Education Benefits

 

Grants and scholarships are available to student veterans through PennWest Edinboro, the state of Pennsylvania (Pa State Grant), and various external organizations.

Veterans Benefits:

Depending on the type and length of your service, you may be eligible for different types of benefits. In order to better serve you, please select from one of the categories below to learn about the benefits available. Please note that benefits in these categories are separated by Active and Non-Active Service.

General Information for all Categories

Please remember that any benefit(s) that you are eligible for from the VA belong to you and are your responsibility to manage. This means that you will have to complete a Certification Request with the Edinboro Veterans Success Center letting us know that you wish to use your benefits each semester. A new form must be filled out every semester you wish to use benefits.

If you have changed your major, you will need to complete VA Form 22-1995 along with your benefit request form (if receiving Chapter 35 – Dependent Benefits, use VA Form 22-5495 instead). You may complete this online or obtain a paper form in the Veterans Success Center Office. Whichever route you take, you must submit a copy to the Veterans Success Center and the VA.

If you are transferring to PennWest Edinboro, you will need to complete VA Form 22-1995 along with your benefit request form (if receiving Chapter 35 – Dependent Benefits, use VA Form 22-5495 instead). You may complete this online or obtain a paper form in the Veterans Success Center Office. Whichever route you take, you must submit a copy to the Veterans Success Center and the VA.

Changes to your enrollment or academic standing must be reported to the Veterans Success Center. If you add a course, drop a course, withdraw, get an incomplete or fail a course or if any other issue comes up, you must notify the Veterans Success Center immediately. Some matters may require you to complete a new Benefit Request Form.

Use of Federal Tuition Assistance, must be reported to the Veterans Success Center if you wish to use any GI Bill® Benefits in conjunction with your FTA. CH 1606 and CH 1607 cannot be used for the same credit-hours as FTA. For CH 33 beneficiaries, any FTA needs to be applied to a student’s bill prior to tuition and fees being reported to the VA. For additional information please contact the Veterans Success Center.

GI Bill® Benefits at Edinboro: Required Documents & Forms 

The University, in compliance with VA and DoD guidelines and regulations, is required to maintain certain records for all students receiving Veterans Education Benefits. The forms required vary depending on the benefit being used and include:

*Please note: The Associate of Applied Science in Aeronautical Science program is not currently approved for use of GI® Bill benefits. Please contact the VSC for more information.

Active Duty

While still on active duty you may either use your VA benefits through the GI Bill® or you may utilized Federal Tuition Assistance through the DoD. Remember that any use of Tuition Assistance will increase your service obligation.

Benefits

Full tuition and fees paid directly to the school. Please note that tuition and fees are only paid up to the in-state rate for tuition and fees, information on the Choice Act and receiving in-state rates can be found by clicking Choice Act. An annual book stipend of $1,000 is provided directly to the student and is distributed based on the number of credit-hours taken in a semester. Additional benefits that may be available for students include a one-time rural benefit payment, to assist students in moving nearer to the university, and a $1,200 a year tutoring allowance.

Note: The percentage of benefits a Veteran can be eligible for is based on the length of Active Duty Service. Please see the table below for percentage rates.

Note: Active Duty Service Members cannot receive DoD BAH payments and VA Housing Allowance concurrently. No Post-9/11 Housing Allowance is authorized while using Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits while still on Active Duty.

INDIVIDUALS SERVING AN AGGREGATE PERIOD OF ACTIVE DUTY AFTER SEPT. 10, 2001, OF: INCLUDES ENTRY LEVEL AND SKILL TRAINING: PERCENTAGE OF MAXIMUM BENEFIT
At least 36 months Yes 100
At least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged due to service connected disability    Yes 100
At least 30 months, but less than 36 months Yes 90
At least 24 months, but less than 30 months Yes 80
At least 18 months, but less than 24 months No 70
At least 12 months, but less than 18 months No 60
At least 6 months, but less than 12 months No 50
At least 90 days, but less than 6 months No 40

 

Eligibility
  • Served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty.
  • Continued service with your unit in good standing.

Paperwork
  • Complete a VA Form 22-1990 on paper or online through VONAPP and send to the VA. Receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA.
Benefits

Ch 30 provides a monthly lump sum to students that can be used to pay for educational expenses. Rates change yearly. Access current CH 30 rates. If you signed a "$600.00 buy-up" or "kicker" Contract at your time of enlistment or reenlistment, you will receive an increased rate based on the amount of the "kicker." Up to 36 months of eligibility are offered.

