15 Military Friendly Colleges in Pennsylvania

1Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Pennsylvania State University (PSU) Main Campus relies on the Office of Veterans Programs (OVP) at the University Park campus as a crucial resource, providing assistance to individuals receiving Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) benefits.

Participating actively in the Yellow Ribbon Program, PSU Main Campus extends financial support to 300 students, offering up to $15,000 each per year.

Veterans at PSU are entitled to receive transfer credit for their military training. The retention rate for full-time students benefiting from military benefits is 89%, while part-time students maintain a retention rate of 88%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $17,150
Grad: $29,692

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 624
Grad: 44

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: N/A
Part Time: N/A

2 Drexel University
3141 Chestnut Street | Philadelphia, PA 19104

Drexel University’s Office of Veteran Student Services is dedicated to assisting student veterans and military dependents on campus. This includes ensuring their familiarity with and access to campus services. Additionally, exploring the Drexel Veterans Association (DVA), the campus chapter of the Student Veterans of America (SVA), is highly recommended.

As part of its commitment, Drexel actively participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering an unlimited maximum contribution per year to an unlimited number of students.

Veterans at Drexel are eligible for transfer credit based on their military training. The retention rate for full-time students benefiting from military benefits stands at 91%, while part-time students maintain a retention rate of 78%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $30,059
Grad: $16,924

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 276
Grad: 240

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 91%
Part Time: 78%

3 Temple University
1801 North Broad Street | Philadelphia, PA 19122

Temple University is committed to facilitating a seamless transition for veterans entering college life. The Military and Veteran Services Center (MVSC) stands as an invaluable resource, providing guidance and assistance to students affiliated with the military, both prospective and current.

Actively participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Temple offers an unrestricted maximum contribution per year to an unlimited number of undergraduate students. Additionally, various awards based on the school or division are available for professional, graduate, and doctoral students.

Veterans at Temple are eligible to receive transfer credit for their military training. The retention rate for full-time students benefiting from military benefits stands at 84%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $16,496
Grad: $18,363

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 256
Grad: 72

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 84%
Part Time: N/A

4 University of Pennsylvania
34th & Spruce Street | Philadelphia, PA 19104

University of Pennsylvania (PENN) has welcomed members of the military since its founding. In fact, many of history’s finest military leaders earned their degrees at Penn. University of Pennsylvania Student Veteran Association (UPSVA) is a great group to join. This student org is for current and former military members. Plus, Penn participates in the Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program.

PENN participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers various awards to undergrad, graduate, and doctoral students. Amounts vary across its many schools and divisions.

Veterans may be eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 100%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $28,242
Grad: $31,035

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 25
Grad: 149

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: N/A

5 Pennsylvania College of Technology
One College Ave | Williamsport, PA 17701

Pennsylvania College of Technology (PCT) takes part in the Yellow Ribbon Program, providing up to $2,000 per year to an unlimited number of students.

Veterans at PCT can receive transfer credit for their military training. The retention rate for full-time students benefiting from military benefits is 94%, while part-time students maintain a retention rate of 75%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $13,266
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 223
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 94%
Part Time: 75%

6 Villanova University
800 Lancaster Ave | Villanova, PA 19085

Villanova University is dedicated to assisting veterans in achieving their academic aspirations.

Participating actively in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Villanova extends support to 35 undergraduate students, providing an unlimited maximum contribution per year. Additionally, 15 graduate students may also receive an unlimited maximum amount annually through this program.

Veterans at Villanova may qualify for transfer credit based on their military training. Notably, the retention rate for part-time students benefiting from military benefits stands at a perfect 100%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $32,144
Grad: $16,387

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 49
Grad: 48

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 96%
Part Time: 33%

7 Robert Morris University
6001 University Blvd | Moon Township, PA 15108

Robert Morris University’s (RMU) Center for Veterans and Military Families is open 24/7. The center serves all veteran and military students, and their families.

RMU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers an unlimited number of undergrad, grad, and doctoral students an unlimited max contribution per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 94%. And, the rate for part time students is 100%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $20,190
Grad: $12,765

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 75
Grad: 27

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 94%
Part Time: 100%

8 Duquesne University
Administration Bldg 600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282

Duquesne features a 14:1 student to faculty ratio and has nine schools offering degree programs at the baccalaureate, professional, masters and doctoral levels. In keeping with the school’s Catholic-Spiritan vision, the University Core Curriculum features liberal arts and ethical areas.

