Planning on coming to ESU and you don’t know where to start?
We try to make it easy for you. Here are some step by step instructions for you to follow along with helpful resources. If you need any help, you can always reach out to us at veterans@esu.edu.
First Steps Checklist
- Apply to ESU.
- If you have not already done so, apply for your benefits at Vets.gov or VA.gov. Approximately 6-8 weeks after you apply you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility in the mail. Please bring the Certificate of Eligibility and DD 214 (Member 4) or NOBE to the ESU Student Veteran Center.
- Do your FAFSA. Fill out the application for 2025-2026 academic year, and use 2024 tax returns.
- Apply to use your VA Educational Benefits at ESU. Complete the VA Certification Request form.
- Order and submit your Joint Service Transcript. Air Force service members, order through the College of the Air Force.
- You may be eligible for EAP (Education Assistance Program). Applicants must sign a 6-year service agreement with the PA National Guard and not currently be receiving an ROTC scholarship. You can now apply online.
- If applicable, apply for Federal Tuition Assistance.
PA In-State Tuition Benefits (PA Act 14(2023) and HB804)
Effective December 23, 2023, PA Act 14 (2023) and HB804 amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Choice Act) and extends the benefit of in-state tuition rates to the following populations:
- All US Veterans (including spouses and dependents) who have a Pennsylvania address.
- Active-duty military (including spouses and dependents) who are stationed in Pennsylvania and lives in Pennsylvania, and
- Any civilian who works on at Department of Defense facility stationed in Pennsylvania and live in Pennsylvania (including spouses and dependents).
Your residency status may require you to supply extra documentation to ensure you receive the proper, in-state tuition benefits. All required documentation must be submitted to June Pepe. If the necessary documentation is not provided by the end of the add/drop period for the term, you will be charged out-of-state tuition.
The following populations are eligible for in-state tuition after verifying supporting documentation, regardless of VA educational benefits eligibility.
- All US Veterans (including spouses and dependents) who have a Pennsylvania address.
- Active-duty military (including spouses and dependents) who are stationed in Pennsylvania and lives in Pennsylvania, and
- Any civilian who works on at Department of Defense facility stationed in Pennsylvania and lives in Pennsylvania (including spouses and dependents).
If you intend to request a residency reclassification based on your veteran status, please contact the ESU Student Veterans Center in Zimbar Hall Room 160 before the end of the drop/add period for the term you are requesting reclassification.
If the necessary documentation is not provided, you will be charged out-of-state tuition.
Required Documents for Veterans (including Spouses & Dependents of Veterans)
- A Member 4 copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214 (DD214) in order to establish the veteran’s discharge date and a period of honorable active duty of 90 days or more (multiples of the veteran’s DD214 may be used to establish qualifying time period and service status)
- If the student is the spouse or dependent child of a veteran, proof of Relationship,
copy of:
- Marriage Certificate, or
- Birth Certificate, or
- Military ID card, or
- DEERS record showing relationship to Veteran.
- PA In-State Tuition Request Form
Required Documents for Active Military (including spouses and children)
- Statement of Service showing active-duty status
- Evidence (e.g., lease or utility bill with name and PA address) that the active-duty member lives in Pennsylvania; however, there is no requirement that the covered individual live in Pennsylvania for a specific amount of time in order to be eligible for in-state tuition and fees.
- If the student is a spouse or dependent child of an active military member, proof
of relationship, copy of:
- Marriage Certificate, or
- Birth Certificate, or
- Military ID card, or
- DEERS record showing relationship to service member
- PA In-State Tuition Request Form
Required Documents for Civilians employed on a Department of Defense facility located in Pennsylvania) (including spouses and children)
- Proof of employment at a Pennsylvania Department of Defense facility
- Evidence (e.g., lease or utility bill with name and PA address) that the DoD employed civilian lives in Pennsylvania; however, there is no requirement that the covered individual live in Pennsylvania for a specific amount of time to be eligible for in-state tuition and fees.
- If the student is a spouse or dependent child of an active military member, proof
of relationship, copy of:
- Marriage Certificate, or
- Birth Certificate, or
- Military ID card, or
- DEERS record showing relationship to service member
- PA In-State Tuition Request Form
Contact Us
Campus Address
Zimbar-Liljenstein Hall
(570) 422-2830
Associate Registrar, Veterans Services & Records
June Pepe
jpepe@esu.edu
