Veterans
We consider the applications of all U.S. military veterans without regard to their ability to pay and promise to meet 100% of their demonstrated financial need during their tenure at Williams. U.S. military veterans are considered independent students for both institutional and federal financial aid purposes and most, if not all, veterans can graduate from Williams debt-free.
Student veterans have the option to activate their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits toward the cost of attendance at Williams, or to defer their benefits and have their full demonstrated need met through a combination of federal, state, private and institutional funds.
Veterans who elect to use their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are permitted to keep all of their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) with the expectation that it be used toward additional living and personal expenses incurred because of their unique status as veterans.
Yellow Ribbon Program
Williams is pleased to participate in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program. Qualified veterans and their dependents are eligible for unlimited Yellow Ribbon institutional matching funds from the college, without limitation on the number of recipients.
Who’s eligible? Only veterans entitled to the maximum benefit rate, as determined by service requirements, or their designated transferees may receive Yellow Ribbon funding. To determine eligibility, contact a VA counselor or visit the VA website.
How to apply? Please complete the Yellow Ribbon Application Form and submit it to our office. In addition, the student must apply to the VA for an eligibility certificate which is submitted to the Office of the Registrar at Williams. That office reports student enrollment and tuition and fee information to the VA to determine the amount of the Yellow Ribbon benefit provided by the VA. Williams then matches the VA determined Yellow Ribbon benefit.
Will 100% of tuition be covered? For students with maximum benefits, the combination of GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon benefits will cover the full amount of tuition and fees. If students have a lower percentage of eligibility based on length of military service, that proportion will be applied to the GI Bill benefit. They are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon supplement. Tuition and fee benefits are paid directly to Williams.
Are other billed expenses covered? The Yellow Ribbon program only covers tuition and fees.
What is the refund policy for a student receiving Tuition Assistance (TA) funds who must stop attending due to a military service obligation? Unearned TA funds will be returned to the government using the same formula as Title IV (federal) funds. For withdrawal on or before the first day of classes, 100% of the TA funds will be returned. Up to the 60% point in time, the percentage of TA funds earned is equal to the percentage of the period of enrollment for which it was awarded that was completed as of the day of withdrawal. In calculating the percentage, the calendar days completed is divided by the total number of calendar days in the period. If the student must withdraw after the 60% point then the percentage earned is 100%.
If you have additional questions or concerns about the how the Yellow Ribbon program benefits may impact your financial aid eligibility, please contact Ann Lundhild at [email protected] or 413-597-4181.
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