Military Grant-in-Aid Frequently Asked Questions

Does the grant match the Department of Defense (DoD) tuition assistance benefit of $250 per semester hour reimbursement so I would not have to pay out-of-pocket tuition?

No. Penn State is an institution that has a reputation for providing a high-quality educational experience. Our public tuition rates are higher than the DoD tuition assistance cap of $250 per semester hour. This grant will bring our tuition rate closer to the DoD cap, making a Penn State education more within the financial reach of our military students. Servicemembers can also elect to use the GI Bill Top-Up Program, when appropriate, to pay the difference. This could result in not having to pay any out-of-pocket tuition to study through Penn State World Campus.

Is the Military Grant-In-Aid an ongoing financial aid program?

The program is open from fall 2009 through summer 2010. It will be evaluated annually as an ongoing program as we assess our ability to increase instructional capacity to meet demand while maintaining academic quality. It is our intent to continue the program. However, if it is decided not to continue the program, any students already using the Military Grant-In-Aid will continue to receive the Grant-In-Aid as long as they maintain their status as an undergraduate student with the Penn State World Campus serving on active duty with the military. The status of the grant's availability for new students starting fall semester 2010 will be announced in June 2010.

Does the Grant-In-Aid include graduate courses?

Currently, World Campus online graduate degrees, postbaccalaureate certificates, and graduate certificates (including 400-level courses that are part of a graduate degree or certificate) are not eligible for the Grant-In-Aid.

Is the Grant-In-Aid being offered to military students at other Penn State campuses?

No. The Grant-In-Aid is limited to World Campus students because it is financially supported by Penn State World Campus and its academic partners.

Are personnel "in-active status" or military spouses and family members eligible for the Grant-in-Aid?

No. Like many other DoD benefits, the Grant-in-Aid is limited to the servicemember.

How do I apply for the Military Grant-in-Aid?

The Active Duty Status Verification Form must be completed and submitted to the Penn State World Campus each semester that the student wishes to receive the Military Grant-in-Aid. The form must be received by Penn State within 7 days from scheduling for course(s). Because the form requires signatures, it needs to be returned to Penn State by faxing it to 814-865-3290.

What is the value of the Military Grant-in-Aid?

The current value of the Grant-in-Aid would lower the tuition to $299 per credit hour. The value of the Grant-in-Aid is subject to change in accordance with University tuition rates (which typically happens on an annual basis).