Military Resources
Dickinson Law is committed to military members and their families. As a University, Penn State has consistently been ranked as a top military/veteran-friendly school by numerous publications, including Military Times, GI Jobs and Military Advanced Education. Nestled in charming Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Dickinson Law provides close access to the U.S. Army War College, as well as many state and federal agencies. Our close-knit community works to assist veterans and their dependents in navigating the higher education system and helps to ensure the best use of the educational benefits for which they are eligible.
Dickinson Law meets the requirements of 38 U.S.C. § 3675 and participates in veterans VA education benefits programs, including but not limited to Chapter 31, the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program (formerly the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program), and Chapter 33, the Post 9/11 GI Bill®. Tuition and fees will be fully covered for veterans with 100 percent eligibility because Dickinson Law is a public institution of higher education with only one tuition rate. There is no gap for uncovered tuition and fees requiring Dickinson Law to be considered a Yellow Ribbon Program School. Dickinson Law’s application fee will be waived for any current or retired military personnel, active or reserve component. Veterans receiving educational benefits under Chapter 31 or 33 will not be assessed late fees nor have a negative service indicator applied to them.
Military Benefits Information
If you are a veteran, active duty service member, or dependent of either, you may be eligible for education benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Below is a list of several chapters of educational benefits with a brief description of each.
- Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill® — active duty and veterans; not transferrable to dependents.
- Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation — veterans who have at least a 10 percent disability rating are eligible to apply, however approval is not guaranteed; up to 48 months of entitlement possible.
- Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill® — active duty and veterans may be eligible for up to 36 months of benefit. This benefit may be transferred to qualifying dependents, with restrictions.
- Chapter 35: Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program — for spouses and children of 100% services-connected disabled veterans or of veterans who died in service; up to 45 months of entitlement are allowed.
- Chapter 1606: National Guard and Reserves — who have completed the initial Active Duty for training and 180 days of service in the Selected Reserves; may be eligible for up to 36 months of benefit.
- Chapter 1607: National Guard and Reserves — who have completed a minimum of 90 consecutive days on Active Duty after 9/11/01; may be eligible for up to 36 months of benefit.
- Tuition Assistance: Department of Defense Tuition Assistance program (also known as Federal Tuition Assistance – FTA) — If you are currently serving in the military, you may be eligible for funding. Check with your local Educational Assistance office for eligibility and enrollment requirements.
Student Action Items
- Apply for GI Bill® benefits with the VA by completing the process online. If you are deemed eligible, the VA will mail you a Certificate of Eligibility or Award Letter detailing your VA educational benefits.
- Apply for your GI Bill® benefits at Dickinson Law by sending a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility or Award Letter to our office.
- Establish a Penn State Access Account, which will allow you to set up a University email account, as well as a LionPATH account. Click here for more information.
- Sign up for eRefund from your LionPATH account. Student refunds can be electronically deposited into a bank account by logging into your Student Center and selecting Manage My Account/Make a Payment link. This will take you to the payment portal — on the left hand side, third box down, select the Click to enroll in eRefund link. A check will be mailed to the permanent address on file for any student who does not enroll in eRefund, resulting in a significant delay.
- If you are a Chapter 30, 1606, or 1607 benefit recipient, you must verify your enrollment monthly on Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE). You can also verify your enrollment monthly by calling 1-877-838-2778. This must be done at the end of every month to receive the previous month’s attendance/benefit.
- Changes in your enrollment status (add/drop, withdrawal, change of major, etc.) must be reported to the Office of Veterans Programs, as they may affect your benefit.
- Intention to graduate is the student’s responsibility and must be set by selecting Graduating This Semester in LionPATH at the beginning of the semester in which you plan to graduate. To receive an Honor Cord for veterans and actively serving military, see Priority Registration/Honor Cord.
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.