Veteran & Military In-State Tuition Benefit
Help Minimize Your Educational Costs!
If you're a veteran, active duty servicemember, civilian employed at a Department of Defense (DoD) facility, or a spouse or dependent of one, you may qualify for in-state tuition rates—regardless of your official state residency. This incredible benefit makes earning a degree more affordable and accessible.
Explore the eligibility details for each group below!
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Veterans
Veterans who meet the following criteria can take advantage of in-state tuition:
- Enrollment: You must be continually enrolled in a PA State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institution.
- VA Education Benefits: You need to be eligible for VA Education Benefits (Chapter 1606, Chapter 30, Chapter 31, or Chapter 33), even if you're not currently using them.
- Residency: You must reside in Pennsylvania on the first day of the term. Living in the residence hall counts.
- Documentation: Provide your DD214 (Member 4 copy) to verify at least 90 days of active duty service, along with a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) confirming your education benefits.
Disclaimer: To maintain eligibility, you must remain continuously enrolled at a PASSHE institution and reside in PA as of the first day of each term.
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Active Duty Servicemembers
Active duty servicemembers stationed in Pennsylvania may qualify for in-state tuition with the following requirements:
- Enrollment: You must be continually enrolled in a PASSHE school.
- Residency: You must reside in Pennsylvania on the first day of the term. Living in the residence hall counts.
- Documentation: Submit a copy of your military orders showing you are stationed in Pennsylvania.
Disclaimer: To maintain eligibility, you must remain continuously enrolled at a PASSHE institution and reside in PA as of the first day of each term.
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Civilian Personnel Employed at a DoD Facility
Civilians employed at a Department of Defense facility in Pennsylvania may qualify for in-state tuition under these guidelines:
- Enrollment: Continuous enrollment in a PASSHE institution is required.
- Residency: You must reside in Pennsylvania on the first day of the term. Living in the residence hall counts.
- Documentation: Provide proof of employment at a DoD facility located in Pennsylvania.
Disclaimer: To maintain eligibility, you must remain continuously enrolled at a PASSHE institution and reside in PA as of the first day of each term.
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Spouses and Dependents
Spouses and dependents of veterans, active duty service members, and DoD civilian personnel may qualify for in-state tuition if they meet the following criteria:
For Dependents/Spouses of Veterans:
- Enrollment: You must be continuously enrolled in a PASSHE school.
- Residency: You must reside in Pennsylvania on the first day of the term. Living in the residence hall counts.
- Documentation: Provide the veteran’s DD214 (Member 4 copy) and a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) establishing eligibility for education benefits.
- Benefit Use: You must use VA Education Benefits until fully exhausted, excluding summer and winter sessions.
Disclaimer: To maintain eligibility, you must remain continuously enrolled at a PASSHE institution and reside in PA as of the first day of each term.
For Dependents/Spouses of Active Duty Servicemembers:
- Enrollment: You must be continuously enrolled in a PASSHE school.
- Residency: You must reside in Pennsylvania on the first day of the term. Living in the residence hall counts.
- Documentation: Provide a copy of the servicemember’s military orders showing they are stationed in Pennsylvania.
Disclaimer: To maintain eligibility, you must remain continuously enrolled at a PASSHE institution and reside in PA as of the first day of each term.
For Dependents/Spouses of Civilian Personnel Employed at a DoD Facility:
- Enrollment: You must be continuously enrolled in a PASSHE school.
- Residency: You must reside in Pennsylvania on the first day of the term. Living in the residence hall counts.
- Documentation: Provide proof of the civilian’s employment at a DoD facility in Pennsylvania.
Disclaimer: To maintain eligibility, you must remain continuously enrolled at a PASSHE institution and reside in PA as of the first day of each term.