At the moment, it ranks #100 in Best colleges for Veterans category of U.S. News & World Report. The Office for Military and Veteran Students and the Veteran Center are two of the main places to learn about benefits and receive support. Duquesne offers services such as VA Certifying Official, Veterans Center, Commuter Services, VA Work Study, Student Veterans of America (SVA), Military Services Clinic, a Counseling and Well-Being Center, Veterans Law Clinic, and Army ROTC at Duquesne.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $22,485
Grad: $15,451

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 85
Grad: 46

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 89%
Part Time: N/A

9 Harrisburg Area Community College
1 HACC Dr., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110-2999

HACC offers 2 year degree programs both on campus and online and is a partner of the Community College of the Air Force. All MVAO staff are veterans or currently serving members of the Armed Forces, currently attending classes and using a GI Bill® benefit.

The college is proud to welcome veterans, currently serving members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents. Available on every HACC campus, the offices help you figure out how to use your military education benefits.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $3,565
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 276
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 77%
Part Time: 66%

10 West Chester University of Pennsylvania
University Avenue and High Street | West Chester, PA 19383

West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s (WCU) Greg and Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center is open to all military students. Spouses and dependents are also welcome. Plus, WCU has a Student Veterans Group (SVG). The group is for all Active Guard / Reserve, Veteran, and members of the military. Plus, it welcomes others who support them.

WCU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers an unlimited number of students an unlimited max amount per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 79%. And, the rate for part time students is 50%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $8,222
Grad: $9,816

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 137
Grad: 26

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 79%
Part Time: 50%

11 York College of Pennsylvania
441 Country Club Rd, York, Pennsylvania 17403-3651

York College offers undergraduate, graduate and professional studies. The school was recently named a Military Friendly School 2021-22 and is also a Yellow Ribbon program participant. That means that apart from being able to use eligible VA education benefits, the school offers support and resources.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $15,808
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 66
Grad: 4

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 75%
Part Time: N/A

12 California University of Pennsylvania
250 University Ave | California, PA 15419

California University of Pennsylvania (Cal U) strives to provide an exceptional education. That includes to military service members, veterans and their families. Cal U participates in Tuition Help programs for all branches of the military. The school has both a Veteran’s Club and Vet Center on campus.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 81%, while the rate for part time students is 100%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,722
Grad: $6,754

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 164
Grad: 81

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 72%
Part Time: 69%

13 Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus
1011 South Dr 201 Sutton Hall, Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705-1098

IUP offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs many of which are available both on campus and online.

As a student veteran, the Military and Veterans Resource Center is there to serve you and eligible family members. Here you could access help to determine eligibility and learn how to apply for various VA benefits for veterans, active duty military, National Guard members, reservists, spouses and dependents.

The school uses the ACE (American Council on Education) Guide to transfer work from the military as well as CLEP to award credit for experience. There are also military friendly policies for those called to active duty before the end of the semester. Choose a total semester withdrawal and a 100 percent refund of tuition and academic fees. Or, accept grade options.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,749
Grad: $6,623

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 75
Grad: 22

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 96%
Part Time: N/A

14 University of Scranton
800 Linden Street, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510-4699

University of Scranton is a Catholic and Jesuit school grounded in the liberal arts.

The school also takes part in the Yellow Ribbon Program and is a place you could if eligible, use VA education benefits. There is also a dedicated Student Veterans Organization, and Veterans & ROTC Resource Lounge.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $29,847
Grad: $12,973

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 19
Grad: 33

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 50%
Part Time: 100%

15 Millersville University of Pennsylvania
1 South George Street, Lyle Hall, Millersville, Pennsylvania 17551-0302

Millersville University offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels as well as certificate programs. The school was recently named a Military Friendly 2021-2022 Top 10 School which it stands proud of.

The Veterans Resource Center is full of information about enrollment, using benefits and more. Among these offerings is an in-state tuition rate for qualifying military connected students regardless of formal residency. There is also a detailed list of potential military scholarships from external sources.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $7,883
Grad: $4,458

# of Students

Undergrad: 87
Grad: 9

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 81%
Part Time: 100%