Over 100 veterans attend Penn State Abington, a military-friendly college approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
New Students
- Please provide a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility after you have been approved by the VA for benefits. Email the COE to Timothy Smalarz, [email protected] using your PSU.EDU email.
- Once you have registered for classes in the term you plan to begin at Penn State, please complete the Enrollment Certification Request form. Do not include your SSN when submitting form via email. Please send completed form at least 2-3 weeks before the start of classes to Timothy Smalarz, [email protected] using your PSU.EDU email.
Returning Students
- If you are using a different benefit chapter for an upcoming semester, please provide an updated Certificate of Eligibility or documentation from the VA indicating the change. Please email the updated COE or documentation to Timothy Smalarz, [email protected], using your PSU.EDU email.
- Once you have registered for classes in the term you plan to begin at Penn State, please complete the Enrollment Certification Request form. Do not include your SSN when submitting form via email. Please send completed form at least 2-3 weeks before the start of classes to Timothy Smalarz, [email protected] using your PSU.EDU email
How to Apply for Education Benefits
First you will need to apply for your VA benefits:
You may apply by clicking here.
Next you will need to submit your VA Certificate of Eligibility (received directly from the office of the VA)and your Enrollment Certification Request form (see below) to the School's Certifying Official in the Penn State Abington Registrar's Office 121 Sutherland. If you have not yet received your VA Certification of Eligibility, you may submit a statement of your eligibility printed from VA eBenefits Portal. When we receive your Certification Request Form and confirmation of eligibility, we will submit your enrollment certification to VA so that your benefits can be processed. You must submit a certification request form each semester you want to use your benefits.
Complete the Enrollment Certification Request form.
Transfer students who have received VA education benefits at other institutions must complete VA 22-1995 Change in Place of Training Form.
Transferring Credits from Military Experience to Penn State
A veteran or member of the active armed services or the selected reserves may be eligible for credit from educational experiences in the armed forces. More information.
Priority Course Registration
Newly admitted students schedule their courses for their first semester at Penn State during New Student Orientation. After that, enrolled veterans are eligible for priority (early) course registration.
Penn State recognizes those who have honorably served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces by awarding priority registration and a red, white, and blue honor cord at graduation in recognition of their duty and sacrifice. Priority registration allows veterans to schedule classes ahead of the general student population.
For more information about Priority Registration:
http://equity.psu.edu/veterans/priorreghonorcord
Books
If you are entitled to a stipend for books, please establish a bookstore charge account with the VA for the Abington campus bookstore using the email: [email protected] This will ensure you are listed as active with the Abington Bookstore and not another location.
Student Veterans Organization on Campus
Penn State Abington Student Veterans Organization is a club on campus that typically meets the first Wednesday of the month in the Rydal 2nd Floor lounge during Common Break. See Facebook page.
Mentoring Program for New Student Veterans
Mentors are current student veterans or faculty/staff members who help new student veterans acclimate to academic life, network, and get connected to campus resources. We encourage all new student veterans to get linked with a mentor.
In-State Tuition Rates for Veterans & Others Eligible for VA Education Benefits
Individuals or veterans eligible to receive any VA educational benefit will receive the in-state tuition rate, regardless of service time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Study Lounge
There is Study Lounge in Rm 210 Rydal Building on campus available for ROTC/Veteran/Active Duty students Mon - Fri, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00p.m.
To use the Study Lounge, go to the Security Office (107 Rydal) with your Penn State ID to sign out the room key.
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.