MILITARY

Achieve your education and career goals with the Peirce Protect & Serve® Grant!

Peirce honors the individuals and their families who protect and serve our country, and specializes in serving their academic needs. Here's why every year, hundreds of military personnel, their families and dependents choose Peirce College to complete their education:

  • Associate and bachelor's degree programs in Business Administration, Information Technology and Paralegal Studies.
  • The flexibility to attend classes online, or at our Center City Philadelphia campus, making it convenient to get your degree while working, or on active duty.
  • Accelerated degree programs with classes starting every month, so you can easily adjust your schedule should your needs change.
  • Support for a wide range of federal and state education benefits, grants, scholarships and financial aid programs.
  • Full accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, phone: 267-284-5000).
  • Peirce College is a Yellow-Ribbon School and is SOC (Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges) approved.

Your military experience may gain you college credit at Peirce College. The first step to claiming the credits you have earned is to request a transcript from your military branch. Peirce will review the transcripts submitted and provide you with a credit evaluation. For more information on requesting your transcripts, please see the links below:

Transcript Requests

Army: available to Soldiers, Reservists, veterans, ARNG members
http://aarts.army.mil

Navy and Marine Corps
SMART transcript
https://smart.navy.mil/smart

Air Force
Community College of the Air Force transcript
http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/transcripts.asp

Air National Guard
Contact your local Education Service Officer
http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/transcripts.asp

Coast Guard
Coast Guard Institute CG Form 1564; Official USCG T
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cgi/ve/official_transcript.asp



Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)

FTA is available for all branches of military service

Military assistance

  • Up to $4,500 per year (08-09 academic year)

Application for benefits

Pennsylvania National Guard Education Assistance Program (EAP) - PA National Guard only

Pennsylvania Army National Guard and Pennsylvania Air National Guard members may be eligible for 100% tuition payments for full-time attendance (12 credits or more per semester) or 50% tuition payment for part-time attendance. Contact your unit of assignment for eligibility criteria and application forms.

Military assistance

  • EAP - Full time $2,679 per semester. Part time $1,786 per semester. (08-09 academic year)

Application for benefits

  • Guardsmen apply for this benefit through their unit (readiness NCO).

Peirce College Pennsylvania National Guard Scholarship Competition

Veterans Benefits

Information Regarding Chapter Eligibility and Use of the Montgomery GI Bill:

Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

Effective Date: August 1, 2009
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is for individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. For updated information regarding Chapter 33 please click here to visit the GI Bill website >>

Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30)

You are eligible if you enlisted after July 1, 1985; served at least 2 years on Active Duty; your pay was reduced by $100 per month for the first 12 months of service; you have an honorable discharge; and you have not passed the 10-year delimiting date.

Application for benefits If you have never applied for benefits:

  1. Go to http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/education_forms.htm.
  2. Scroll down and select the 22-1990 link and fill out the form. You can fill out the application online. (It may take up to 2 months to receive your first check.)
  3. DD Form 214 (Record of Discharge)(Copy only)

If you have previously used benefits:

  1. Go to http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/education_forms.htm.
  2. Scroll down and select the 22-1995 link and fill out the form. You can fill out the application online.
  3. Veterans Benefits Request Form

Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserves (Chapter 1606)

You are eligible if you incurred a six-year enlistment in the Selected Reserves or the National Guard after July 1, 1985; completed initial active duty training; are serving in good standing in your unit; and you have not passed the 14-year delimiting date.

Application for benefits
If you have never applied for benefits:

  1. Go to http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/education_forms.htm.
  2. Scroll down and select the VA Form 22-1990. You can fill the form out online.
  3. DD Form 2384 (Notice of Basic Eligibility - NOBE)
  4. Veterans Benefits Request Form

If you have previously used benefits:

  1. Go to http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/education_forms.htm.
  2. Scroll down and select the 22-1995. You can fill the form out online.
  3. Veterans Benefits Request Form

Montgomery GI Bill - Reserve Education Assistance Program (Chapter 1607)

You are eligible if you were a member of the Selected Reserves or the National Guard and were deployed in a contingency operation for 90 consecutive days or more.

Application for benefits
If you have never applied for benefits:

  1. Go to http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/education_forms.htm.
  2. Scroll down and select the VA Form 22-1990. You can fill the form out online.
  3. DD Form 214 (Record of Discharge)(Copy only)
  4. Veterans Benefits Request Form

If you have previously used benefits:

  1. Go to http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/education_forms.htm.
  2. Scroll down and select the 22-1995. You can fill the form out online.
  3. Veterans Benefits Request Form

Veteran's Education Assistance Program (Chapter 32) and Vietnam Era GI Bill (Chapter 34)

Eligibility depends on the dates of active duty service; amount contributed; and recent VA legislation. Call the VA at 888-442-4551 to determine your individual eligibility.

