Tuition Assistance FAQs
What is the new Chapter 33 (Post-9/11) GI Bill?
The new Post-9/11 GI Bill is the largest addition of educational benefits for military members and veterans since the signing of the original GI Bill in 1944. Eligible participants can
receive money for tuition, fees, and books, and in some cases, even a housing stipend, when they enroll in for-credit courses at an accredited institution like Penn State.
How do I know if I’m eligible for the new Post-9/11 GI Bill?
Generally, you are eligible to use your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit at an accredited institution like Penn State if you served a minimum of 90 days on active duty after September 10, 2001.
However, there are some exclusions, so be sure to check with your local Veterans Affairs office to determine your official eligibility.
How much will the new Post-9/11 GI Bill pay toward my Penn State education?
If you have accumulated 36 months of service after September 10, 2001, you may be eligible for up to 100 percent of the full tuition rate of a Penn State undergraduate degree. Those with
less than 36 months of service after September 10, 2001, may receive up to 40 to 90 percent of the tuition rate of a Penn State undergraduate degree. For more information, contact your
local Penn State military representative.
Will I receive a housing stipend if I go to Penn State?
In order to receive a housing stipend, the new Post-9/11 GI Bill requires that students take at least one course each semester in a physical classroom. Don’t worry — with 28
Continuing Education sites across Pennsylvania, chances are there’s a Penn State classroom near you.
How can I learn more about using my Post-9/11 GI Bill at Penn State?
You can learn more about using your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits by contacting a Penn State military
representative. Whether you are taking courses at a campus or online, Penn State has a military representative available to assist you with your tuition benefits.
May I use my Montgomery GI Bill at Penn State?
Yes, Penn State degrees and certificates are approved by Veteran's Affairs for both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
What additional financial opportunities are available?
Penn State is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Find out how much your local Penn State campus is contributing to the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Please note: Penn State's World Campus is a Yellow Ribbon supporter and they are included as part of the University Park campus location on the Yellow Ribbon Web site.
What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?
If you are attending Penn State for graduate school or a certificate program, or if you are residing out-of-state, the Post-9/11 GI Bill may not cover the entire tuition amount.
Since Penn State is a Yellow Ribbon–participating institution, additional funds may be available for your education program without an additional charge to your entitlement.
Am I Eligible for Yellow Ribbon Benefits?
Only individuals entitled to the maximum Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive Yellow Ribbon funding. Therefore, you may be eligible if you:
- served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months
- were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and you served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001
- are a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran’s service under the eligibility criteria listed above
When will the Yellow Ribbon Program benefits be available?
Benefits are payable for courses pursued on or after August 1, 2009.
For more information on tuition assistance, contact your Penn State military representative today.
