Since 1944, the GI Bill of Rights shaped the veterans of several generations. After the attacks of 9-11, Congress recognized the need to update the educational benefits of this century’s service members.

The resulting legislation, often referred to as the GI Bill 2.0, provides benefits to qualified veterans that better reflected the unique needs of the 21^st Century veteran of the armed forces. Earned benefits include vocational training, tutorial help and for the first time, direct financial assistance for online learners.

In addition to these new services, all fifty states participate in an extended benefit offering known as the Yellow Ribbon Program. The main purpose of the plan is to pay for up to 100% of all out-of-pocket expenses for in-state schooling costs. While not all colleges and universities in every state participate in the program, veteran-friendly schools may join voluntarily if they agree to certain conditions in which the school shares costs with the government for expenses that exceed the limits of the Post-9-11 GI Bill.

Of those schools offering veterans these additional benefits, including online institutions like Colorado Technical University, all have committed to investing in the veteran’s educational success.

The Yellow Ribbon Program is funded on a first-come, first-served basis for those vets who complete the required paperwork. To determine your eligibility as a veteran, or in some cases, a dependent of a veteran, contact your local Veterans Administration office or school representative.

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This is a guest post from Jesse L. who is a recent college graduate looking to make his mark on the world. Currently he is a blogger and a contributor at the Professional Intern. You can follow the Professional Intern on Twitter @TheProIntern.

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