Penn State World Campus Extends Tuition Grant to Military Spouses
University Park, Pa. (PRWEB) August 21, 2013 -- Penn State’s World Campus is extending its military-grant-in-aid to military spouses, effective for the 2013–14 academic year. Since 2008, the grant has been available to all members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including Guard and Reserves. The grant reduces tuition costs by 39–44 percent for students enrolled in undergraduate degrees, certificates and courses delivered online through the World Campus.
“Like the Department of Defense, Penn State recognizes it is the military family that serves, not just the service member,” said Ginny Newman, assistant director, Defense Sector Education. “That’s why we wanted to extend this educational benefit to military spouses.”
The 2013–14 grant lowers the tuition rate to $314 per semester hour, compared with the World Campus public undergraduate tuition rates of $518 for lower division courses and $559 for upper division courses. Penn State awards more than $600,000 in military grants annually.
“Spouses are the unsung heroes of the military,” said Capt. Israel Miller, Pennsylvania Education and Incentives Branch chief, Pennsylvania National Guard, Fort Indiantown Gap. “By recognizing this commitment and extending their grant-in-aid to spouses, Penn State has once again set the bar, which speaks volumes to our troops. Penn State continues to set the example of supporting our men and women in uniform by acknowledging the sacrifice of spousal service, long deployments, added responsibilities and increased financial burdens.”
Penn State’s tradition of extending access to education programs to the military began in 1859 with the introduction of military studies. Earlier this year, the University signed the new Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership agreement, reauthorizing its eligibility to provide education to military personnel, veterans and family members.
The University’s initiatives for service members and veterans include an Office of Veterans Programs, dedicated Military Admissions and Advising Team, military scholarships, and training programs for faculty and staff who work with these students. Penn State also participates in the Veterans Administration Yellow Ribbon Program and has been recognized as a military friendly school by several organizations.
Deborah A. Benedetti, Penn State Outreach and Online Education, http://www.outreach.psu.edu/, 814-238-4895, [email protected]
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