Graduate Student Funding and Support

Graduate Student Veteran Benefits

Brown continues its commitment to veterans by collaborating with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program.

Brown continues its commitment to veterans by collaborating with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program.

Post 911 GI Bill® Benefits

Effective August 1, 2025 benefits include:

  • Up to $29,920.95 annually towards the cost of a private institution's tuition and fees
  • A monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to an E-5 with dependents, in the same zip code as the school
  • Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year

To determine if you are eligible for this program, visit Brown's Office of Military-Affiliated Students or contact the VA.

Yellow Ribbon Program

Students who are receiving Post 9/11 GI Bill® Benefits may also be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program.

  • Brown will continue to support an unlimited number of eligible graduate Yellow Ribbon recipients for the academic year 2025-26. (This support applies to eligible veterans or dependents of eligible veterans.) 
  • Ph.D students are required to submit their documentation to the Graduate School. SPS students are required to submit their documentation to the School of Professional Studies.
  • Maximum funding would vary if a student is enrolled less than full-time.
  • Brown’s contribution for each eligible Ph.D or SPS Yellow Ribbon recipient will be up to $21,141 annually. The amount may vary depending upon timing of the start and end dates of the program in relation to the VA fiscal year.

NOTE: Medical School students can find more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program here: https://finaid.med.brown.edu/funding/external-scholarships-loan-opportunities/federal-scholarship-programs  

The Process

  1. Students must be an admitted or currently enrolled student in a degree program.
  2. Students must apply for benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill® with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
  3. Students must forward a recent Certificate of Eligibility (dated within the last six months) or the Transfer of Entitlement from the VA to the required department mentioned above.

Additional Information

  • More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
  • For questions related to eligibility and veteran support, visit the Student Veterans and Commissioning Programs website.
  • For questions related to VA funding for Master’s or PhD programs, contact the Graduate School at 401-863-2600 or graduate_school@brown.edu.
  • For questions related to VA funding for School of Professional Studies (SPS) Master’s programs, you can contact them at 401-863-2700 or professional@brown.edu.
  • For questions related to VA funding for medical school students, contact the Medical School Office of Financial Aid at 401-863-5113 or md_finaid@brown.edu.
  • For assistance in obtaining a certification of enrollment at Brown, contact the Registrar’s Office at 401-863-2500 or registrar@brown.edu.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.