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  1. Home
  2. Offices and Divisions
  3. Academic Affairs
  4. Veterans Education Benefits

Applicant Checksheet

Checksheet Inquiry to Enrollment

Application to Enrollment, Penn State Admissions Process

  • Complete Application for Admission.
  • Include a copy of your military transcript along with your admissions credentials.
  • Receive Offer of Admission from Penn State.
  • Pay Enrollment Fees. See Offer of admission or log into Friends of Penn State Account. (NB: The VA doesn’t pay these fees.)
  • Complete your online math placement test (ALEKS). The invitation sent via email.
  • First-year and new transfers, sign up for New Student Orientation (NSO).
  • Complete your Preregistration Activity Guide and the Financial Responsibility Agreement in LionPATH.
  • Change of campus and re-enrollment students, meet with your new adviser to schedule classes.
  • Get Penn State Photo ID Card.
  • First-year and new transfers, attend NSO, meet with your adviser, and schedule classes.

Getting Approved for your GI Bill Benefits

  • Apply for your VA Education Benefits. Find the link to your correct application.
  • Receive a letter in the mail from the VA. This is your Certificate of Eligibility and details of what benefits you are eligible to receive.
  • Bring your Certificate of Eligibility to Penn State Altoona Office of Veterans Affairs in room C105 of the Smith Building.
  • Also, submit the following documents:
    • Veterans: Member 4 copy of DD214
    • Guard/Reserve: Notice of Basic Eligibility (Form 2384-1) and Member 4 copy of DD214
    • Voc Rehab: ask VA to submit Authorization (Form 28-1905)
    • Spouse/Dependent: no documentation required other than the Certificate of Eligibility

Getting Financial Aid

ALL STUDENTS: apply for financial aid even if you don’t anticipate you will need it.

  • Apply for Financial Aid at the FAFSA site.
  • Our Title IV School Code is 003329. Apply by May 1 for maximum consideration.
  • Consideration for some Penn State merit scholarships requires submission of the FAFSA.

Next Steps

Once a student has completed all of the steps outlined above, they should request to use their benefits for the current semester or future semesters.

  • Make an appointment to speak to the School Certifying Official (SCO), Ms. Jean Lasinski, 814-949-5282. Submit your Eligibility paperwork (see Getting Approved for your GI Bill Benefits, above) if you have not already done so.
  • Have an academic goal in mind. The VA will only pay for courses that meet outstanding degree requirements for your intended major.
  • You may be undecided at Penn State, but you must select a major to receive your VA Education Benefits.
  • Meet with the SCO and discuss your academic plan and scheduled courses. Make any necessary schedule adjustments to maximize your benefits.
  • Complete the New Student Information Sheet, Certification Request Form (CRF), and run/print your Academic Requirements Report or What-If Report. See instructions on the reverse of CRF. Submit all paperwork to C105 Smith.
  • Ask SCO if you are eligible for Priority Registration and the In-State Tuition Rate (if your residency is out-of-state).
  • Contact the SCO before you make ANY schedule changes between now and the end of the semester.
  • Once the SCO submits your paperwork to the VA, you will receive an email from the VA to your Penn State email account.
  • Receive Award Letter via US Mail. Bring this document to C105 Smith.

"GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

Veterans Education Benefits

  • Getting Started
    • Applicant Checksheet
    • I have never enrolled at Penn State, nor have I received VA education benefits.
    • I am currently enrolled at Penn State Altoona, but I have never received VA education benefits.
    • I have previously enrolled in higher education courses, Penn State Altoona or elsewhere. I have never received VA education benefits.
    • I have previously enrolled in higher education courses, Penn State Altoona or elsewhere. During that enrollment period, I received VA education benefits.
    • I am currently enrolled at Penn State or previously have been enrolled at Penn State Altoona, and I received VA education benefits during my enrollment.
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Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • College Leadership
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
  • Stay Connected
    • Faculty and Staff Directory
    • Offices and Divisions
    • Campus Calendar
    • PSUAlert Text Messaging Service
    • COVID-19 Information
    • Penn State Altoona Connect
    • Penn State Student Engagement Network
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