Yellow Ribbon Program

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This program allows you to enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate.

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?

This program allows you to enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate.

We can contribute to those expenses, and VA will match the same amount. The Yellow Ribbon grant supersedes all our merit and need-based scholarships as well as the Cal Grant. Only individuals entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive this funding.

Who May Apply?

You may be eligible if:

  • You served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months;
  • 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.

How to Apply?

  1. Apply on-line at https://www.va.gov/
  2. The VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility (This may take a few weeks to receive from the VA)
  3. Mail, email or bring in a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility to:

    Lisa King (lak5@stmarys-ca.edu)
    Office of the Registrar
    Saint Mary's College of California
    PMB 4748
    Moraga, CA 94575-4748

    Filippi Hall, First Floor
    Phone: (925) 631-8004
    Business Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
     

*Note* If you are a spouse or dependent, please read the following:
  • Have the Veteran complete a (TEB) Transfer of Education Benefits

     Transfer of Education Benefits

  • Have the student or parent complete the VA On-line Application in the student's name

    VA On-line Application

  • The VA will Mail you a (COE) Certificate of Eligibility

Please mail, e-mail, or hand deliver the document to:

Attn: VA Certifying Official
Office of the Registrar
Saint Mary’s College of California
PMB 4748
Moraga, CA 94575-4748
Filippi Hall, First Floor
Phone: (925)631-4214

How We Award YR Grants?

  • We grant awards based on a first-come-first-served basis
  • You must be admitted to a program listed below to receive funding.
  • Yellow Ribbon recipients will continue to receive the grant each year until degree completion or formal separation from the institution.
  • Saint Mary's maximum award limit of student grants for the 2021-2022 academic year is listed below.
    • Undergraduate - unlimited at $14,000
      • NOTE: Yellow Ribbon is not available in the summer.
    • Graduate Business - 6 at $5,000
    • Graduate Education - 4 at $6,000

 Yellow Ribbon students will be granted up to $26,381.37 each academic year (2022-23) from their Post 9-11 GI Bill®.  Once exhausted, the yellow ribbon will be used up to the maximum, if necessary.