Military and Veterans Support

Find your academic future at PennWest.

Service members and veterans are an important part of the Pennsylvania Western University community. We look forward to welcoming you.

The first step in our admissions process is completing an application form. Choose the appropriate application below, then read further for instructions and requirements regarding your VA Education Benefits.

‍* Eligible service members must receive approval from an Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within the Military Service prior to enrolling.

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Resources for you and your family

PennWest is committed to providing an exceptional education to military service members, veterans, and their families. Whether you attend classes on campus or are 100% online, you'll receive the career-boosting education you need—and the flexibility and support you deserve.

Education benefits support

Do you need help transferring your military credits, using National Guard or Reserve benefits, navigating the GI Bill®, or Tuition Assistance? Our expert staff is ready to answer your questions, guide you through the PennWest admissions and benefits application process, and explain all of the opportunities that are available to you

Special benefits for you and your family

PennWest guides military-affiliated members through the admissions and benefit application process, and explains all opportunities that are available such as:

Transferring military credits
Using National Guard or Reserve benefits
Navigating the GI Bill® and/or Tuition Assistance
Obtaining on-campus work-study jobs, which are paid for through the VA

Costs for military members and their families

PennWest provides discounted tuition costs for active-duty members and veterans, as well as their eligible dependents when they enroll in online programs.

Undergraduates seeking an associate or bachelor's degree pay a reduced rate of $250 per credit, regardless of whether they are a Pennsylvania resident or live out-of-state (savings of more than $100 per credit).
Master's degree students pay $399 per credit, or 90% of the in-state rate, regardless of whether they are a Pennsylvania resident or live out-of-state (savings of more than $300 per credit for out-of-state residents).

Military and veteran students receive priority scheduling for class registration. This allows early course entry and scheduling prior to other students with the same class standing.

Veteran Success Lounges

Each campus provides veterans, military, and dependent students with their own space to relax, study, and meet fellow students. Each space has drinks, snacks, entertainment, coffee, furniture, computers, and CAC readers.

Military Services at PennWest

PennWest offers a broad range of free services to eligible veterans, their families, and significant others through the Department of Veteran Affairs and in conjunction with PennWest’s Veteran and Military Success Centers and Counseling Centers, including:

Individual and group readjustment for veterans who served overseas during hostile conflicts
Marital and family consultations
Alcohol and drug counseling
Support for homeless veterans
Women veterans' sexual trauma support
Employment counseling and guidance
Community Education
Liaison with VA facilities
Referrals to community agencies
Information regarding local and national veterans’ organizations and projects
Bereavement counseling

Contact Our Military and Veteran Services Team

Our military and veteran support services staff understands the unique needs of veterans, reservists, active-duty service members, and their dependents. We offer a range of services to help maximize your military education benefits and realize your goals. Take advantage of your benefits, learn about our military tuition discounts, search for scholarships, explore financial aid options, and more.

Lynne Berdar
Assistant Director of Military and Veteran Success
724-938-4076
veterans@pennwest.edu

Cory Shay
Director Military and Veteran Success
814-393-2655
veterans@pennwest.edu

Find your PennWest Campus

We invite you to find the campus that fits your interests, lifestyle, and ambitions. Take a virtual tour or plan a visit in person at one of Pennsylvania Western University’s locations in California, Clarion, or Edinboro.

Visit PennWest California

Just an hour from Pittsburgh’s thriving culture, PennWest California delivers a traditional university feel, including athletics programs, best-in-class modern housing, and one of the healthiest college lifestyles in the nation.
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Visit PennWest Clarion

Located in the Allegheny Plateau region of Pennsylvania, PennWest Clarion’s small class sizes—plus supportive faculty and staff—create a personalized learning environment ideal for students who want an intimate setting along with PennWest’s extensive range of resources.
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Visit PennWest Edinboro

Home to a beautiful 250-acre lake and natural surroundings, PennWest Edinboro attracts artists and outdoor enthusiasts as a college town and resort community located 20 miles outside of Erie.
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