Funding Opportunities for Active Duty Service Members, Veterans and Family Members

Paying for college can be confusing and complex, but there are funding options specifically available for active duty military service members, veterans and eligible family members.

Federal Assistance

Since 1944, the GI Bill® has helped qualifying veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) oversees several education programs under various aspects of the GI Bill®. Each program provides different benefits for different groups of individuals. Please contact the VA to find out more about your educational benefits.

The Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) program can help pay tuition for active duty, reserves and some National Guard personnel. Please contact your unit education office to apply for this assistance.

State Assistance

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) services the Education Assistance Program for National Guard Service Members (EAP) and Military Family Education Program (MFEP) for eligible family members. Each of these programs has eligibility requirements. We recommend you speak to your unit education office or the Pennsylvania National Guard Education Office to apply for these programs.

Pennsylvania also offers veteran preference for its State Grant Program. Please complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility.