Current Student Benefits
GI Bill® Information
Information for students including how to apply for GI Bill® benefits with the VA and Penn State.
Benefits through Penn State
Tuition/Financial Aid
Information and resources on tuition and financial aid. Even if you are receiving VA educational benefits, you may qualify for additional student financial aid and are encouraged to apply.
New to Penn State
Helpful information in obtaining your Penn State identification card and establishing a Penn State Access Account.
Establish a Priority Registration/Honor Cord
Penn State recognizes those who have honorably served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces by awarding priority registration and a red, white, and blue honor cord at graduation in recognition of their duty and sacrifice.
Penn State Academic Calendars
The academic calendar is subject to change without notice. In preparing the calendar for an academic year, it is impossible to avoid conflict with some religious holidays. As conflicts arise, efforts are made to make special arrangements for students affected.
Course Scheduling/Registration through LionPATH
Students should consult with their academic adviser with regard to scheduling courses for each semester. Students' ineligible or not interested in Priority Registration (as above) should consult the University Park Registration Timetable to learn their first day to schedule.
Sign up for eRefund from your LionPATH Account
Student refunds can be electronically deposited into a bank account by logging into your Student Center and selecting, "Manage My Account/Make a Payment" link. This will take you to the payment portal - on the left-hand side, third box down, select the link that states, "Click to enroll in eRefund."
Verify your school enrollment
Chapters 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®) and the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
Students using Chapter 33 or the VA STEM Scholarship are required to verify their enrollment with the VA each month to continue receiving payments.
Verification options include:
- Text message (recommended for fastest processing)
- Online through VA.gov
For STEM Scholarship recipients, verification follows the same process as Chapter 33, except the email option is not available.
Learn more on the VA’s “Verify school enrollment for GI Bill benefits” page.
Chapter 35 (Dependents’ Educational Assistance – DEA)
Students using Chapter 35 benefits are now required to verify enrollment each month to continue receiving their monthly stipend.
Verification options include:
- Text message (recommended)
You’ll receive a monthly text or email from the VA asking you to confirm continued enrollment. Responding “YES” will release your payment for that month.
Learn more about monthly verification on the VA’s Verify School Enrollment For DEA Benefits | Veterans Affairs page.
Chapters 30 (Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty) and 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve)
Students using Chapter 30 or 1606 must verify enrollment at the end of each month through the Verify school enrollment for GI Bill benefits
OVP Student Sponsor Program
Peer mentoring program in which successfully transitioned student veterans (“Sponsors”) are paired with incoming student veterans.
Free Tutoring Services with Penn State Learning
Provided by Penn State Learning (PSL).
Changes in Enrollment Status
Information regarding add/drop, withdrawal, change of major, and other academic changes must be reported to the School Certifying Officials on your campus
Intention to Graduate
It is the student's responsibility and must be set by selecting “Graduating This Semester” in LionPATH at the beginning of the semester in which you plan to graduate. The commencement schedule for the semester is available online through the Registrar's Home Page. To receive an Honor Cord for veterans and actively serving military, see Priority Registration/Honor Cord.