Eligibility
  • Served 3 continuous years of active duty.

Paperwork
  • Complete a VA Form 22-1990 on paper or online through VONAPP and send to the VA. Receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA.
  • Provide monthly verification of attendance through VA Wave system.
Benefits

Federal Tuition Assistance pays for 100% of tuition and authorized fees up to a maximum of $4,500 per service member per year. Tuition benefits are capped at $250 per semester hour. It is highly recommended that Servicemembers contact their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or contact their Military Education Office to discuss the use of Federal Tuition Assistance prior to enrollment.

Eligibility
  • Maintain good standing with your unit by not being flagged.
  • Be approved by your unit commander for use of Tuition Assistance

Paperwork
  • For Active Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard go to www.GoArmyEd.com.
  • Contact your Training NCOIC to get your memorandum of understanding from your commander.
  • For all other services contact your Training NCOIC.

Have Questions? Need assistance completing your benefits request? Contact the PennWest Edinboro Veterans Success Center at veterans@pennwest.edu or 814-732-1568.

Active Duty Veteran

Active Duty Veterans who paid into the GI Bill® program while on active duty have access to either the Montgomery GI Bill® or the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. An irrevocable election must be made as to which benefit the Veteran will make use of, this election is made while completing the benefits application through VONAPP or with a VA Form 22-1990.
Benefits

Full tuition and fees paid directly to the school. Please note that tuition and fees are only paid up to the in-state rate for tuition and fees, information on the Choice Act and receiving in-state rates can be found by clicking Choice Act. Students receive a monthly housing allowance based on the location of the school that is sent directly to the student. An annual book stipend of $1,000 is provided directly to the student and is distributed based on the number of credit-hours taken in a semester. Additional benefits that may be available for students include a one-time rural benefit payment, to assist students in moving nearer to the university, and a $1,200 a year tutoring allowance.

Note: The percentage of benefits a Veteran can be eligible for is based on the length of Active Duty Service. Please see the table below for percentage rates.

Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, of: Includes entry level and skill training: Percentage of Maximum Benefit
At least 36 months Yes 100
At least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged due to service connected disability    Yes 100
At least 30 months, but less than 36 months Yes 90
At least 24 months, but less than 30 months Yes 80
At least 18 months, but less than 24 months No 70
At least 12 months, but less than 18 months No 60
At least 6 months, but less than 12 months No 50
At least 90 days, but less than 6 months No 40

 

Eligibility
  • Served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty or 30 days with a service-connected disability.
  • An honorable discharge or discharge due to a service-connected disability.

Paperwork
  • Complete a VA Form 22-1990 on paper or online through VONAPP and send to the VA. Receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA.
  • DD-214 from completion of Active Duty Service.
Benefits

Ch 30 provides a monthly lump sum to students that can be used to pay for educational expenses. Rates change yearly. Access current CH 30 rates. If you signed a “$600.00 buy-up” or “kicker” Contract at your time of enlistment or reenlistment, you will receive an increased rate based on the amount of the “kicker.” Up to 36 months of eligibility are offered.

Eligibility
  • Served 3 continuous years of active duty.
Paperwork
  • Complete a VA Form 22-1990 on paper or online through VONAPP and send to the VA. Receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA.
  • Provide monthly verification of attendance through VA Wave system.

Have Questions? Need assistance completing your benefits request? Contact the PennWest Edinboro Veterans Success Center at veterans@pennwest.edu or 814-732-1568.

National Guard

In the National Guard you serve your country and your state as a citizen soldier. Depending on the amount of Active Duty service time you have you may be eligible for additional benefits.
CH 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill® Reserve Select

Benefits

CH 1606 provides a monthly lump sum to students that can be used to pay for educational expenses. The lump sum is deposited directly into the student’s bank account, monthly. Rates change yearly. Access current CH 1606 rates. If you signed a "$600.00 buy-up" or "kicker" Contract at your time of enlistment or reenlistment, you will receive an increased rate based on the amount of the "kicker." Up to 36 months of eligibility are offered.

