What Does the Alliance with Penn State World Campus Mean for Me?
The federal government’s alliance with Penn State World Campus gives employees, and their spouses and legal dependents, access to exclusive education benefits. As a World Campus student, you can receive:
- a 5% tuition reduction on all World Campus programs and courses, and no location-based tuition
- assistance from academic advising, career counseling, and a financial literacy staff who specialize in serving working professionals
Claim Your Tuition Reduction
Claim Your Tuition Reduction
Penn State World Campus offers a tuition reduction to employees of our education alliance partners, as well as their spouses and legal dependents. This tuition reduction will be applicable to all undergraduate and graduate programs and courses offered by World Campus.
Tuition Rates
Penn State's tuition rates vary by student level, program, residency, and primary campus location. If your primary campus location is not Penn State World Campus, the tuition reduction for World Campus courses will be calculated based on the World Campus tuition rate and not on your primary campus tuition rate.
Eligibility
Students must be currently employed by, or a current member of, a Penn State World Campus education alliance partner or must be the legally married spouse or legal dependent (per IRS publication 501 (PDF)) of an employee or member of a Penn State World Campus education alliance partner. Students receiving similar Penn State institutional scholarships or grants may not be eligible for the tuition reduction, and Penn State employees are exempt from eligibility. Submission of this form must be completed within 7 days from when you register for a course(s).
One-Time Form Submission
Once you've been accepted as a student of Penn State World Campus and have chosen your courses, you must submit the following Penn State World Campus Tuition Reduction Form prior to the start of your first semester and within 7 days from when you register for a course(s).
Claim Your Tuition Reduction
Once you've been accepted as a student of Penn State World Campus and have chosen your courses, you must complete the Tuition Reduction Form and submit it prior to the start of your first semester. Email it as an attachment to the Penn State World Campus and Continuing Education Bursar Office at [email protected].
200+ Online Programs Available
200+ Online Programs Available
You can earn your degree or certificate online when you choose from more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, many of which are closely aligned with the government-wide focus on Mission-Critical Occupations (MCO) skills in the areas of cybersecurity, human resources, auditing, economics, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).
Choose from 200+ Degrees and Certificates
Or explore some of our most popular programs for professionals working in:
Mission-Critical Occupations Skills
Mission-Critical Occupations Skills
Explore the long list of Penn State World Campus programs that closely align with the federal government's mission-critical occupations skills.
Accounting and Finance
Penn State is one of only a few AACSB-accredited business schools in the country to offer complete accounting or finance degrees in an online format.
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Business
Gain business acumen, critical communication skills, and an analytical mindset.
Not sure which major is right for you? The Penn State Associate Degree in Business Administration covers the fundamentals of key business specialties and is often applied toward a Penn State bachelor's degree.
Undergraduate Programs
- Undergraduate Certificate in ERP Certificate with SAP
- B.S. in Business (options in Accounting, Entrepreneurship, and others)
- B.A. in Economics
- B.S. in Economics
- B.S. in Health Policy and Administration
- B.S. in Marketing
Graduate Programs
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics
- Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
- Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Architecture
- Graduate Certificate in Organization Development and Change Consulting Skills
- Graduate Certificate in Organization Development and Change Essentials
- Graduate Certificate in Organization Development and Change Operational Excellence
- Graduate Certificate in Project Management
- Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management
- Master of Applied Statistics
- Business Administration – MBA
- Master's in Data Analytics
- MPS in Data Analytics – Business Analytics Option
- Master of Health Administration in Health Policy and Administration
- MPS in Organization Development and Change
- Master of Project Management
- MPS in Psychology of Leadership
- Master of Public Administration
- MPS in Supply Chain Management
Cybersecurity
The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Penn State as a National Center of Academic Excellence in information assurance education.
Undergraduate Programs
- Undergraduate Certificate in Security and Risk Analysis
- B.S. in Security and Risk Analysis
- Security and Risk Analysis Minor
Graduate Programs
- Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Information and Security Technology Architecture
- Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Cybersecurity
Homeland Security
Our homeland security programs help to prepare graduates for careers in federal, state, and local government, as well as the private sector. As a Penn State World Campus student, you can develop a fundamental understanding of homeland security in a global context.
- Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Biosecurity and Food Defense
- Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence Analytics
- Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security
- Graduate Certificate in Hospital and Health System Preparedness
- Graduate Certificate in Public Health Preparedness
- MPS in Homeland Security
- MPS in Homeland Security – Cyber Threat Analytics and Prevention Option
- MPS in Homeland Security – Counterterrorism Option
- MPS in Homeland Security – Agricultural Biosecurity and Food Defense Option
- MPS in Homeland Security – Intelligence and Geospatial Analysis Option
- MPS in Homeland Security – Public Health Preparedness Option
Human Resources
The School of LER faculty has an extensive range of expertise in fields such as employment and labor law, international human resources and employment relations, organizational behavior, and workforce diversity.
