Veterans Affairs
Worcester Polytechnic Institute welcomes and supports Veterans and their dependents.
Our goal is to assist student Veterans and eligible dependents with the application and certification of their Veterans education benefits.
All prospective and current students interested in using their Veterans education benefits are encouraged to contact the Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official (SCO), Patrick LaRiviere, in the Registrar's Office, by email plariviere@wpi.edu, by phone at 508-831-6756, or in person (no appointment necessary). At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the role of the Veteran’s Affairs School Certifying Official is to serve as the liaison with the Regional Processing Office in Buffalo, NY.
Initiating Your GI Bill® Benefits
After you have applied for your benefits, you will be mailed a Certificate of Eligibility which you must submit to Patrick LaRiviere the School Certifying Official.
Request Certification of VA Benefits Each Semester
Notify VA School Certifying Official (SCO) in the Registrar's Office every semester once you have registered for classes and also if you change your schedule. SCO certifies students every semester with the VA for the number of credits registered. If student does not contact the SCO at WPI, he or she will not be certified for benefits with the VA.
Yellow Ribbon Program
WPI is pleased to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program of the Post 9/11 Veterans’ Educational Assistance Act of 2008. The Yellow Ribbon Program is a partnership between WPI and the Veterans’ Administration (VA) to assist eligible students with educational expenses greater than the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. Participating schools can waive up to 50% of those expenses and VA will match the same amount as the institution.
WPI is will award up to 50 Yellow Ribbon awards per year (combination of undergraduate and graduate) with amounts that will bring a students combined award of WPI merit and need-based aid + VA Post-9/11 benefits + Yellow Ribbon up to full tuition funding.
Yellow Ribbon Program
How to Apply
- Obtain your Yellow Ribbon Certificate of Eligibility from the VA at 1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-442-4551) or online.
- Send a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to Patrick LaRiviere, WPI's School Certifying Official in the Registrar's Office (plariviere@wpi.edu).
- Complete the online Yellow Ribbon Application.
- Once applications are reviewed, you will be contacted in writing on your status. Applications are reviewed over the summer.
The Fine Print
- WPI will contribute up to $17,500 per student per year (fall and spring semesters only) which will be matched by the VA. The total Yellow Ribbon funding combined with all other WPI merit and need based funding and Post 9/11 VA benefits will not exceed tuition cost for the academic period.
- Only students entitled to the 100% benefit rate, based on service requirements, may receive this funding.
- Undergraduate students will be confirmed as a participant for the shorter of the two following periods; 16 terms (4 years) of enrollment or completion of a Bachelor degree, as long as WPI continues to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program and VA education benefits still apply.
- Graduate students will be confirmed as a participant for the shorter of the two following periods; 8 semesters (4 years) of enrollment or completion of a Master or Ph.D degree, as long as WPI continues to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program and VA education benefits still apply.
- Students awarded Yellow Ribbon must remain continuously enrolled with no leaves of absence, and must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by WPI.
- Students on active duty are not eligible to receive Yellow Ribbon benefits.
Applying for Admissions
WPI is thankful and supportive of those who have served our country and recognizes the unique experiences that veterans and military students bring to our community. Whether you are applying as a traditional undergraduate student, transfer student, or for graduate programming there is a place for you at WPI. Not sure where to start? We are happy to help. For guidance on applying for admission to WPI, contact Julie Chapman, Director of Transfer Admissions & Recruitment Partnerships at chapman@wpi.edu.