Military & Veterans Education Benefits

Iona University is a proud participant in this U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' GI program. By enrolling in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program and providing additional scholarships that are matched by the government, the University is able to offer full tuition benefits to 20 qualifying veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is set up by a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, which is described below.

As a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Iona University will meet 50 percent of charges remaining after the base maximum of tuition benefit. Because the program provides dollar-for-dollar matching funds for any voluntary tuition support by schools where tuition costs more than the base amount, qualified veterans or their eligible dependents can attend Iona University with all tuition paid. Only individuals entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) are eligible to receive this funding.

Benefits are available for training for qualifying veterans accepted to a degree program at the University. Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis, and you must complete an application to notify us of your interest in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

This law established a program at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide benefits for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. The program provides benefits for up to four years based on a proportional calculation of 36 months of duty for up to four academic years' of annual assistance.

The maximum award for the Post -9/11 GI Bill® program under Chapter 33 is $23,671.94 for the 2018-2019 academic year. This program also provides veterans enrolled full-time a monthly housing allowance based on military housing benefit rates and an annual stipend of $1,000 for books and supplies.

Only individuals entitled to the maximum benefit, based on service requirements, are eligible to receive this funding.

A student or eligible dependent may be eligible if the veteran:

• served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months;
• was honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001; or
• has 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. Transfer of Benefits Policy and information is available through the Department of Defense.

The Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (MGIB-AD) provides up to 36 months of education benefits payable for 10 years following release from active duty. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs. Remedial, deficiency and refresher courses may be approved.

More on MGIB-AD

The Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members of the Selected Reserve, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserves, and the Army and Air National Guard. This program does not require active duty service to qualify.

More on MGIB-SR

The Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) is available if you first entered active duty between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985, and you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are matched on a $2-for-$1 basis by the government.

More on VEAP

Education and training opportunities may be available to eligible dependents of certain veterans who died or are permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. If you’re a dependent spouse or child—or the surviving spouse or child—of a veteran, you may qualify for Chapter 35 benefits or job training through a GI Bill® program.

More on Survivors' & Dependents Benefits