Eligibility
  • Have a six-year obligation to serve in the National Guard.
  • Complete initial active duty for training (IADT).
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before completing IADT.
  • Maintain good standing with your National Guard unit by attending drill and not being flagged. If you were discharged from the Nation Guard due to a disability not due to misconduct, then you will retain your eligibility. If you are ordered to active duty you eligibility may also be extended.

Paperwork
  • Receive a DD Form 2384-1 from your unit training NCOIC when you become eligible for the program.
  • DD-214 from your IADT
  • Complete a VA Form 22-1990 on paper or online through VONAPP
  • Provide monthly verification of attendance through VA Wave system.

EAP – Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program

Benefits

EAP pays for 100% of tuition up to $3,311 per semester. EAP can be used along with any Veterans Educational Benefits from the VA.

Eligibility
  • Have a six-year obligation to serve in the National Guard.
  • Maintain good standing with your National Guard unit by attending drill and not being flagged.

Paperwork
  • Complete the EAP application with your unit training NCOIC every year you are attending classes.

Federal Tuition Assistance
Benefits

Federal Tuition Assistance pays for 100% of tuition and authorized fees up to a maximum of $4,500 per service member per year. Tuition benefits are capped at $250 per semester hour. It is highly recommended that Servicemembers contact their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or contact their Military Education Office to discuss the use of Federal Tuition Assistance prior to enrollment.

Eligibility
  • Maintain good standing with your National Guard unit by attending drill and not being flagged. If you were discharged from the Nation Guard due to a disability not due to misconduct, then you will retain your eligibility. If you are ordered to active duty you eligibility may also be extended.
  • Be approved by your unit commander for use of Tuition Assistance

Paperwork
  • For Active Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard go to www.GoArmyEd.com.
  • Contact your Training NCOIC to get your memorandum of understanding from your commander.
  • For all other services contact your Training NCOIC.
CH 33 – Post-911 GI Bill®
Benefits

Full tuition and fees paid directly to the school. Please note that tuition and fees are only paid up to the in-state rate for tuition and fees, information on the Choice Act and receiving in-state rates can be found by clicking Choice Act. Students receive a monthly housing allowance based on the location of the school that is sent directly to the student. An annual book stipend of $1,000 is provided directly to the student and is distributed based on the number of credit-hours taken in a semester. Additional benefits that may be available for students include a one-time rural benefit payment, to assist students in moving nearer to the university, and a $1,200 a year tutoring allowance.

Note: The percentage of benefits a Veteran can be eligible for is based on the length of Active Duty Service. Please see the table below for percentage rates.

Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, of: Includes entry level and skill training: Percentage of Maximum Benefit
At least 36 months Yes 100
At least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged due to service connected disability    Yes 100
At least 30 months, but less than 36 months Yes 90
At least 24 months, but less than 30 months Yes 80
At least 18 months, but less than 24 months No 70
At least 12 months, but less than 18 months No 60
At least 6 months, but less than 12 months No 50
At least 90 days, but less than 6 months No 40

 

Eligibility
  • Served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty in activation in support of a national emergency or for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing or training.
  • An honorable discharge or continued service with your unit in good standing or discharge due to a service-connected disability.

Paperwork
  • Complete a VA Form 22-1990 on paper or online through VONAPP and send to the VA. Receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA.
  • DD-214 from completion of Active Duty Service.

CH 30 – Montgomery GI Bill®
Benefits

Ch 30 provides a monthly lump sum to students that can be used to pay for educational expenses. Rates change yearly. Access current CH 30 rates. If you signed a “$600.00 buy-up” or “kicker” Contract at your time of enlistment or reenlistment, you will receive an increased rate based on the amount of the “kicker.” Up to 36 months of eligibility are offered.

Eligibility
  • Served 3 continuous years of active duty.
  • Former Active Duty Veterans who join the Guard may use CH 30 benefits.

Paperwork
  • Complete a VA Form 22-1990 on paper or online through VONAPP and send to the VA. Receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA.
  • DD-214 from completion of Active Duty Service.
  • Provide monthly verification of attendance through VA Wave system.

CH 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill® Reserve Select
Benefits

CH 1606 provides a monthly lump sum to students that can be used to pay for educational expenses. Rates change yearly. Access current CH 1606 rates. If you signed a “$600.00 buy-up” or “kicker” Contract at your time of enlistment or reenlistment, you will receive an increased rate based on the amount of the “kicker.” Up to 36 months of eligibility are offered.

