Military & Veterans

One of few institutions to earn the Military Friendly distinction in the United States, Alvernia University serves military veterans through participation in GI Bill benefits, the Yellow Ribbon Program, military credit, vocational rehabilitation, tuition and education assistance and state grants.

Overview of the GI Bill

Active duty military members and veterans may apply for educational benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, a.k.a. the Forever GI Bill, has incorporated many changes to veterans’ benefits and broadens the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Some of the changes through the Forever GI Bill include:

• The removal of the 15-year time limit for the use of benefits for those who were eligible for Post-9/11 Bill benefits
• Allowing those who have received a Purple Heart on or after Sept. 11, 2001, to have Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at the 100-percent level for up to 36 months
• Allowing Purple Heart and Fry Scholarship recipients to be covered under the Yellow Ribbon Program
• Authorizing National Guard and Reserve members to receive Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
• Increased benefit levels
• Permitting active duty service members to use Yellow Ribbon Program benefits (effective Aug. 1, 2022)

Yellow Ribbon Program

A provision of the GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program provides payments for tuition and fees, along with a books and supplies stipend, for veterans who have served on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. In order to qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program, veterans must be eligible for the 100 percent Post-9/11 GI Bill amount. Alvernia University is a proud participant in the program and will match the agreements with the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay for a veteran’s education.

Benefits of the Yellow Ribbon Program

• Free tuition and fees
• Book and supplies allowance
• Applicable to all of Alvernia’s online programs

Are You Eligible to Take Advantage of the GI Bill?

In order to receive GI Bill benefits, you must:

• Be a veteran who served at least 30 days of continuous active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001, and be discharged because of a service-connected disability or have served 90 days of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, and received honorable discharge
• Be a Purple Heart or Fry Scholarship recipient
• Be a service member in the National Guard or Reserve

How Your Veterans Benefits Work

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Military Credit

As a member of the U.S. military, you may be able to earn credit for military training (including basic training). In order to receive military credits, forward a copy of your Joint Services Transcript (JST) to Alvernia. If you are U.S. Air Force personnel, contact the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) to receive your transcripts.

Other Military Benefits

Vocational Rehabilitation

Those who have suffered a service-related disability while on active duty and require vocational rehabilitation may be eligible for benefits through Chapter 31. For information, you can contact the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor by calling (717) 221-3476 or (717) 221-4445.

Tuition Assistance and the Education Assistance Program

Those serving active duty or are in the Selected Reserves or National Guard may be eligible for tuition assistance through their service.

Army National Guard and Air National Guard members in the state of Pennsylvania may be eligible to receive 100 percent tuition assistance for full-time enrollment (at least 12 credits per semester) or 50 percent for part-time enrollment through the Education Assistance Program (EAP).

To determine eligibility and obtain forms for either program, contact your unit of assignment or service education office.

State Grant for Veterans

For veterans who served in active duty and have been a resident of Pennsylvania for one year, have honorable discharge, are enrolled at least one-half time in an approved program for at least two academic years, and are not in default of an educational loan may be eligible for a state grant. For information, call PHEAA at 1-800-692-7392.

Additional Resources

You can find information regarding benefits for veterans at the links below:

• Benefit comparison and payment rate information
• List of veterans educational programs
• Information for overpayment or debt
• Apply for benefits
• Determine your eligibility for the Yellow Ribbon Program

Military FAQs

Do I need to complete enrollment forms each semester?

No, you only need to complete the Veterans Benefit Request Form (Green Sheet) for the winter term or summer semester if you would like to utilize your benefits. We recommend submitting the form to the VA Certifying Official on the same day you register for classes.

How do I start my G.I. Bill Benefits?

To start your GI Bill benefits, contact the VA Certifying Official by phone at 610-796-8356 or by email at financialaid@alvernia.edu. They will provide information and forms and answer any questions you may have about the process.

How long will it take for me to receive my benefits?

It usually takes about 8 to 10 weeks for initial processing of your application. Once you have been added to the system and you verify your enrollment monthly, you will receive regular monthly benefit payments.

How much will my benefit be?

To determine your benefit, visit the VA website’s Comparison Tool/Payment Rates.

I am a member of the military or a veteran. Am I eligible for any benefits?

Yes, as a Military Friendly School, we proudly offer military members and veterans benefits. For information, visit our Military & Veterans page.

I am Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation. Do I have to complete the Green Sheet?

No, you only need to complete the Veterans Benefit Request Form (Green Sheet) for the winter term or summer semester if you would like to utilize your benefits. We recommend submitting the form to the VA Certifying Official on the same day you register for classes. The VA Certifying Official provides your enrollment information to your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

I am in the PA National Guard and receive Education Assistance Program (EAP) funding. What happens if I drop a course?

The EAP will not pay for the course if you drop it during the drop/add period, and you will be responsible for any tuition charges. If you withdraw from a class after the drop/add period, EAP will pay your tuition. We recommend that you do not drop or withdraw from any courses prior to contacting the VA Certifying Official by phone at 610-796-8356.

I am planning on transferring to Alvernia University from another institution. Do I need to complete any forms?

Yes, you must complete the Change of Place of Training form: VA Form 22-1995 (for veterans) or VA Form 22-5495 (for dependents).

I have eligibility for both Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 or 1607 benefits. How many months of benefit may I use?

You may use up to 36 months of one benefit and 12 months of another, but you cannot exceed a total of 48 months. If you have questions of which benefit to use, it is recommended that you visit the GI Bill website and “Ask a Question” or call the VA at 1-888-442-4551.

I turned in my forms to the VA Certifying Official 8-10 weeks ago and did not receive my payment. What should I do?

Visit the GI Bill website and “Ask a Question” or call the VA at 1-888-442-4551. Those who are Chapters 30, 1606 and 1607 must verify their enrollment each month to receive their monthly benefits payments. You can verify your enrollment on the last calendar day of the month through the VA Web Automated Verification Enrollment or by calling the VA at 1-877-823-2378. If you have yet to receive payment but have verified your enrollment, please call the VA at 1-888-442-4551.

I was on active duty and am now in the National Guard or Reserves. Should I use Chapter 30 or Chapter 1606 benefits?

You are eligible for more funding through Chapter 30. Once those benefits have been exhausted and you have used up your 36 months of Chapter 30 benefits, you can use up to 12 months of Chapter 1606 or 1607 benefits. However, it is recommended that you contact the VA to determine what options are best for your situation.

If I am separated from the National Guard or Reserves, can I use my GI Bill benefits?

You may be eligible to continue using your benefits after you are discharged if you have established Chapter 1607 benefits before you are separated. You may be eligible to revert back to remaining Chapter 1606 benefits for the number of months you were deployed plus four months. In all cases, the VA determines eligibility. It is recommended you contact the VA at 1-888-442-4551 before making separation decisions.

What if I drop a course?

Contact the VA Certifying Official by phone at 610-796-8356 immediately if you drop a course. The VA will be notified and your benefit may be adjusted. We recommend that you do not drop any courses prior to contacting the VA Certifying Official. If you drop more than six credits while receiving GI Bill benefits, you may have to repay some or all of your benefit.