August 19, 2010
PLEASANT HILL, Calif. – To better support the educational needs of veterans, John F. Kennedy University, an affiliate of the National University System, has entered into an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under its “Yellow Ribbon” program. The Yellow Ribbon program, a key provision of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, allows the VA and the participating colleges to share in supporting students attending private and graduate, or out-of-state schools.
Normally, the VA-administered Post-9/11 GI Bill reimburses students for tuition at these institutions up to the highest in-state undergraduate tuition rate for a public institution. Under the Yellow Ribbon program, schools contribute to the difference between the in-state maximum and their usual cost and VA will match them dollar for dollar, issuing payment directly to the institution.
For a veteran attending JFK University under the Yellow Ribbon program, the out-of-pocket expenses for tuition and fees will be little, if any. The VA will pay half of the difference between the tuition at JFK University and that of a California public college. JFK University will then waive the remaining portion.
“We are extremely proud to be able to take this extra step to support the educational goals of the men and women who served this Nation so honorably,” said Dr. Steven Stargardter, President of JFK University. “We believe in the transforming power of education and are committed to working with veterans to realize their full potential.”
The Yellow Ribbon program is reserved for veterans eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill who served at least 36 months on active duty or served at least 30 continuous days before being discharged due to a service-related injury.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress in 2008, is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. The program includes payments for tuition and fees (paid directly to the schools), a housing allowance, and a books and supplies stipend.