Undergraduate Programs
- Associate in Science in Labor and Human Resources
- Undergraduate Certificate in Labor and Human Resources
- B.A. in Labor and Human Resources
- B.S. in Labor and Human Resources
- B.A. in Organizational Leadership
- B.S. in Organizational Leadership
- Labor Studies and Human Resources Minor
- Organizational Leadership Minor
Graduate Programs
- Graduate Certificate in International Human Resources and Employment Relations
- MPS in Human Resources and Employment Relations
Law and Public Policy
Earning a respected credential that demonstrates your skills and knowledge in public administration can help you stand out among your peers. The public administration portfolio at World Campus offers graduate-level education opportunities that can help you begin or enhance your career as a leader in public administration.
Undergraduate Programs
- B.S. in Criminal Justice
- B.A. in Energy and Sustainability Policy
- B.A. in International Politics
- B.A. in Law and Society
- B.A. in Political Science
- B.S. in Political Science
Graduate Programs
- Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Information and Security Technology Architecture
- Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Cybersecurity
Technology and Sciences
As information technology continues its rapid change, businesses and organizations will need professionals with the right skills and training to help them meet their needs and lead technology initiatives.
Whether you're just starting out in the IT field, or ready to advance your career, Penn State's online degrees can help you gain the expertise you need to succeed. We have programs that meet all levels of need and experience.
Undergraduate Programs
- Undergraduate Certificate in Information Sciences and Technology
- Undergraduate Certificate in Weather Forecasting
- Associate in Science in Information Sciences and Technology
- Bachelor of Design in Digital Multimedia Design
- B.S. in Information Sciences and Technology
- B.S. in Software Engineering
Graduate Programs
- Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Architecture
- Master of Enterprise Architecture in Enterprise Architecture and Business Transformation
- Master of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology
Looking for a Two-year Degree, an Undergraduate Certificate, or Minor?
Explore our full listing of Undergraduate Programs.
Additional Penn State World Campus Program Portfolios
Education
Energy and Sustainability
Engineering
Geospatial
Health and Family Services
Liberal Arts and Communications
Nursing
Agency Training and Learning Officers
Agency Training and Learning Officers
Make a difference in your agency's workforce planning initiatives!
Penn State World Campus is ready to partner with you to strengthen your organization by creating a culture of continuous learning and professional development. Providing your employees access to a high-quality education to help advance their careers is an excellent way to boost morale and improve retention.
How Does Penn State Help?
This alliance is backed by a team of marketing, business development, and client services staff members who are experts in supporting Penn State alliances and partnerships throughout the United States. We can help with promotion, analysis, reporting, and more.
Will Penn State World Campus Attend or Create Events?
The entire team is ready to support the alliance, and with a small amount of planning and lead time, we would be very interested in assisting with events that support you, your agency, and the alliance.
How Will I Know if My Agency Employees are Taking Advantage of the Program?
Agency-level reporting by state for head count, degrees, and majors will be made available to you.
Who Do I Contact for Support?
Please contact:
Stephanie DeMaro (she, her, hers)
Manager, Business Development
Phone: 814-931-9295
[email protected]
Important Undergraduate Deadlines
Visit our Academic Calendar for undergraduate deadlines for applications and course registration.
On-Demand Webinars
Our on-demand webinars are a great resource that fit into your busy schedule:
- Creating Functional Habits for Work-Life Balancewebinar explores aligning work and life priorities with your values, emphasizing harmony over equal time division.
- Mastering Effective Communication: Navigating Tough Conversations webinar can provide you with resources for handling difficult conversations.
- Making Learning Stick: Success in Higher Education as a Working Adult Student webinar is designed for new or returning students who are working adult learners.
- Supporting Military-Connected Learners webinar introduces the exclusive benefits, services, organizations, and engagement opportunities that support the success of students in the military community.
- Strategies to Advance Your Career webinar explains the changing job market, critical readiness skills, and workforce trends.
Upcoming Events
Financial Support
Financial Support
Our staff can assist with understanding financial topics, like budgeting and your student loan options and obligations. We're happy to help you find financial aid and scholarships and explore your payment options.
Explore Options to Help You Pay for Your Education
- Financial Aid
- Scholarships
- Installment Payment Plan — allows you to pay your tuition bill in installments over three months
- Tuition Deferment Program — allows you to defer your payments until the end of the semester if your employer offers tuition reimbursement
- Military Payment Options — for military students and veterans, including GI Bill® and Grant-in-Aid, as well as ROTC and Yellow Ribbon 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 https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Information for Military and Veterans
Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.
FAQs
FAQs
Still have questions about education at Penn State World Campus? Explore our most frequently asked questions for more information.
General
Is this the real Penn State?
Penn State World Campus is one of Penn State's 25 campuses, and its courses are taught online. World Campus students are held to the same rigorous standards as students taking courses on campus. As a World Campus student, your transcripts and diploma will look the same as any other Penn State student's. There will be no indication that you studied online.
How does online learning work?
You can complete most of our degree programs at your own pace. Penn State World Campus courses are asynchronous — meaning you don't have to attend online classes at a specific time. Find out how online learning works.
