The Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Chapter 33)

You may be eligible if you served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after September 10, 2001, and you are still on active duty, in the selected reserves, or were honorably discharged from US Armed Forces. Read more >

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.  This program allows institutions of higher learning (degree granting institutions) in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate.  The institution can contribute up to 50% of those expenses and VA will match the same amount as the institution. Read more >

Montgomery G.I. Bill® (Chapter 30)

You are eligible if you enlisted after July 1, 1985; served at least 2 years on Active Duty; your pay was reduced by $100 per month for the first 12 months of service; you have an honorable discharge; and you have not passed the 10-year delimiting date.

Montgomery G.I. Bill® – Selected Reserves (Chapter 1606)

You are eligible if you incurred a 6-year enlistment in the Selected Reserves or the National Guard after July 1, 1985; completed initial active duty training; are serving in good standing in your unit; and you have not passed the 14-year delimiting date.

Montgomery G.I. Bill® – Reserve Education Assistance Program (Chapter 1607)

You are eligible if you were a member of the Selected Reserves or the National Guard and were deployed in a contingency operation for 90 consecutive days or more.

Veteran’s Education Assistance Program (Chapter 32) and Vietnam Era G.I. Bill® (Chapter 34)

Eligibility depends on the dates of active duty service; amount contributed; and recent VA legislation. Call the VA at 1-888-442-4551 to determine your individual eligibility.

Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)

Dependents of veterans (spouses and children ages 18-26) are eligible if the veteran has a 100% service-connected disability or the veteran’s death was service connected.

Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)

Veterans who suffered a service-connected disability while on active duty and need vocational rehabilitation as a result of their disability (normally 20% or greater) may be eligible for benefits. Contact the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at the Federal Building, Harrisburg, PA or call (717) 221-3476 or 221-4445.

Tuition Assistance

Members of the Selected Reserves and National Guard and Active Duty personnel may be eligible for tuition assistance from your respective service. Contact your unit of assignment or service education office for eligibility criteria and application forms.

Education Assistance Program (EAP)

Pennsylvania Army National Guard and Pennsylvania Air National Guard members may be eligible for 100% tuition payments for full-time attendance (12 credits or more per semester) or 50% tuition payment for part-time attendance. Contact your unit of assignment for eligibility criteria and application forms.

State Grant for Veterans

Former active duty personnel who have been residents of Pennsylvania for 12 months; have an honorable discharge, be enrolled at least one-half time in an approved program of study of at least two academic years; and not in default of an educational loan may be eligible for the grant. Contact PHEAA at 1-800-692-7392 for additional information and application procedures.

Other Financial Aid

Additional financial aid may be available depending on your need and eligibility in the form of Federal Pell Grants, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal plus Loans, and college-based aid. You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for these programs.

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 www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

Useful Resources for Veterans

Financial Fitness from a Military Career
Community and Support for Veterans
Affordable Legal Advice for Veterans