Harvard to participate in Yellow Ribbon Veterans Education Program

President Drew Faust announced a partnership with the federal government today that will help America’s military veterans obtain a Harvard education.

In remarks at the Harvard ROTC Commissioning Ceremony, President Faust announced that Harvard College, all of Harvard’s graduate and professional schools, and the Harvard Extension School will help fund the cost of tuition for veterans by participating in the new federal Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program.

“This is an opportunity for us to show our gratitude to the citizen-soldiers who have given so much for our nation,” President Faust said. “Under this partnership, as many as 150 veterans will be able to receive substantial assistance to study at Harvard this fall. In the coming years, I hope this investment will be continued and even expanded across the Harvard campus.”

Under the recently approved Post 9/11 GI Bill, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays tuition expenses for eligible veterans at the highest in-state undergraduate public college or university rate. The bill’s Yellow Ribbon Program permits private universities like Harvard to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to help fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state tuition rate. The VA matches tuition contributions made by participating private institutions of higher education.

During the 2009-10 academic year, Harvard College, each of Harvard’s graduate and professional schools, and the Harvard Extension School will contribute funds to help pay tuition expenses for veterans who participate in the program, but for whom the standard VA reimbursement does not fully cover the entire cost.

For further information, students who are veterans should be in touch with their financial aid office.