First and foremost, we want applicants to understand that they need to carry out three different application processes at the same time:

Apply for admission to Penn State

  • Web site: Penn State Undergraduate Admission: Steps to Apply
  • Deadline: varies based upon the type of admission. November 30 is the priority deadline for fall semester freshman to apply. Non-freshman, see the application website for dates.
  • Decision: communicated from University Admission Office to students at their home address via US mail. The letter that is sent is referred to as a student’s Offer of Admission.

Apply to the VA for education benefits

Websites:
For faster turn-around time, we recommend applying online whenever possible.

The student is the Veteran/Active Duty Soldier
Chapter Code Description Link Download Paper Application
Chapter 33 Post 9/11 Veterans Education Benefits Apply online VA Form 22-1990
Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill® Apply online VA Form 22-1990
Chapter 1606 Selected Reserve Education Benefits (National Guard and Reserves) Apply online VA Form 22-1990
Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation Apply online VA Form 28-1900
The student is a Dependent/Child or Spouse of a Veteran
Chapter Code Description Link Download Paper Application
Chapter 33 Application for Family Member to Use Transferred GI Bill® Apply online VA Form 22-1990e
Chapter 33 The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) Apply online VA Form 22-5490
Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Education Assistance (DEA) Apply online VA Form 22-5490

If you do not know which Chapter you should be applying for, contact the VA at 888-442-4551.

  • Deadline: rolling, allow at least 16 weeks to process your application prior to the beginning of the enrollment period
  • Decision: communicated from the Department of Veterans Affairs to students at their home address via US mail. The letter that is sent is referred to as a Student’s Certificate of Eligibility.

Apply for financial aid

  • Web site: Penn State Altoona Office of Financial Aid
  • Deadline: May 1 for maximum consideration
  • Decision: communicated from the Office of Financial Aid to the student (and parents of dependent students) via email, directing students to access their Friends of Penn State account to view their Financial Aid Package.

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