply for the Yellow Ribbon Program must qualify for the maximum benefit rate under the post 9/11 GI Bill and make sure that they are within the universities’ maximum number of Yellow Ribbon participants.