Attention Military-Connected Students!

Recent state legislation now requires public institutions of higher learning, State-related institutions, State-owned institutions, and private institutions in Pennsylvania to charge resident tuition rates to veterans, their spouses, and dependent children who do not currently reside in Pennsylvania. Resident tuition rates will also be extended to guard/reservists/active-duty members, their spouses, and dependent children regardless of residency, as well as any civilian personnel, their spouses, and dependent children employed at a Department of Defense facility who are transferred to Pennsylvania by the Department of Defense and who reside in Pennsylvania.

Please note, under this legislation, “Veteran” is defined as “an individual who served in the United States Armed Forces, including a reserve component or the National Guard and who was discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable. The term includes an individual described in 38 U.S.C. § 3319(b) (relating to authority to transfer unused education benefits to family members).

Please see the full act here: www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/li/uconsCheck.cfm?yr=2023&sessInd=0&act=14

In order to receive the in-state tuition, veteran and/or dependent status must be verified. For more information about the process to request in-state tuition based on this legislation, please go to the Office of Veterans Programs website, equity.psu.edu/offices/veterans-programs/qualifying-for-in-state-tuition.

*Please note, those students using Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits automatically receive in-state tuition and do not need to complete this process.

Priority Course Registration

Newly admitted students schedule their courses for their first semester at Penn State during New Student Orientation. After that, enrolled veterans are eligible for priority (early) course registration. Priority registration allows veterans to schedule classes ahead of the general student population.

To receive priority course registration, you will need to submit to Penn State Fayette:

  • A copy of your DD214 Member 2 or 4 copy (if you are a Veteran),
  • A letter from your command including dates and characterization of service (if you are actively serving),
  • Your Penn State I.D. number,
  • Your Penn State email

For more information about Priority Registration: http://equity.psu.edu/veterans/priorreghonorcord

Veteran Recognition at Commencement—Penn State recognizes those who have honorably served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces by awarding a red, white, and blue honor cord to be worn during commencement exercises in recognition of their duty and sacrifice. 

Student Veterans Organization on Campus—Penn State Fayette Student Veterans Organization is a club on campus that meets regularly throughout out the semester. The club participates in campus and community events thorough-out the year. 

Deferred Tuition—Veteran students in degree status are granted the privilege of deferring tuition during their first term. Deferments can be obtained from the Bursars office located in the Williams Builing. Please remember that tuition deferment is a privilege, and tuition must be paid by the next semester registration deadline in order to register for that semester. Timely payment will help to ensure that this privilege exists for all future first-semester Veteran students. 

Military Credits—If you are designated as a degree-seeking student, you may be eligible to receive physical education credits or health credits for your time in the military. It is necessary to have served for more than one year on active duty and to have obtained an Honorable Discharge. 
(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.)