When are the undergraduate admission deadlines?
For a complete listing of important dates and deadlines, view the Academic Calendar. Generally, undergraduate degree application deadlines are:
- Fall Semester Degree Application Deadline: End of June
- Courses run August–December
- Spring Semester Degree Application Deadline: End of October
- Courses run January–April
- Degree Application Deadline: Mid-March
- Courses run May–August
Please note that based on availability, undeclared students can register for courses right up to the day before those classes begin. Learn more at Information for Undeclared Undergraduate Students.
Can I transfer credits?
Prospective undergraduate students may transfer credits from college-level work completed at a regionally accredited institution. The academic department in which you enroll will have the final say on what credits can be accepted toward your degree. Penn State's Transfer Credit Evaluation Guide, a convenient, step-by-step tool, may help you to determine approximately how much of your previous credits may transfer, but cannot determine which credits will apply to the program you choose.
Can I use international credits?
If you are an international student, please review the International Students page to determine what documentation you will need to apply. If you have any questions, please contact an international counselor at 814-865-5471 (select option 7 from the menu and ask to speak with an international counselor).
What are the other ways to earn credit?
CLEP: The College-Level Examination Program gives you the opportunity to receive college credit for what you already know, by earning qualifying scores on any of 33 examinations.
Credit by Examination: Penn State World Campus students can earn additional credits, to fulfill degree requirements, through successful completion (C or better) of a comprehensive examination, which is a substitute for completing the usual requirements of a course.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): While most adult learners use transfer credits, we invite you to explore the other possibilities for earning additional Penn State credit, including military credit, work experience, and credit by portfolio.
How do I apply to graduate school?
Graduate school requirements, dates, and deadlines are specific to each program. Learn how to apply or find Program Specific Contact Information.
How long will it take me?
An associate degree requires 60 credits; a bachelor's degree requires around 120 credits. The length of time it will take to complete your program will depend on the number of credits you transfer to Penn State, the number of credits you are able to take each semester, and how many semesters you attend during each academic year.
How much will my degree cost?
Your Penn State World Campus tuition is calculated at a cost-per-credit rate, based on the program you choose, and the number of credits for which you register. In addition to the cost per credit, students are responsible for the information technology fee each semester of enrollment, as well as course material costs.
To estimate the cost to enroll in a specific program, use the Tuition Estimator, which will generate results based on the most current academic year tuition rates.
Tuition Reduction FAQs
Who is eligible to receive the Federal Government tuition reduction, and what programs can the tuition reduction be applied to?
Students must be currently employed by the Federal Government or the spouse or legal dependent of a currently employed federal worker, and the tuition reduction can only be applied to Penn State World Campus degree and certificate programs or courses. Note: Penn State reserves the right and may request a current Federal Leave and Earnings Statement, marriage license, or tax return from any student who seeks to apply the 5% tuition reduction.
How is the tuition reduction benefit applied?
If Penn State World Campus is your primary campus location and you have submitted a timely Tuition Reduction Form, the appropriate tuition reduction percentage will be calculated against the prevailing World Campus per-credit tuition rate.
I am already a Penn State student and I attend classes at a physical campus. Does that matter?
Penn State's tuition rates vary by student level, program, residency, and primary campus location. If your primary campus location is not Penn State World Campus, the tuition reduction for World Campus courses will be calculated based on the World Campus tuition rate and not on your primary campus tuition rate.
Can the GI Bill ® be used in conjunction with the Federal Government’s tuition reduction?
Yes, the GI Bill® can be combined with this benefit and may cover up to 100% of the remaining tuition costs.
Can a student combine Penn State World Campus Military Grant-in-Aid with the Federal Government tuition reduction?
No.
Can a student use DoD Tuition Assistance and the Federal Government tuition reduction together?
Yes.
Would a disabled veteran receiving monetary compensation be eligible?
No.
Would a retired military person with full retirement benefits be eligible?
No, unless they are currently employed by the Federal Government as an employee.
Are Federal contractors eligible?
No.
Are retired Federal employees eligible?
No.
Can the Penn State grant-in-aid employee benefit be combined with the Federal Government tuition reduction?
Only spouses and dependents of current Penn State employees who are also currently employed by the Federal Government are eligible to combine the Penn State employee spouse/dependent grant-in-aid benefit with the Federal Government tuition reduction. Note: Penn State employees are not eligible for the 5% tuition reduction.
Who do I contact if I have questions about tuition reduction eligibility, or questions regarding combining the Federal Government tuition reduction with other programs?
You can contact the World Campus Bursar Office at 814-863-8300, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (ET), or you can email them at [email protected].
Contact Us
Contact an admissions counselor at [email protected] or 814-863-5386 to discuss your education goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines.
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Testimonial
The support I have received as a Penn State World Campus student has exceeded my expectations and surpassed what I have experienced with traditional brick and mortar programs. The online resources are phenomenal. It is clear that the design was made with the learner in mind.
How to Apply to Penn State
Admission prerequisites and requirements vary by program. Find your program of interest to learn how to apply.