Military Education Benefits
Did you serve, or are you currently serving in the military, and wonder if you have any benefits?
The answer is most likely you do! How about your child or spouse? It is possible they may have benefits.
Please remember that you must complete the VA Certification Request form at the beginning of each academic year in order to allow ESU to submit your enrollment to the VA.
GI Bill® Benefits
Although the VA does not allow universities to tell individual students what benefits to apply for, the following benefits are often used by ESU students.
- See How to Apply for the GI Bill at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to find out what benefits you may qualify for.
- See step-by-step instructions on completing the VA benefits application.
| Benefit | Qualification | Coverage |
| Post-911 (Chapter 33) | Served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty since 9/10/01 |
Chapter 33 covers:
Note: This is the only benefit that can be transferred. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserves (Chapter 1606) |
National guard or Reservist Enlisted for 6 or more years. Complete Initial Active Duty for training. |
Chapter 1606 covers:
|
| VA Veteran Readiness and Employment Program (VR & E, Chapter 31) | At least 10% veteran related disability |
Chapter 31 covers:
Note: This benefit requires that you have a VA Counselor. Learn more about VA Veteran Readiness and Employment Program benefits. |
| Survivors and Dependent Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) | Child or spouse of a veteran who has 100% Veteran related disability rating or who died in service |
Chapter 35 covers:
Note: Child may also be eligible for the Education Gratuity Grant. Learn more about Survivors and Dependent Educational Assistance. |
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Learn more about education benefits offered by the VA.
National Guard Student Benefits
Education Assistance Program (EAP) and Military Family Education Program (MFEP)
In addition to veterans' benefits, students serving in the National Guard may also use the Education Assistance Program.
The Pennsylvania National Guard EAP program covers the tuition determined by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education as well as a portion of the technology fee. It does not cover all fees. In order to qualify for this program you need to have a service commitment of 6 years, be a member of the PA National Guard and enrolled in a degree program. All paperwork is submitted through the unit.
Children/Spouse of National Guard may also be covered by the Military Family Education Program. The National Guard member must submit the paperwork through their unit. The program also covers the tuition determined by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher education as well as a portion of the technology fee. In order to qualify for the program the National Guard member must commit to an additional 6 years of service.
National Guard and Reservist: Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)
Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) pays a portion of tuition up to a certain amount every year. See how to apply based on your military branch:
- Army: Army Ignited
- Marine Corps: My Education
- Navy: Navy College Program
- Air Force: Air Force Personnel Center
- Coast Guard: Tuition Assistance
We realize that applying for benefits is tough, but we are here to help.
Just complete the form and we will reach out to you to assist.
Contact Us
Contact Information
- Campus Address
- Zimbar-Liljenstein Hall
- Phone:
- (570) 422-2830
- Fax:
- (570) 422-2849 (Fax)
- Title of Department Leader
- Associate Registrar, Veterans Services & Records
- Name
- June Pepe
- E:
- jpepe@esu.edu
