Yellow Ribbon Program

The University of Rochester is pleased to announce that all qualified, admissible, post-9/11 veterans of the United States Armed Forces admitted to the University will receive Yellow Ribbon (formerly Rochester Pledge) funding.

Yellow Ribbon, in combination with the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® and any additional University funding, will cover full tuition for veterans who are eligible for the 100% benefit rate.

The University is proud to have no limit to the number of eligible students that can use Yellow Ribbon, helping ensure that those who have served honorably and sacrificed so much for their country face no financial barriers in attaining a higher education.

To be considered for Yellow Ribbon, you must provide proof of education benefits (statement of benefits from va.gov, certificate of eligibility, or a screenshot from eBenefits). If you wish to be considered for additional assistance, please complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS PROFILE.

Yellow Ribbon Program participants include:

• Undergraduates/Graduates at the College
• Undergraduates/Graduates at the Eastman School of Music
• Simon Business School
• Warner School of Education
• Undergraduates/Graduates at the School of Nursing

Common Questions

What educational benefit is best for me?
Detailed information about education benefit options is available at va.gov.

I am a veteran. How do I apply for my veteran’s educational benefits?

1. Apply for educational benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
2. Notify the University of Rochester’s Veteran and Military Family Services Office that you are eligible and applying for veteran’s educational benefits.

I am the dependent of a veteran. How do I apply for my veteran’s educational benefits?

1. Your parent transfers a portion—or all—of his/her benefit to you through Transfer of Entitlement.
2. After the transfer is approved, you apply for the educational benefit.
3. You notify the Veteran and Military Services Office that you are eligible and applying for veteran’s educational benefits.

What documentation does the Veteran and Military Family Services Office need from me to process my veteran’s educational benefits?
VMFS needs proof of education benefits, which can be submitted one of the following ways:

1. Statement of benefits from va.gov
2. Certificate of eligibility
3. Screenshot from your eBenefits page

In addition to proof of benefits, VMFS needs a completed UR Education Benefit Form for the semester you wish to be certified.

How do I submit my proof of education benefits?
Please fax to (585) 461-4595 or email a copy to: veteranservices@ur.rochester.edu.

Whom do I call about the status of my educational benefits claim?
Call 1-888-442-4551 to speak with an Educational Case Manager at the VA.

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?
For an overview of the program, please visit the Yellow Ribbon Program page.

How do I qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program?
You or your parent must qualify for 100% of the Post-9/11 GI Bill to qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program.

What UR campuses participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program?
The River Campus, Eastman School of Music, Simon Business School, Warner School of Education, and the School of Nursing are participants.

What campus resources are available to veterans?
The following are just a few of the many resources available to veterans: College Center for Academic Support, University Counseling Center, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Disability Services, and Office for Residential Life and Housing Services. Please see the Veterans Resource Directory for contact information.

Helpful Links

• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• GI Bill (VA Educational Benefits)
• Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program
• Apply for VA benefits
• Veterans Outreach Center
• Buffalo Regional Processing Office
• University of Rochester publications
• VITAL