Providing U.S. service veterans and their families with the education they’ve earned

Norwich University has a nearly 200-year-old tradition of educating officers for the U.S. military, and is proud to be part of the new G.I. Bill’s Yellow Ribbon Program, which is a further enhancement of the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. As the country’s oldest private military academy, Norwich is committed to helping veterans and their family members acquire the education they’ve earned. The Yellow Ribbon Program allows Norwich to fund tuition expenses for veterans who have served the United States following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. At Norwich there are no program limits or student enrollment caps for those participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Yellow Ribbon Program benefits begin with the fall 2009 semester and will be available for those students seeking to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree from Norwich. For more information on all degree programs, visit our Academics page.

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?

The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning (degree granting institutions) in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. The institution can contribute up to 50 percent of those expenses and VA will match the same amount as the institution. Norwich University has agreed to contribute the maximum percentage rate of 50 percent, making a private university education very affordable.

Who is Eligible?

Only individuals entitled to the maximum benefit rate (100 percent based on length of active duty service or service-connected disability since 9/11) may receive this funding. Therefore, you may be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program if you meet eligibility requirements for the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, which are as follows:

• Active Duty service members who have served more than 90 days after Sept. 10, 2001;
• Retired and separated service members who have served on active duty more than 90 days after Sept. 10, 2001;
• Service members and Reserve and National Guard members who have been activated for more than 90 days after Sept. 10, 2001;
• Service members who were discharged after completing a minimum of 30 consecutive days of qualifying service after Sept. 10, 2001 and who the VA determined were discharged for a service-connected disability.

How to apply?

The Department of Veterans Affairs is now accepting and processing applications for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Visit the VA Veterans online application site to complete and submit the application form. You will receive written notification explaining the VA’s decision regarding your eligibility for the program. If you are eligible for the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, your Certificate of Eligibility will also advise you if your service meets the requirements for the Yellow Ribbon Program. You should mail a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to the Registrar’s Office at Norwich and we will certify your enrollment to the V.A.

1. Visit the VA website and apply for education benefits
2. VA processes your application
3. VA sends you a Certificate of Eligibility stating your Chapter benefits and the percentage of benefits
4. You send a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to Sharon Crossett
   scrosset@norwich.edu
   fax: 802.485.2042
   mail to:

Norwich University
Attn. Sharon Crossett, VA Certification Official
158 Harmon Drive
Northfield, VT 05663

Please carefully read and maintain a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to know what educational benefits you are eligible to receive.