Eligibility
  • Have a six-year obligation to serve in the National Guard.
  • Complete initial active duty for training (IADT).
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before completing IADT.
  • Maintain good standing with your National Guard unit by attending drill and not being flagged. If you were discharged from the Nation Guard due to a disability not due to misconduct, then you will retain your eligibility. If you are ordered to active duty you eligibility may also be extended.

Paperwork
  • Receive a DD Form 2384-1 from your unit training NCOIC when you become eligible for the program.
  • DD-214 from your IADT
  • Complete a VA Form 22-1990 on paper or online through VONAPP and send to the VA. Receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA.
  • Provide monthly verification of attendance through VA Wave system.

Federal Tuition Assistance
Benefits

Federal Tuition Assistance pays for 100% of tuition and authorized fees up to a maximum of $4,500 per service member per year. Tuition benefits are capped at $250 per semester hour.

Eligibility
  • Maintain good standing with your National Guard unit by attending drill and not being flagged. If you were discharged from the Nation Guard due to a disability not due to misconduct, then you will retain your eligibility. If you are ordered to active duty you eligibility may also be extended.
  • Be approved by your unit commander for use of Tuition Assistance
Paperwork
  • For Active Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard go to www.GoArmyEd.com.
  • Contact your Training NCOIC to get your memorandum of understanding from your commander.
  • For all other services contact your Training NCOIC.

EAP – Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program
Benefits

EAP pays for 100% of tuition up to $3,311 per semester. EAP can be used along with any Veterans Educational Benefits from the VA.

Eligibility
  • Have a six-year obligation to serve in the National Guard.
  • Maintain good standing with your National Guard unit by attending drill and not being flagged.

Paperwork
  • Complete the EAP application with your unit training NCOIC every year you are attending classes.

Have Questions? Need assistance completing your benefits request? Contact the PennWest Edinboro Veterans Success Center at veterans@pennwest.edu or 814-732-1568.

Reserves

In the Selected Reserve you serve your country and your state as a citizen service member. Depending on the amount of active duty service time you have, you may be eligible for additional benefits.

CH 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill® Reserve Select
Benefits

CH 1606 provides a monthly lump sum to students that can be used to pay for educational expenses. The lump sum is deposited directly into the student’s bank account, monthly. Rates change yearly. Access current CH 1606 rates. If you signed a "$600.00 buy-up" or "kicker" Contract at your time of enlistment or reenlistment, you will receive an increased rate based on the amount of the "kicker." Up to 36 months of eligibility are offered.

Eligibility
  • Have a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve.
  • Complete initial active duty for training (IADT).
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before completing IADT.
  • Maintain good standing with your Reserve unit by attending drill and not being flagged. If you were discharged from the Reserve due to a disability not due to misconduct, then you will retain your eligibility. If you are ordered to active duty you eligibility may also be extended.

Paperwork
  • Receive a DD Form 2384-1 from your unit training NCOIC when you become eligible for the program.
  • DD-214 from your IADT
  • Complete a VA Form 22-1990 on paper or online through VONAPP
  • Provide monthly verification of attendance through VA Wave system.

Federal Tuition Assistance
Benefits

Federal Tuition Assistance pays for 100% of tuition and authorized fees up to a maximum of $4,500 per service member per year. Tuition benefits are capped at $250 per semester hour. It is highly recommended that Servicemembers contact their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or contact their Military Education Office to discuss the use of Federal Tuition Assistance prior to enrollment.

Eligibility
  • Maintain good standing with your National Guard unit by attending drill and not being flagged. If you were discharged from the Nation Guard due to a disability not due to misconduct, then you will retain your eligibility. If you are ordered to active duty you eligibility may also be extended.
  • Be approved by your unit commander for use of Tuition Assistance

Paperwork
  • For Active Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard go to www.GoArmyEd.com.
  • Contact your Training NCOIC to get your memorandum of understanding from your commander.
  • For all other services contact your Training NCOIC. 
CH 33 – Post-911 GI Bill®
Benefits

Full tuition and fees paid directly to the school. Please note that tuition and fees are only paid up to the in-state rate for tuition and fees, information on the Choice Act and receiving in-state rates can be found by clicking Choice Act. Students receive a monthly housing allowance based on the location of the school that is sent directly to the student. An annual book stipend of $1,000 is provided directly to the student and is distributed based on the number of credit-hours taken in a semester. Additional benefits that may be available for students include a one-time rural benefit payment, to assist students in moving nearer to the university, and a $1,200 a year tutoring allowance.

