Veterans Benefits
Johns Hopkins University is proud to support veterans, current service members, and their families. We value your service, and we’re here to help you make the most of your federal and state education benefits. Our Student Financial Support team works directly with the VA to secure your benefits, so you can focus on learning and your future.
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is one of the most comprehensive education benefits available to veterans and their families. Depending on your eligibility, it covers a percentage of tuition and fees, provides a monthly housing allowance, and includes funds for books and supplies.
We are excited to support this transformative benefit to help those who have served our country.
Maryland Army National Guard State Tuition Waiver (STW)
At Johns Hopkins, we recognize the service of Maryland National Guard members by offering a 50% tuition reduction on up to 6 undergraduate credits—regardless of class size, location, or semester load. This meaningful benefit is one way we honor our commitment to those who serve. Eligible students can easily apply through the MDARNG app and email at least 10 days before classes begin. It’s our privilege to support your mission—both in uniform and in the classroom.
Active Duty Military
Johns Hopkins supports our active duty military students through the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA) program. This benefit can help cover the cost of tuition while you continue to serve—and we’re here to help you make the most of it. Eligibility and funding amounts vary by Service branch, so be sure to connect with your branch to explore your options.
Yellow Ribbon Benefits = Full Tuition
If you are using the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% benefit level, you are also eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program at JHU. Johns Hopkins and the VA will together cover any remaining undergraduate tuition and required fees not already paid by your GI Bill—for eligible programs, your tuition costs will be fully covered. There’s no limit to the number of JHU Yellow Ribbon recipients—if you qualify, you get the benefit.
State Tuition Assistance Reimbursement (STAR) Programs
Johns Hopkins is honored to support Maryland National Guard service members in advancing their education through the State Tuition Assistance Reimbursement (STAR) program. Eligible Guard members can be reimbursed for tuition and related fees—up to $8,500 annually, based on available state funding. We encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity by applying at least 10 days before classes begin through the MDARNG app and email.
Family of Service Members
At Johns Hopkins, we stand with the families who serve alongside our nation’s military. If you’re the spouse or child of an active duty service member (Title 10, paygrades E1–E5, O1–O2, or W1–W2), you may qualify for Department of Defense funding to support your education. You may also be eligible to receive transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I considered an independent or dependent student for financial aid purposes?
Veterans* and persons on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training are considered independent students for financial aid purposes.
*The definition of veteran matches the definition used by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to determine veterans’ benefits.
What makes me eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill?
You may be eligible for education benefits if you meet at least one of these requirements.
At least one of these must be true:
- You served at least 90 days on active duty (either all at once or with breaks in service) on or after September 11, 2001, or
- You received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged after any amount of service, or
- You served for at least 30 continuous days (all at once, without a break in service) on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged with a service-connected disability, or
- You’re a dependent child using benefits transferred by a qualifying Veteran or service member
Note: If you’re a member of the Reserves who lost education benefits when the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) ended in November 2015, you may qualify to receive restored benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
How do I determine how much of the Post 9/11 GI Bill I am eligible for?
Your benefits depend on how long you served on active duty and certain other factors.
How do I become eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program?
Eligibility is determined by the VA, based on your service. You must qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% benefit level to be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. More information can be found on the VA website.
What does the Yellow Ribbon Program cover?
The Yellow Ribbon Program ensures that the full cost of tuition and fees are covered, after the Post-9/11 GI Bill has been applied. If there is a difference between tuition and fees billed for the term and the amount covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the VA will pay ½ of the difference and Hopkins will cover the remaining ½ of the difference.
How are Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon funds built into my need-based financial aid offer from Johns Hopkins?
VA education benefits can replace a student’s summer savings expectation (or the student contribution) and work-study portions of the financial aid package.
- Chapter 33 benefits will not reduce or replace the Parental Contribution.
- Student veterans will use their eligible VA benefits first, and then Hopkins funding will be applied to cover any remaining need.
- Undergraduate student veterans and dependents of eligible veterans do not need to apply for need-based aid to access their veterans benefits.
