Penn State University has an online campus known as Penn State World Campus that offers degrees and certificate programs for students who cannot attend school in person. This format has allowed the World Campus to be ranked as one of the best schools for Veterans and military members.
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Penn State World Campus: One of the Top 5 Best Schools for Veterans
In Military Times’ rankings of the best schools for Veterans, Penn State World Campus was ranked 40th overall and 5th for best online schools for Veterans. The online program is geared toward students who aren’t able to follow the traditional path of college life. Through the online program, Veterans and military students can fulfill their responsibilities with work and family while still having access to and balancing their education.
More than 2,600 students affiliated with the military, whether they be Veterans, service members, or their spouses, attended the World Campus for the fall semester of 2021. In 2022, there were more than 400 military graduates at the school. Greg Bond, director of military education, stated, “Our students’ success is our mission, and World Campus is dedicated to providing service members, their spouses, and Veterans with the flexibility and convenience needed during their educational journeys.”
Services Provided at World Campus Penn State
A big reason that PSU World Campus ranks 5th among the best online schools for military Veterans is that it’s also one of the most affordable military schools. The campus offers a Military Grant-in-Aid, supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which decreases the cost of undergraduate tuition. This makes it easier for military members to continue their education without having to worry about the financial hardships that may occur. By filling out an application, National Guard, active duty, reserves, and their spouses all qualify for the grant.
Here are more great financial benefits of attending this online university as a Vet:
- There’s an application fee waiver for undergraduate degrees for the military community and Veteran applicants.
- The school offers scholarships specifically designed for Veterans and military members,
- Many students can use Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and Tuition Assistance Top-Up benefits.
On top of these amazing benefits, another reason that PSU is one of the top online colleges for Veterans is because of the services provided for Veterans. Veterans have access to spaces for studying and socializing, DoD and VA benefits and financial aid, tutoring services, programs for mentorship, academic advising, and events specifically for military families and Veterans. On top of that, Veterans who are physically disabled receive assistance from the school.
Support for Students
Students are eligible for academic support, as undergrads receive academic advising at the World Campus. Many of the staff members are Veterans who can pass down their knowledge.
PSU offers support provided by Tutor.com, a tutoring service that’s free for DoD personnel, civilian employees, and their family members. There are also military advisers who help with academic planning when selecting classes, tracking graduation progress, and the management of training, relocations, and deployments.
Another World Campus PSU support benefit for military and Veteran students is that they can receive priority registration in choosing their courses. Picking classes before everyone else makes it easier for them to take the classes they need while handling their personal responsibilities.
There’s also career support for adult military members and Veterans. The program works to be flexible around everyone’s schedules, and the career staff assists in writing federal resumes and encourages students to participate in clubs, such as the Military Service Organization club.
Students with disabilities also receive support, as military advisers provide aid and assistance to those who need accommodations and academic adjustments.
Apply to No. 5 of the Best Online Universities for Veterans
The support provided by the World Campus and its staff members makes Penn State one of the best schools for Veterans. Academic and physical accommodations, support for careers and education, and opportunities for financial assistance relieve the stress that military members and Veterans may feel in continuing their education.
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Image: Penn State World Campus