Veterans and Active Military

The University of Pennsylvania has welcomed members of the military since our founding and many of history’s finest military leaders have earned their degree at Penn. From our decorated alumni to our esteemed NROTC program, Penn embraces those who serve our country. As a veteran in Penn LPS Online, you can expect the highest quality Ivy League education in an institution that values your background. Penn proudly honors the Yellow Ribbon Program and Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program and is a Leadership Scholar Program, Warrior Scholars Project, and FourBlock affiliate institution.

While studying at the University of Pennsylvania, you have access to academic support services that can make your transition into higher education as smooth as possible. Along with world-class facilities, professors on the forefront of their field and programs built to fit each student’s needs, you will find that veterans are truly a part of the fabric of Penn. Our non-traditional students bring their unique histories and expertise in their studies and our military population is a crucial part of Penn’s diversity in the classroom.

Student support services

Penn and the College of Liberal and Professional Studies offer tools and guidance to ensure every student’s success.

The Yellow Ribbon Program

In accordance with the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill®, The University of Pennsylvania will help cover the costs of tuition for undergraduate and graduate programs offered through The College of Liberal and Professional Studies. The Yellow Ribbon Program allows Penn to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition expenses for eligible veterans.

"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 at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

The Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (PHEAA)

The Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (PHEAA)Together with the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, PHEAA administers this tuition assistance program for students who enter into an eligible service commitment with the Pennsylvania National Guard.

In November 2019, the Pennsylvania National Guard Associations (PNGAS) announced Penn LPS Online as one of the 30 colleges and universities that have earned the inaugural PNGAS Guard-Friendly School designation. Developed by the PNGAS Education Advisory Council, the PNGAS Guard-Friendly School standards were designed to recognize colleges, universities, and trade schools that meet or exceed ten baseline criteria that create a supportive learning environment to assist members of the Pennsylvania Guard pursuing post-secondary degrees. Read more about PNGAS >

Academics and admissions

Penn LPS Online offers transformative educational experiences for non-traditional students seeking new paths and possibilities. We understand that many military-affiliated students have been away from academics for an extended period of time and Penn LPS Online values your military experience when it comes to admissions. Our advisors will help you find undergraduate, graduate and professional programs to fit your intellectual and professional interests—and one that fits your schedule.

Veteran education benefitstuition assistance, and Third Party Pay Contracts are administered through the Student Registration and Financial Services office.

University of Pennsylvania School Certifying Official contact:

Lynn Manuel
Veterans and Military Affiliated Coordinator
University of Pennsylvania
Student Service Center
Franklin Building, Room 150
3451 Walnut Street
Philadelphia PA 19104-6270
veterans@upenn.edu
215-898-1988

FourBlock Career Readiness Program

In addition to the career services that may be part of your program, student veterans have enhanced opportunities through FourBlock—a blended online and in-person veteran career readiness program made up of Fortune 500 companies, top universities, and high potential veterans.

Health and wellness

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at the University of Pennsylvania provides no-cost, high-quality, integrated behavioral health care for veterans and/or their family members in an independent, private setting. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for military families and veterans, including those from the National Guard and Reserves, regardless of role or discharge status.

Penn’s leave of absence policy

Should you need to withdraw from your studies due to active military service, Penn will support you in your re-entry to academics.

TRiO Veterans Upward Bound

The TRiO Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Program is a free, non-credit, non-profit, pre-college program federally funded by a grant from the US Department of Education. Students come to TRIO VUB from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania and Camden County in New Jersey.

Request information

Request information about one of our graduate programs in the College of Liberal and Professional Studies or the Penn LPS Online bachelor’s degree or certificate programs.

Contact us

Prospective College of Liberal and Professional Studies students are encouraged to reach out to the recruitment office at 215-898-7326 or lps@sas.upenn.edu.