Recently, I realized that there are many misconceptions of education benefits for military members, and I was alarmed. I, personally, just used the last of my own GI Bill last Fall semester.

The most common education benefit today is the Post-9/11 GI Bill.  This benefit, which was back dated before the 9/11 attacks, will cover all in-state tuition and fees at public degree granting schools, but may not cover all private degree granting schools and out-of-state tuition.

To accommodate the off set of tuition, the Yellow Ribbon Program was created. As a recipient of this benefit, it would be not only wise but beneficial to participate with an education institution, like Chapman, with the Yellow Ribbon Program.

This is how it works:

  1. Apply for benefits, Apply

  2. Click on this link to see what schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon program, Yellow Ribbon Program Information 2014 – 2015 School Year.

  3. Apply for schools


Obviously, this depends on every person’s circumstance and does not override the Department of Veterans Affairs policies.  I advise to check their website beforehand to make sure there aren’t any new changes.

The Yellow Ribbon Program is not a guarantee and it does not replace the GI Bill.  Each university has specific requirements on who will receive the benefit.  As a veteran, you will have to keep that in mind when applying.

Another aspect to consider is veterans with disabilities.  The below chart shows statistics of those veterans. If you look at 2013, there were a total of 3,743,259 veterans with disabilities. Of that total number, there were 1,139,815 people (70 to 100 percent) who were disabled.

disabled veterans chart


This is important to consider because 70 to 100 percent is where severely injured veterans fall. These veterans will need help trying to further their education.  Here is another chart to look at.
veterans affair chart


In 2013, there were a total of 1,091,044 veterans using their education benefits, and a total of 754,299 used the Post 9/11 GI Bill.  Based off these totals of 2013, the last update by the Veterans Affairs, not enough veterans were using benefits they are entitled to.

Food for thought: perhaps veterans are unaware of their benefits, or maybe their injuries are so severe they believe that they cannot further their education.  If that is you, please send this blog along to other veterans because the more educated veterans we have, the better it is for our country and community.

Here are a few non-profit programs that can help you along the way:

  1. Folds of Honor

  2. Military Order of the Purple Heart, remember their scholarship will only help with undergraduate studies.


Email me at
chand119@mail.chapman.edu
if you have any questions.