Why Fordham’s Yellow Ribbon Commitment Makes it a Top Choice for Veterans
At Fordham University, our commitment to veterans and military-connected students is deeply rooted in our Jesuit values of service, leadership, and academic excellence. As a proud Yellow Ribbon Program participant, Fordham offers eligible student veterans and dependents the opportunity to pursue a world-class education in New York City—often at no out-of-pocket tuition cost.
What Is the Yellow Ribbon Program?
The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® that helps cover tuition and fees at private or out-of-state institutions where costs exceed the standard VA tuition cap. Through this program, Fordham and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs share the remaining tuition costs not covered by the base GI Bill benefit.
Fordham contributes a significant portion of the remaining balance, and the VA matches that amount, eliminating the cost burden entirely for eligible students.
Fordham’s Yellow Ribbon Advantage
Fordham’s participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program stands out for several key reasons:
- Unlimited Student Participation: Fordham does not cap the number of Yellow Ribbon-eligible students who may receive funding.
- Maximum Contribution: The university offers the highest allowable contribution toward remaining tuition costs, matched by the VA.
- University-Wide Coverage: Yellow Ribbon benefits are available across all undergraduate programs and graduate and professional schools, including the Gabelli School of Business, Graduate School of Education, and Fordham Law.
This robust financial support means that many eligible veterans can earn their degree with zero tuition debt, freeing them to focus on their education, not their expenses.
A Veteran’s Perspective: Luis Disla
For U.S. Marine Corps veteran Luis Disla, the Yellow Ribbon Program was a key factor in his decision to attend Fordham University. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the Bronx, Disla joined the Marines in 2003 following the 9/11 attacks and served honorably for over two decades.
“I chose Fordham because it fulfilled all my requirements for a quality college experience,” he said. “Combining the Post-9/11 GI Bill with Fordham’s Yellow Ribbon program gave me the best opportunity to fulfill my academic goal without financial stress.”
Disla enrolled through the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, drawn by its flexible degree programs and reputation for academic rigor. However, the financial benefits were only one part of his decision. The support he found within the university—especially through the Office of Military and Veterans’ Services (OMVS)—was equally impactful.
“The OMVS has been a great source of assistance, guidance, reassurance, and relevant resources,” he added. “Being a student veteran at Fordham has given me a deeper appreciation for the value of education and allowed me to engage more personally with the staff and fellow students.”
Disla also spoke to the challenges of transitioning to higher education after a long military career, including concerns about fitting in with traditional students. But his experience quickly changed his perspective.
“What I once saw as a barrier—my age and life experience—became a strength. I’ve been able to use it to have meaningful conversations and participate fully in my studies.”
Why Veterans Choose Fordham
Fordham offers veterans more than generous financial benefits—it provides a welcoming and empowering environment that supports academic and personal growth. Our campus culture values diversity of thought, leadership experience, and civic engagement—qualities that student veterans uniquely embody.
Veterans at Fordham benefit from:
- Dedicated Veteran Support Services: The OMVS helps students navigate VA benefits, transition to academic life, and find community through events, mentoring, and advocacy.
- Strong Peer Networks: Student organizations like the Student Veterans of America at Fordham (SVAF) provide a sense of camaraderie and connection.
- Flexible Programs: From undergraduate to graduate studies, Fordham offers a range of degree options—including evening and weekend courses—to meet veterans where they are.
- Unmatched Location: With campuses in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Westchester, Fordham places students in the heart of New York City—one of the most dynamic professional and cultural centers in the world.
Looking Ahead
For students like Luis Disla, Fordham is more than a place to earn a degree—it’s a place to rediscover purpose, build new skills, and continue serving others.
“My time at Fordham has encouraged me to seek out ways to be part of the solution in society,” he said. “I’ve taken an interest in social work and humanitarian studies and plan to pursue a career that supports underserved communities.”
Begin Your Mission at Fordham
If you’re a veteran or military-connected student considering your next step, Fordham University stands ready to support you—financially, academically, and personally.
Learn more about how our participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program can support your goals by visiting our Office of Military and Veterans’ Services, or contact us directly to start your journey.
About the Office of Military and Veterans’ Services at Fordham University: Fordham University’s Office of Military and Veterans’ Services (OMVS) supports veterans, service members, and military-connected students as they transition from military life to college and into professional careers. Through personalized support, benefit navigation, career development, and a strong community network, OMVS ensures student veterans thrive academically, socially, and professionally. As a proud Yellow Ribbon Program participant, Fordham is committed to honoring those who served by investing in their success, on campus and beyond.
