Speak to one of our career advisors to help you choose the program that's the best fit for your career goals.
All industry exam costs are on us. Plus — personalized support from our industry-certified faculty until you are successfully certified.
We’ll walk you step by step through the eligibility, financial aid support, and application steps required to successfully join CIAT.
Our Career Services Team focuses on both your professional and personal development to help prepare you for your ideal career.
At CIAT, you are more than just a number. Commitment to student success is what drives us, from the first day of class all the way through program completion and job placement.
Book an appointment with one of our Admissions Advisors for personalized guidance on building your education plan.
*By submitting this form, you are giving your express written consent for California Institute of Applied Technology to contact you regarding our educational programs and services using email, telephone or text – including use of automated technology for calls and periodic texts to any wireless number you provide. Message and data rates may apply. This consent is not required to purchase goods or services and you may always call us directly at 877-559-3621. You can opt-out any time by calling us or responding STOP to any text message.
Book an appointment with one of our Advisors to determine which credits can be applied towards your program.
The VA Yellow Ribbon Program is a supplemental funding initiative that helps bridge the gap between the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and the actual cost of attendance at participating schools. It’s a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and approved institutions of higher learning.
The VA Yellow Ribbon Program can help you pay for higher out-of-state, private school, or graduate school tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn’t cover. Through this VA Program, you can receive money to help pay for the higher cost of tuition. If you qualify, CIAT will contribute a certain amount toward your extra tuition and fees through a grant, scholarship, or similar program, and the VA will match the contribution.
This dual contribution from the school and the VA can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket costs for eligible students, making higher-cost educational opportunities more accessible and affordable.
You may be eligible for this program if you and your school meet the below-mentioned requirements.
You must qualify for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
To qualify, at least one of these must be true.
or
Note: Currently, you’re not eligible for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill if you’re an active-duty service member or the spouse of an active-duty service member. But, as of August 1, 2022, you may become eligible if you’re an active-duty service member who qualifies at the 100% level or the spouse using the transferred benefits of an active-duty service member who qualifies at the 100% level.
Complete the CIAT online application to take your first step to gaining entry approval into CIAT’s Degree or Certificate programs.
The VA will send you this document that shows you are eligible for the GI Bill®. You can either get this in the mail or online on the eBenefits Website.
Submit your COE to your CIAT VA Certifying Official to plan your first eligible start date.
Your CIAT VA Certifying Official will evaluate your complete military benefits and tuition obligations for the program you have selected. If your tuition costs are projected to exceed your eligibility, you’ll be provided personalized guidance eligibility through the Yellow Ribbon program.
Complete your CIAT financial aid consultation, enrollment paperwork, readiness course, and new student orientation
Do all students in the Yellow Ribbon Program receive the same amount of funding?
This depends on your eligibility factors. Students may receive varying amounts of financial support, depending on the type of program (Certificate, Associate’s Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree).
What happens if state or institutional waivers already cover part of my tuition and fees?
First, we’ll determine how much the Post-9/11 GI Bill® will pay. We’ll do this by subtracting any financial aid you have that’s designated solely for paying tuition and fees from the total amount your school charges.
Then, CIAT funding through the Yellow Ribbon Program and the VA matching contributions can cover the remaining unmet charges.
What fees will the Yellow Ribbon funds cover?
Yellow Ribbon funds may cover your education program's mandatory (required) fees.
Yellow Ribbon and Post-9/11 GI Bill funds won't cover any fees that aren't mandatory, such as:
Room and board
Study abroad (unless your degree program requires the study abroad course)
Penalty fees (like fees for late registration, returned checks, or parking fines)
Can I get Yellow Ribbon funds for summer terms?
CIAT Degree and Certificate programs operate in a year-long continuous enrollment cycle through Fall, Summer, Spring, and Winter semesters. Each class is 5 weeks long and approved for the same eligibility level. A personal financial aid projection will be provided to you before enrollment.
If I take fewer courses, how will my payments change?
If you take fewer courses, CIAT’s contribution towards the Yellow Ribbon program may be reduced. A revised financial aid projection or summary document for program changes or early withdrawals will be provided.
Have more questions? Reach out today and admissions advisor will answer any other questions you have!
401 Mile of Cars Way #100, National City, CA 91950
1717 Louisiana Blvd., NE., Suite 208 Albuquerque, NM, 87110
(877) 559-3621
© 2025 California Institute of Applied Technology | info@ciat.edu | (877) 559 - 3621 | Privacy Policy
California Institute of Applied Technology has shared ownership and management of two distinct institutions. California Institute of Applied Technology located in California, and California Institute of Applied Technology located in New Mexico.
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 website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. CIAT is approved to offer VA benefits. *Financial aid is available for those who qualify. *Students are encouraged to take certification exams while actively enrolled in their Certificate or Degree program. Unlimited certification exam attempts expire 180 days after graduation. Select exams are not eligible for unlimited retakes - see certification exam policy for details. Certifications or courses may change to address industry trends or improve quality
