Florida ranks among the top states for veteran-friendly higher education, with 129 participating Yellow Ribbon institutions. From elite private universities like the University of Miami to flagship public schools like UF, Florida offers veterans multiple pathways to affordable—and often free—education.
Florida Yellow Ribbon Overview
Florida’s higher education landscape offers veterans two main pathways to affordable education: the Yellow Ribbon Program for private institutions and out-of-state students, plus state and federal in-state tuition waivers for veterans attending public universities while residing in Florida.
| School | Type | UG Slots | Annual Contribution | Total Benefits Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Miami | Private | Unlimited | Unlimited | $1.2M+ |
| University of Florida | Public | 20 | $6,500 | Varies |
| Florida Tech | Private | 100 | Varies by program | Varies |
| University of South Florida | Public | 24 | ~$1,925 | $25,029 |
| Florida State University | Public | In-state waiver | N/A | N/A |
Top Private Universities with Strong Yellow Ribbon Programs
University of Miami
The University of Miami offers one of Florida’s most generous Yellow Ribbon programs, with unlimited grants for undergraduate and graduate students. Last year, UM awarded over $1.2 million in Yellow Ribbon benefits.
| University of Miami Yellow Ribbon Benefits | |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Slots | Unlimited |
| Graduate Slots | Unlimited |
| Law School Slots | 15 (first-come, first-served) |
| Medical School Slots | 5 (first-come, first-served) |
| Law/Med Contribution | $2,500/semester (VA matches) |
| Total YR Benefits (2023) | $1,223,372 |
Important Notes:
- Yellow Ribbon covers Fall and Spring semesters only—summer sessions are not included
- Transfer of Entitlement dependents are eligible based on the service member’s eligibility
- No separate Yellow Ribbon application required for unlimited programs
Contact: University Registrar Veterans Services
Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech)
Florida Tech participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program with funding for both undergraduate and graduate students across multiple colleges. The university offers up to 100 undergraduate and 100 graduate slots annually.
| Florida Tech Yellow Ribbon Benefits | |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Slots | Up to 100 |
| Graduate Slots | Up to 100 |
| Contribution Amount | Varies by college/program |
| Application Required | No—automatic with CH33 |
| Location | Melbourne, FL (main campus) |
Key Programs:
- Aviation and Aerospace programs
- Engineering (located near Space Coast)
- Marine Biology and Ocean Sciences
Public Universities: Yellow Ribbon and In-State Waivers
Florida’s public universities offer veterans significant advantages through federal and state in-state tuition waivers. If you’re an honorably discharged veteran living in Florida while attending school, you automatically qualify for in-state tuition—no Yellow Ribbon needed.
University of Florida
UF, ranked #1 for Best Online Programs for Veterans by U.S. News (2025), began participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program in Fall 2020. The program helps cover out-of-state fees for veterans who don’t qualify for the in-state waiver.
| University of Florida Yellow Ribbon Benefits | |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Slots | 20 |
| Graduate Slots | 10 |
| UF Annual Contribution | $6,500 |
| VA Match | $6,500 |
| Total Maximum Coverage | $13,000/year |
| Award Basis | First-come, first-served |
Who Should Apply for UF Yellow Ribbon:
- Out-of-state veterans not currently residing in Florida
- Veterans who don’t qualify for the in-state fee waiver
- Dependents using Transfer of Entitlement benefits
Contact: UF Student Veteran Services at (352) 294-2948 or military-benefits@ufl.edu
University of South Florida
USF’s Yellow Ribbon Program offers limited slots for students facing out-of-state charges. However, most veterans should first apply for the Out-of-State Fee Waiver, which provides 100% waiver of non-resident fees.
| University of South Florida Yellow Ribbon Benefits | |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Slots | 24 |
| Master’s Slots | 10 |
| Doctoral (Medicine) Slots | 4 |
| Average Award | $1,925 (+ VA match) |
| Application Required | Yes—every semester |
Important: Students who qualify for the Out-of-State Fee Waiver should not apply for Yellow Ribbon—use the waiver instead.
Florida State University
FSU primarily supports veterans through the in-state tuition waiver rather than Yellow Ribbon. The university maintains a dedicated Student Veterans Center and offers specialized orientation for veteran students.
FSU Veteran Benefits:
- In-state tuition for all honorably discharged veterans residing in Florida
- In-state rates for National Guard and Reserve members
- Veteran-specific orientation programs
- Dedicated Student Veterans Center
Understanding Your Options: Yellow Ribbon vs. In-State Waiver
Most veterans attending Florida public universities don’t need Yellow Ribbon at all. Here’s how to determine which benefit applies to you:
| Your Situation | Best Benefit | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Living in Florida, attending public school | In-State Waiver | Pay in-state rates (GI Bill covers 100%) |
| Living out-of-state, attending FL public | Yellow Ribbon | Covers out-of-state differential |
| Attending private school (UM, Florida Tech) | Yellow Ribbon | Covers tuition above GI Bill cap |
| Graduate/professional school | Yellow Ribbon | Check school-specific limits |
Additional Florida Yellow Ribbon Schools
Beyond the major universities, Florida has many other Yellow Ribbon participants worth considering:
| School | Location | Type | Notable Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stetson University | DeLand | Private | Law, Business |
| Nova Southeastern | Fort Lauderdale | Private | Medicine, Law, Pharmacy |
| University of Tampa | Tampa | Private | Business, Nursing |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical | Daytona Beach | Private | Aviation, Aerospace |
| Rollins College | Winter Park | Private | Liberal Arts, Business |
How to Apply for Florida Yellow Ribbon Benefits
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Confirm you have 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility. Request your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA if you haven’t already.
Step 2: Determine If You Need Yellow Ribbon
If you’re attending a public Florida university and living in Florida, you likely qualify for the in-state waiver and don’t need Yellow Ribbon.
Step 3: Check School-Specific Requirements
Some schools (like University of Miami undergrad) offer unlimited slots with no application. Others (like UF) require applications and have limited slots awarded first-come, first-served.
Step 4: Apply Early
For schools with limited slots, apply as early as possible. Some schools require applications each semester.
Resources for Florida Veterans
- VA Yellow Ribbon School Search
- Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs
- College Scorecard – Compare outcomes
- Service to School – Free application assistance
This guide is updated regularly. For the most current Yellow Ribbon funding amounts and participant limits, verify with individual schools and the VA’s official database.
