Student

The Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Center and its participating colleges support our heroes and understand that the educational needs of veterans can be unique.

Use the resources below to help get the degree that you deserve.

Apply for GI Bill Benefits.

Your first step is finding out what education benefits you are eligible to receive. You can do this by going to the GI Bill Website or by getting a benefits application from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Certifying Official at the school you plan to attend.

You also should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA serves as the application for most federal and college-based financial aid, such as grants, loans and work-study funds, as well as the Pennsylvania State Grant.

Pennsylvania veterans and students who join the Pennsylvania National Guard receive special consideration for the State Grant and other financial aid programs offered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

Choose a School or Program.

You must attend a school and program approved for VA benefits in order to use your GI Bill. Use the Search for VA-Approved Education and Job Training Programs to find approved schools and programs by location and type.

Selecting a school will be easier if you know what you want to do professionally and the type of education you’ll need to attain that goal. Factors to Consider When Choosing a School: A guide before using the GI Bill (Second Edition) can assist you with this process.

Contact a VA Certifying Official.

All approved schools and programs have a VA Certifying Official who can assist students with the benefits process and exploring their educational options.

To find the VA Certifying Official at your school, go to the federal WEAMS Institution Search or visit the school website.

Get Credit Where Credit Is Due.

As a veteran or service member, you may be able to receive college credit for training, coursework or occupational specialty earned in the military, thus shortening the amount of time it will take to complete a degree.

Consider discussing these credit options with your college advisor:

• Credit from Colleges and Universities

  If you attended a college or university in the past, you may have transfer credit that can be applied to your new program. Use the Search for Equivalencies to see how credit transfers to PA TRAC colleges.

• Credit for Military Learning

  The American Council on Education (ACE) collaborates with the U.S. Department of Defense to review military training and experiences and recommend appropriate college credit. ACE’s credit recommendations appear in the ACE Military Guide and on military transcripts.

• Credit by Examination

  Colleges often award college credit to students who earn acceptable scores on standardized subject exams like the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), the Excelsior College Examination Program and the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST). Use the Search for Exam Equivalencies to learn which exams are accepted for credit by PA TRAC colleges.

• Credit for Workplace Learning

  You may be able to receive credit for professional development and training courses offered by business and industry. Check with the College Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT) to see what counts and if your college considers ACE credit recommendations.

Additional Resources

• PA Department of Education Division of Veterans/Military Education

  The PDE Division of Veterans/Military Education is the State Approving Agency for programs for Pennsylvania veterans, reservists and dependents to use their GI Bill Benefits.
  Learn more

• PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA)

  Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) provides quality service to the Commonwealth's veterans and their families, and oversees and supports the members of the Pennsylvania National Guard.
  Learn more

• Joint Services Transcript (JST)

  The Joint Services Transcript documents professional military education, training and occupation experiences of service members and veterans.
  Learn more