Best Military-Friendly Colleges in Pennsylvania

Tuition is pricey across the U.S., but Pennsylvania schools have some of the most expensive tuition costs in the country. Military members can use their military benefits for colleges in Pennsylvania to reduce or eliminate their tuition costs.

Most colleges accept these benefits, but many also provide exceptional support to veterans and military students. Keep reading to discover some of the best military-friendly colleges in Pennsylvania.

Military-Friendly Colleges in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to several military-friendly schools. These schools accept military education benefits and strive to support military students as much as possible.

Below, we've featured several of the best colleges for veterans and military members in Pennsylvania.

1. Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University is a public research university headquartered in University Park, Pennsylvania. It supports military-connected students through its Office of Veterans Affairs and Services.

In addition to accepting education benefits, the university offers a variety of programs for military and veteran students. These include in-state tuition rates, military scholarships, application fee waivers, SAT/ACT requirement waivers, college credit for military service, and a childcare subsidy.

2. Temple University

Temple University is a public research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its Military and Veterans Services Center helps service members adjust to higher education.

As the university is public, students could have their full tuition costs covered through their military education assistance program. Temple also offers a variety of scholarships for active-duty service members, veterans, and military families.

3. University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh is a public research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It's been designated a military-friendly school for the last eight years and offers assistance through its Office of Veterans Services.

In addition to accepting VA and military education benefits, Pitt offers numerous scholarships for military students and their dependents. Students can also find a chapter of the Student Veterans of America on campus.

4. Drexel University

Drexel University is a private research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its Center for Military and Veteran Services ensures that student-veterans and military dependents can access high-quality campus services with ease.

Because Drexel is private, the GI bill won't fully cover tuition. However, through the Yellow Ribbon Program, Drexel will cover the remaining tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't cover for all eligible students.

5. La Salle University

La Salle University is a private, Catholic university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's a member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC), an organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities for service members and their families.

La Salle provides $10,500 yearly for 100 students through the Yellow Ribbon Program, which should cover the remaining tuition after the Post-9/11 GI Bill is applied. It also offers scholarships for military students.

6. West Chester University

West Chester University is a public research university in West Chester, Pennsylvania. It strives to support students through its Greg and Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center.

Students at WCU could have their tuition fully covered through VA or military benefits. The university also offers benefits, like a veterans lounge, and an outward-bound program to military service members.

7. Shippensburg University

The Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania is a public university in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. Its Veterans Services Office offers programs and support for military members, veterans, and their families.

The university accepts military and VA benefits and also offers military scholarships. Additionally, students can access services like the Student Veterans Association and the Veterans Resource Center.

8. Millersville University

Millersville University of Pennsylvania is a public university in Millersville, Pennsylvania. It offers enrollment and financial aid assistance through its Veterans Resource Center.

The center and its certifying official will help students obtain military education benefits. The university also offers scholarships for members of the military and their family members.

9. Holy Family University

Holy Family University is a private Catholic university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its Veterans Affairs Programs help students reduce tuition costs and excel in their degree programs.

Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, Holy Family University provides up to $3,500, which almost completely covers the gap left by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Additionally, the university offers a tuition reduction to eligible military veterans and their dependents.

10. Eastern University

Eastern University is a private Christian university in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, with additional campuses in Harrisburg and Philadelphia. It helps military students access their education benefits and adjust to student life through its Center for Military and Veteran Students.

The university will pay the remaining tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't cover through the Yellow Ribbon Program. It also offers grants and work-study opportunities specifically for military students.

Does the U.S. Military Offer Free College?

Through programs like the GI Bill and military tuition assistance, many military members can attend college for free. We've listed some popular military education benefits below.

GI Bill Benefits

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers educational benefits through the different GI Bills. These include:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill: covers up to full tuition at an in-state public university or up to $28,937 at a public university, as well as books and housing, for students who served on active duty on or after 9/11
• Yellow Ribbon Program: part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon covers tuition costs that the bill doesn't cover, like additional costs to attend a private institution
• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty: covers tuition for training, degrees, and certificate programs for students who served at least two years on active duty
• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve: covers tuition for selected reserve members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard.

You can learn more about GI Bill eligibility through the VA's official website.

Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance

Every branch of the armed forces offers a tuition assistance program. These programs cover tuition at community colleges and four-year colleges and universities for active-duty service members.

Each branch has different eligibility requirements and caps for its program, for example, some may not cover education above a bachelor's degree. Speak with an education counselor or your student services center to learn more.

Military College Funds

All branches of the military offer college fund programs, except the Navy and Air Force. These programs add to your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

You'll enroll in this program when you enlist. Requirements can vary between branches.

FAQs About Military-Friendly Colleges in Pennsylvania

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about military-friendly Pennsylvania colleges.

Are There Online Military-Friendly Colleges in Pennsylvania?

Many of the Pennsylvania colleges listed above offer online programs. For example, Penn State offers numerous programs through its online World Campus.

Can the Military Get You Into Any College in Pennsylvania?

Being in the military does not guarantee acceptance into any Pennsylvania college or university you choose. However, military service can boost your application.

What Is Campus Culture Like for Military-Affiliated Students?

Campus culture for military students can be very different between schools. Many schools, including those listed above, offer a supportive culture for vets and military-affiliated students.