Note: The percentage of benefits a Veteran can be eligible for is based on the length of Active Duty Service. Please see the table below for percentage rates.

Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, of: Includes entry level and skill training: Percentage of Maximum Benefit
At least 36 months Yes 100
At least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged due to service connected disability    Yes 100
At least 30 months, but less than 36 months Yes 90
At least 24 months, but less than 30 months Yes 80
At least 18 months, but less than 24 months No 70
At least 12 months, but less than 18 months No 60
At least 6 months, but less than 12 months No 50
At least 90 days, but less than 6 months No 40

 

Eligibility
  • Served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty in activation in support of a national emergency or for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing or training.
  • An honorable discharge or continued service with your unit in good standing or discharge due to a service-connected disability.

Paperwork
  • Complete a VA Form 22-1990 on paper or online through VONAPP and send to the VA. Receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA.
  • DD-214 from completion of Active Duty Service.

CH 30 – Montgomery GI Bill®
Benefits

Ch 30 provides a monthly lump sum to students that can be used to pay for educational expenses. Rates change yearly. Access current CH 30 rates. If you signed a "$600.00 buy-up" or "kicker" Contract at your time of enlistment or reenlistment, you will receive an increased rate based on the amount of the "kicker." Up to 36 months of eligibility are offered.

Eligibility
  • Served 3 continuous years of active duty.
  • Former Active Duty Veterans who join the Guard may use CH 30 benefits.

Paperwork
  • Complete a VA Form 22-1990 on paper or online through VONAPP and send to the VA. Receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA.
  • DD-214 from completion of Active Duty Service.
  • Provide monthly verification of attendance through VA Wave system.

CH 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill® Reserve Select
Benefits

CH 1606 provides a monthly lump sum to students that can be used to pay for educational expenses. Rates change yearly. Access current CH 1606 rates. If you signed a "$600.00 buy-up" or "kicker" Contract at your time of enlistment or reenlistment, you will receive an increased rate based on the amount of the "kicker." Up to 36 months of eligibility are offered.

Eligibility
  • Have a six-year obligation to serve in the Reserves.
  • Complete initial active duty for training (IADT).
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before completing IADT.
  • Maintain good standing with your National Guard unit by attending drill and not being flagged. If you were discharged from the Reserves due to a disability not due to misconduct, then you will retain your eligibility. If you are ordered to active duty you eligibility may also be extended.

Paperwork
  • Receive a DD Form 2384-1 from your unit training NCOIC when you become eligible for the program.
  • DD-214 from your IADT
  • Complete a VA Form 22-1990 on paper or online through VONAPP and send to the VA. Receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA.
  • Provide monthly verification of attendance through VA Wave system.

Federal Tuition Assistance
Benefits

Federal Tuition Assistance pays for 100% of tuition and authorized fees up to a maximum of $4,500 per service member per year. Tuition benefits are capped at $250 per semester hour.

Eligibility
  • Maintain good standing with your National Guard unit by attending drill and not being flagged. If you were discharged from the Nation Guard due to a disability not due to misconduct, then you will retain your eligibility. If you are ordered to active duty you eligibility may also be extended.
  • Be approved by your unit commander for use of Tuition Assistance.

Paperwork
  • For Active Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard go to www.GoArmyEd.com.
  • Contact your Training NCOIC to get your memorandum of understanding from your commander.
  • For all other services contact your Training NCOIC.

Have Questions? Need assistance completing your benefits request? Contact the PennWest Edinboro Veterans Success Center at veterans@pennwest.edu or 814-732-1568.

Dependents

Benefits

Full tuition and fees paid directly to the school. Please note that tuition and fees are only paid up to the in-state rate for tuition and fees, information on the Choice Act and receiving in-state rates can be found by clicking Choice Act. Students receive a monthly housing allowance based on the location of the school that is sent directly to the student. An annual book stipend of $1,000 is provided directly to the student and is distributed based on the number of credit-hours taken in a semester. Additional benefits that may be available for students include a one-time rural benefit payment, to assist students in moving nearer to the university, and a $1,200 a year tutoring allowance.

Note: The percentage of benefits a Dependent can be eligible for is based on the length of Active Duty Service of the Veteran. Please see the table below for percentage rates.

