Washington, D.C. -- A new provision in the Post-9/11 GI Bill took effect on August 1, 2009 making it possible for more military veterans to attend private colleges and universities.  The Yellow Ribbon Program helps students cover the difference in cost between their state’s highest tuition in-state school and a private school they wish to attend.  The participating private school agrees with the U.S. Department of Veterans Services to contribute up to 50% of the difference and the VA matches it.  

“This makes it more affordable for veterans attending private institutions, graduate school or paying out-of-state tuition to continue their education or training,”  said Abercrombie.  “Thousands of Hawaii military veterans have earned the ability to attend public colleges and universities through the GI Bill, and now they can find assistance for private schools.”

Name of College               Number of Students               School Contribution Amount
                                                                                                (Per Student/Per Year)

Argosy University-Hawaii                100                                             $1,764.00

Central Michigan University              100                                                 450.00
Hickam AFB

Central Michigan University              100                                                 450.00
Honolulu

Central Michigan University              100                                                 450.00
Schofield Barracks

Chaminade University of                     10                                              5,474.00
Honolulu

Hawaii Pacific University                 Unlimited                                       5,000.00

Heald College – Honolulu               Unlimited                                      50,000.00

Remington College -
Honolulu Campus                            Unlimited                                       3,223.50        

University of Phoenix (Undergrad)   Unlimited                                       3,250.00

University of Phoenix (Grad)            Unlimited                                       5,500.00

To be eligible for GI Bill education benefits, veterans must have served an aggregate 36 months of active duty after September 11, 2001, or been honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability, or be a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post 9/11 GI Bill.  Interested veterans attending private schools should check with the school’s financial aid office for details and application procedures.

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