A significant increase in college-age children of post-9/11 veterans has led Pennsylvania to enhance funding for its tuition assistance program. The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) Educational Gratuity Program is receiving additional resources in the **2025–26 budget** to accommodate a doubling of applications over the past two years. Officials attribute this surge primarily to children of veterans from the **Global War on Terror**, who are now reaching college age.
The Educational Gratuity Program, which provides financial support to children of honorably discharged wartime veterans, has seen applications rise from **195 to 390** in just two years. This represents a **100 percent increase**, reflecting a growing need among families affected by the long-term conflict. The program specifically assists children of service members who are totally and permanently disabled due to service-related injuries, as well as those who died during wartime.
In November, **Governor Josh Shapiro** signed a state budget that raised funding for the program from **$320,000 to $350,000**. This increase aims to support current applicants while also preparing for future growth as more families from the **Global War on Terror** seek educational assistance.
Commitment to Veterans’ Families
Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of DMVA, emphasized the importance of this initiative. He stated, “As a new generation of students becomes eligible for educational support, we are reminded that our commitment to veterans and their families must endure long after the battles have ended.” Pippy noted that access to higher education is one of the most meaningful ways to honor the sacrifices made by military families.
The **Global War on Terror**, which lasted two decades, marks the longest continuous period of conflict in U.S. history, surpassing the combined durations of World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. As a result, the educational landscape is changing, with an increasing number of veterans’ children seeking higher education opportunities.
Under the Educational Gratuity Program, eligible students aged **16 to 23** may receive up to **$4,000** in total tuition assistance, distributed as **$500 per semester** across eight terms. To qualify, applicants must have resided in Pennsylvania for at least five years prior to applying, attend a school within the Commonwealth, and demonstrate financial need.
The program is administered through county veterans affairs offices, where families can start the application process at no cost. State officials expressed confidence that the funding increase is essential for the program to remain responsive to the rising demand, reinforcing Pennsylvania’s enduring commitment to supporting veterans and their families.
As the state moves forward, the focus will remain on ensuring accessibility and support for those impacted by the sacrifices of military service. This funding boost reflects a broader recognition of the challenges faced by veterans’ families and the importance of investing in their future.
