Pennsylvania’s Educational Gratuity Program supports children of honorably discharged veterans who died in service during a war or armed conflict, or have a service-connected total and permanent disability tied to that period. It can provide up to $500 per term or semester for as many as eight terms per child, with a published total cap of $4,000. It is need-based and paid to the institution, not unrestricted cash to the student.
The child must be between 16 and 23, have lived in Pennsylvania for at least five years before applying, attend an approved school in the state, and demonstrate financial need. To verify the parent, the state requires veteran status and relevant service or disability records. Aid may be used at approved colleges, trade schools, and apprenticeships within the Commonwealth, but the institution and term must be accepted by DMVA.
The application starts with the County Director of Veterans Affairs in the student’s county of residence, who can explain documentation and submission. Gather proof of family relationship, honorable discharge, service or disability, residency, enrollment, and costs before requesting review. State funding increased for 2026–27, but that does not guarantee an automatic award or remove the individual need assessment. Ask whether the school must send a bill and how the benefit coordinates with VA, Pell, and other scholarships.
Before accepting aid, confirm in writing who decides eligibility, which costs are covered, how renewal works, and which deadline applies to your cohort. Compare the award with the net cost at your school.
Read the aid-program profile and the FAFSA guide; your institution’s aid office can verify your individual case.
Educational Gratuity: criterios y ayuda vigente — Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Requisitos de Educational Gratuity en la ley estatal — Pennsylvania General Assembly.
Contactos de Educational Gratuity y oficinas de veteranos — Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Information checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Dates and funding can change by cycle; confirm current terms with the agency and your school’s financial-aid office before enrolling.
Confirm the active cycle, aid already applied, and final balance before committing to tuition or housing.
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Pennsylvania Educational Gratuity Program
Pennsylvania’s Educational Gratuity Program supports children of honorably discharged veterans who died in service during a war or armed conflict, or have a service-connected total and permanent disability tied to that period. It can provide up to $500 per term or semester for as many as eight terms per child, with a published total cap of $4,000. It is need-based and paid to the institution, not unrestricted cash to the student. The child must be between 16 and 23, have live
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Pennsylvania General Assembly · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Pennsylvania Educational Gratuity Program ↗
Primary source
Pennsylvania General Assembly · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Pennsylvania Educational Gratuity Program ↗
Primary source
Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.