UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State World Campus has been recognized again for its continued efforts to make a college education possible for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard.
World Campus received the "Guard-Friendly School" designation from the Pennsylvania National Guard Association (PNGAS), an association that advocates for the 18,000 members of the guard.
Penn State World Campus is the only fully online institution in Pennsylvania to be recognized as a "Guard-Friendly School."
According to PNGAS, it developed criteria to identify colleges and universities that actively accommodate the needs of guard members who are seeking higher education.
The criteria include the acceptance of military financial assistance programs, such as the Pennsylvania Education Assistance Program (EAP) and the Military Family Education Program (MFEP), that lower the cost of tuition for service members. In addition, World Campus offers a grant-in-aid program for undergraduate military learners and their spouses that further offset the cost of tuition.
Additional criteria include policies that safeguard military learners’ academic standing during periods of service and faculty and staff training to better support military-affiliated students.
“Making a college degree accessible to military learners is not just about flexibility — it’s about recognizing the sacrifices they make and ensuring they have the support they need to succeed,” said Karen Pollack, acting vice provost for online education at Penn State. “We’re proud that Penn State World Campus continues to meet the standards of a Guard-Friendly School, and we remain committed to helping service members and their families achieve their educational goals.”
Penn State World Campus has been offering a Penn State education online since 1998. It has a comprehensive selection of more than 200 degree and certificate programs and offers a variety of services to support military students.
Visit the Penn State World Campus website to learn more about its military awards and affiliations.