Application for benefits - Chapter 32 (VEAP)
If you have never applied for benefits:

  1. Go to http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/education_forms.htm.
  2. Scroll down and select the 22-1995 link. You can fill out the form online.

If you have previously used benefits:

  1. Go to http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/education_forms.htm.
  2. Scroll down and select the VA Form 22-1995. You can fill the form out online.
  3. Veterans Benefits Request Form

Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)

Dependents of veterans (spouses and children ages 18-26) are eligible if the veteran has a 100% service-connected disability or the veteran's death was service connected.

Application for benefits
If you have never applied for benefits:

  1. Go to http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/education_forms.htm.
  2. Scroll down and select the 5490 link. You can fill out the form online.
    (It may take up to two months to receive your first check.)
  3. Veterans Benefits Request Form

If you have previously used benefits:

  1. Go to http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/education_forms.htm.
  2. Scroll down and select the VA Form 22-5495. You can fill the form out online.
  3. Veterans Benefits Request Form

Verification of Enrollment each month - WAVE system

  • Veterans receiving Chapter 30, 1606 or Chapter 1607 MGIB Benefits can use WAVE (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment) to submit monthly verifications.
  • The best day to verify is the last day of the month, even if it is a Saturday or Sunday.
  • WAVE is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can check on the status of your record and report changes to your enrollment directly to VA.
  • WAVE is the only system available to students worldwide.

Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)

Veterans who suffered a service-connected disability while on active duty and need vocational rehabilitation as a result of their disability (normally 20% or greater) may be eligible for benefits. Contact the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at the Federal Building, Harrisburg, PA, or call 717-221-3476 or 221-4445 or visit http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm.

For more information regarding Vocational Rehabilitation please contact Jeri Dmyterko, Supervisor of Billing, at 888.GO.PEIRCE, ext. 9120, or jdmyterko@peirce.edu.



Tuition Assistance

Members of the Selected Reserves and National Guard and Active Duty personnel may be eligible for tuition assistance from your respective service. Contact your unit of assignment or service education office for eligibility criteria and application forms.

Other Financial Aid

Additional financial aid may be available depending on your need and eligibility in the form of Federal Pell Grants, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS Loans and college-based aid. You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and fax a copy of the FAFSA, and a copy of your most recent tax return to the Peirce College Student Financial Services Department at 215-545-3671. Our school code is 003309.

State Grant for Veterans

Former active duty personnel who have been residents of Pennsylvania for 12 months; have an honorable discharge, are enrolled at least one-half time in an approved program of study of at least two academic years; and are not in default of an educational loan may be eligible for the grant. Contact PHEAA at 800-692-7392 for additional information and application procedures.

Peirce College National Guard Scholarship Competition

Peirce offers a one-time $10,000 scholarship exclusively to members of the New Jersey and Pennsylvania National Guard. Click here to complete an application to compete for the National Guard scholarship >>

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) Program

Peirce is a participating institution in the Department of Defense's expanded MyCAA program, which is now offering up to $6,000 to military spouses who are interested in pursuing degree programs, licenses or credentials leading to careers in high-growth, high-demand portable career fields. For more information on the MyCAA program visit https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa/default.aspx or click here (PDF) >>



Veteran Benefits & Financial Aid

I was on active duty and I am now in the National Guard (or Reserves). Should I use Chapter 30 or Chapter 1606 benefits?
You should use your Chapter 30 benefits first because they pay the most. After you have exhausted your 36 months of Chapter 30 benefits, you can then use up to 12 months of Chapter 1606 or 1607 benefits.

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 not to exceed a total of 48 months. If you have questions of which benefit to use, we recommend you go to the GI Bill website and "Ask a Question" or call the VA at 888-442-4551.

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 had 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. We recommend you contact the VA before making separation decisions. Log on to www.gibill.va.gov and click on "Education Benefits" then "Payment Rates" in the left column.

Must I report my veteran's education benefits to the Student Financial Services Department?
Yes. You must report your estimated benefit on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must report the number of months you will be receiving a benefit and the amount of the benefit based on the number of credits you are taking. For example, if you are a half-time student, report your half-time benefit. You may contact the Student Financial Services Department with any questions or concerns at 888.GO.PEIRCE, ext. 9370.

State Grant for Veterans
Former active duty personnel who have been residents of Pennsylvania for 24 months; have an honorable discharge, be enrolled at least half-time in an approved program of study of at least two academic years; and not in default of an educational loan may be eligible for the grant. Contact PHEAA at 800-692-7392 for additional information and application procedures.

Can I get financial aid even though I am receiving veteran's education benefits?
Yes, if you qualify.