 

Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, of: Includes entry level and skill training: Percentage of Maximum Benefit
At least 36 months Yes 100
At least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged due to service connected disability    Yes 100
At least 30 months, but less than 36 months Yes 90
At least 24 months, but less than 30 months Yes 80
At least 18 months, but less than 24 months No 70
At least 12 months, but less than 18 months No 60
At least 6 months, but less than 12 months No 50
At least 90 days, but less than 6 months No 40

 

Eligibility
  • Veteran must have served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty or on active duty activation in support of a national emergency or for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing or training.
  • The Veteran should have received an honorable discharge or continued service with a National Guard or reserve unit in good standing or discharge due to a service-connected disability.
  • Service members currently serving must complete at least six years of service and agree to complete four additional years of service or have completed ten years of service.

Transfer Eligibility
  • The Veteran/Servicemember is a member of the Armed Forces, active duty or Selected Reserve and were in service on 1 August 2009 or joined after that date. (For Uniformed Servicemembers, NOAA and PHS uniformed members, you must have been in service on 1 August 2001 or joined after that date.)
  • The Veteran/Servicemember has at least six years of service in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) on the date you elect to transfer the Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits and agree to serve an additional four years in the Armed Forces from that date.
  • Or, the Veteran/Servicemember has at least ten cumulative years of service in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) on the date you elect to transfer the Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits, are precluded by either standard policy or statute from committing to four additional years and agree to serve for the maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute.

Note: Only Veterans who are currently serving on active duty or in the Selected Reserve can transfer benefits to eligible family members.

Paperwork
  • Veteran must transfer some or all Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits using the DoD system or by calling 1-800-538-9552.
  • Complete a VA Form 22-1990E on paper or online through VONAPP and send to the VA. Receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA.
  • DD-214 from completion of Active Duty Service of Veteran.
Benefits

Beneficiaries receive a monthly lump sum to students that can be used to pay for educational expenses. Rates change yearly. Access current CH 35 rates. Survivors and dependents may be eligible for up to 45 months of education benefits.

Eligibility
  • Student must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:
    • A Veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the armed forces.
    • A Veteran who died from any cause while such permanent and total service-connected disability was in existence.
    • A servicemember missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force.
    • A servicemember forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.
    • A servicemember who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability.
  • Student must be over 18 years of age and under 26 years of age. Extensions can be granted due to military service.
  • Student must not be serving on active duty in the armed forces. If the student did serve on active duty, then the student must have an Honorable discharge.

Paperwork
  • Complete a VA Form 22-5490 on paper or online through VONAPP and send to the VA. Receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA.

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship provides benefits like those of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® to the children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty after September 10, 2001. This scholarship is treated like VA Education Benefits for the purposes of financial aid and is managed through the Edinboro Veterans Success Center.

Benefits

Full tuition and fees paid directly to the school. Please note that tuition and fees are only paid up to the in-state rate for tuition and fees, information on the Choice Act and receiving in-state rates can be found by clicking Choice Act. Students receive a monthly housing allowance based on the location of the school that is sent directly to the student. An annual book stipend of $1,000 is provided directly to the student and is distributed based on the number of credit-hours taken in a semester. Additional benefits that may be available for students include a one-time rural benefit payment, to assist students in moving nearer to the university, and a $1,200 a year tutoring allowance.

Eligibility
  • Children and surviving spouses of an active duty servicemember who died in the line of duty on or after September 10, 2001.
  • Children must be between 18 and 33 years of age.
  • A spouse loses benefits upon remarriage. Children can get married without losing benefits.
  • A spouse has 15 years to use benefits from the date of the death of the service member.

Paperwork
  • Complete a VA Form 22-5490 on paper or online through VONAPP and send to the VA. Receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA.

Have Questions? Need assistance completing your benefits request? Contact the PennWest Edinboro Veterans Success Center at veterans@pennwest.edu or 814-732-1568.

Contact Us

Veterans Success Center
Crawford Center, Room 208A
200 Glasgow Road
Edinboro, PA 16444
Email: veterans@pennwest.edu
Phone: 814-732-1568

John Christman, Ph.D.
Veterans Success Coordinator
206 Crawford Center
Email: jchristman@pennwest.edu
Phone: 814-732-1557

"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 www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.