Post 9/11 GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon Frequently Asked Questions

Financial Aid Types of Aid Scholarships

 

What are Yellow Ribbon benefits?

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill that can help students attend private schools at little or no cost to themselves. Normally, Post-9/11 GI Bill payments at private schools are limited to a national maximum amount by law, although that amount changes every year, it seldom covers the full tuition and fees that private schools charge for enrollment.

Schools like Bethel University have entered into a voluntary agreement with the VA to waive a portion of, or all of their tuition costs that exceed the national maximum Post-9/11 GI Bill reimbursement. The VA will match the amount of the waiver and also contribute that to your tuition.

 

How do I enroll for GI Bill® benefits and a Yellow Ribbon award at Bethel University?

Students must first apply for the benefits with the VA. The VA will provide the student with a Certificate of Eligibility. Students should provide the Certificate of Eligibility to the Financial Aid Office in order to have benefits certified and receive a Yellow Ribbon award, if eligible. Bethel does not have a cap on the maximum number of Yellow Ribbon awards given per year.

May I receive other financial aid in addition to the GI Bill®?

Students may apply for federal Title IV aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA). Federal grants, state grants, student loans, and parent loans are available to those who qualify in addition to the GI Bill®. Bethel may need to reduce institutionally-controlled aid or other outside aid to eliminate an overaward. See Financial Aid Terms and Conditions for additional details.

How are the benefits paid? When do payments start?

The VA pays tuition and fee payments, including Yellow Ribbon, directly to Bethel University. The Housing Allowance and Book Stipend are paid directly to the student. Fall semester tuition and fee payments are generally received the month of October and Spring semester tuition and fee payments in February or March. Housing stipends generally begin in October and are paid monthly thereafter. Book stipends are divided in half (approx $500 each) and are paid one time each semester, generally at the same time as the first housing payment is received. However, please note the VA is frequently backlogged and payments may begin late as a result.

Which charges do I pay on my bill?

Since the housing and book stipends are paid directly to the student, generally students are responsible to pay all charges on the Bethel bill other than the tuition charge, i.e. housing, meal plan, parking permit, etc. Bethel bills separately for the Fall and Spring semesters. The VA will also pay eligible fees, such a orientation fees, lab fees, etc.

When is my bill due?

For CAS students: Bills are due on August 25 for fall semester and January 25 for spring semester. Payment plans are also available. For more information, please see the Bethel Payment Plan web page.

For CAPS/GS students: Full payment is due at the start date of each course. For more information please see the CAPS/GS Billing web page.

Seminary students can choose to pay in full at the beginning of each semester or enroll in a monthly payment plan. For more information, please see the Seminary payment plan web page.