How do I know if I qualify?
You need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All veterans are encouraged to complete and submit these applications each academic year. The FAFSA may be completed at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

What types of financial aid might I qualify for?
You may view the list of scholarships offered by visiting http://www.peirce.edu/FinancialAid/Scholarships.aspx.

Must I report my veteran's education benefits?
Yes, if you are receiving Chapter 30, 31, 32, 35, 1606 or 1607 benefits, you must report the number of months you expect to receive benefits and the amount you expect to receive each month on the FAFSA. You need to report the estimated amount you will be receiving based on the number of months you will be enrolled and the number of credits you are taking each semester.

If I do not know the amount I will be receiving each month, what should I do?
Visit www.gibill.va.gov where you can estimate the amount based on the current benefit rates and the number of credits you are taking.

Where do I report my veteran's education benefits?
You need to accurately report the number of months you will be enrolled during the academic year and the monthly amount of your benefits based on the number of credits you will be taking on the FAFSA application.

What happens if I do not report my veteran's education benefits?
An estimated amount of veteran's education benefits may be entered in your financial aid resource package. This amount may be more or less than what you will receive and will affect the amount of financial aid you receive. It is in your interest to report your benefits accurately.

How will I know if I will receive financial aid?
After you submit the FAFSA, on the web, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR will contain all the information you filled out on the FAFSA. If you have any corrections that need to be made, you may do so by going to www.fafsa.edu.gov. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will notify you separately about State Grant eligibility. The Student Financial Services Department will send you a Financial Aid Award letter for the upcoming academic year. These letters are mailed out in late June or early July.

What happens to my financial aid if I have a change in enrollment or my VA benefits or I receive additional funds?
If you change enrollment, receive additional funding, or incur a change in the type and/or amount of VA benefits, your financial aid award may be adjusted and funds may need to be returned. You should notify Student Financial Services of any of these changes.

Verification of Enrollment each month - WAVE system

How do I use WAVE?
Go to https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do and follow the login instructions

What else can I do on WAVE?
Has my request for benefits been processed?
Click on Benefit Status Information to see if the VA has updated your record to show your current enrollment. If you've received benefits in a previous semester, your record will display on WAVE.

Has my monthly verification "hit?"
You can see if your verification has been processed, including changes to your enrollment. Be sure to allow two business days for processing "no-change" verifications. It is not a "real time" system. Changes to your enrollment will take longer.

Can I start or change my direct deposit?
You can use WAVE to submit your direct deposit information. The information is sent to our Direct Deposit Center for processing.

Can I change my mailing address?
You are encouraged to keep you mailing address at the VA correct by changing it on WAVE.

Can VA send me a reminder to do my monthly verification?
If you choose, WAVE will email you a reminder to verify at the first of the month and again mid-month if you still need to verify. WAVE can also send you your password if you forget it.

Can I still use the phone for monthly verifications?
Yes, just dial 877-823-2378 and follow the instructions. However, for any changes to enrollment, you must use the WAVE System.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact Peirce College's VA Certifying Official, Shannon V. Begley, at 215-670-9380 or svbegley@peirce.edu.
Fax: 215-893-4347

Additional Information

  • Once a week your registration status is updated with the VA as needed. In order for the VA to consider you full-time you need to be enrolled in 4 classes or 12 credits per term (Session 1 & 2 = Fall Term) (session 3 & 4 = Spring Term) and (session 5 & 6 = Summer Term). It is best to register for all of the credits at one time so that if you are going to be a full time student your cert can be completed together.
  • At the end of the month you will receive, directly sent to you a check from the VA. You may use this check in any way that you see fit; please remember this check is not sent to Peirce to pay for your tuition. Most students receiving the GI Bill also use Financial Aid to cover the cost of classes since the check may not cover all of the expenditures.
  • Please verify your enrollment online each month using the VA's WAVE system.



General Information

Admissions Department
888.GO.PEIRCE, ext. 9000
admissions@peirce.edu

Admissions - Military Specialist

Steven Bird, Manager of Admissions
Email: swbird@peirce.edu
Phone: 888.GO.PEIRCE, ext. 9375

Montgomery GI Bill

Shannon V. Begley, Veteran Affairs Certifying Official
Supervisor, Enrollment Services
Email: svbegley@peirce.edu
Phone: 888.GO.PEIRCE, ext. 9380

Billing Information

Jeri Dmyterko, Supervisor of Billing
Email: jdmyterko@peirce.edu
Phone: 888.GO.PEIRCE, ext. 9600

Financial Aid

Lisa Gargiulo, Manager of Financial Aid
Email: lagargiulo@peirce.edu
Phone: 888.GO.PEIRCE, ext. 9370



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