Yellow Ribbon Program for Veterans

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?

Wilkes University takes great pride in our involvement and generous support of the Yellow Ribbon Program, aimed at alleviating the financial burden for eligible students. This initiative assists in covering the difference between the annual cap of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the remaining tuition and fees. Through this program, students can receive up to an additional $5,000 per academic year towards their remaining tuition and fees. The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.

Lt. Col. Mark Kaster, USAF Ret. discusses veterans services at Wilkes University.

This video does not imply a special relationship and/or endorsement by the Department of Defense.

Who is eligible?

Only individuals entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive this funding. Individuals may be eligible if they:

  • Served an aggregate period of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, of at least 36 months.
  • Were honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and they served 30 continuous days after Sept. 10, 2001.
  • 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 does the program work?

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® pays up to the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition. The student’s tuition and fees may exceed that amount if they are attending a private institution, graduate school or an out-of-state school. If they are enrolled at a Yellow Ribbon participating institution and the tuition and fees exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition, additional funds may be available for their education program without an additional charge to their entitlement.

  • Institutions that voluntarily enter into a Yellow Ribbon Agreement with VA choose the amount of tuition and fees that will be contributed. VA will match that amount and issue payment directly to the institution.
  • Benefits are payable for training pursued on or after Aug. 1, 2009. No payments can be made under this program for training pursued before that date.

Learn More

“GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website, benefits.va.gov external website.

Contact Us

LTC Mark Kaster

Lecturer/Director of Veterans Affairs

mark.kaster@wilkes.edu
(570) 408-5046

Crystal Ondrick

Associate Director Undergrad Financial Aid

crystal.ondrick@wilkes.edu
(570) 408-3837

Mailing Address

84 W. South St., Wilkes Barre, PA 18766

Physical Address

Capin Hall external website
165 S. Franklin St., Wilkes Barre, PA 18706
Phone: (570) 570-408-4512
Fax: (570) 408-4939
Email: financialaid@wilkes.edu