It is important to remember that even colleges not participating the Yellow Ribbon program can be veteran-friendly, providing significant financial assistance and support services. No veteran should rule out a private college simply because it is not enrolled in the Yellow Ribbon program, without first contacting the institution for further information.

• In states where veterans will receive tuition benefits under the general Post-9/11 GI Bill alone that are high enough to cover the cost of tuition and fees at a private college, that institution is not eligible to sign up for the Yellow Ribbon component of the program.
• In states where veterans will receive no -- or extremely low -- tuition benefits for attendance at a private college under the general Post-9/11 GI Bill alone, a private college may not be in a financial position to fill a meaningful portion of the gap.
• Colleges that provide institutional aid on the basis of financial need only may choose not to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program. Under VA rules, Yellow Ribbon participating institutions must provide benefits to veterans on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of their financial need.
• The nation's economic downturn may prevent some private colleges from participating in the first year of the program.