Educational Assistance Program (EAP) for National Guard members

A state-funded program that awards an education grant in the amount of tuition to qualifying National Guard members. Paperwork is initiated through the Guard unit, and should be submitted at least 2-3 months prior to the term. When eligibility is determined, the student receives an award letter indicating the amount of tuition payment; payment is made directly to the student’s account. Students who receive EAP are also eligible for the GI Bill.

Criteria for Eligibility

• Must be enrolled in an accredited Commonwealth of PA college that is PHEAA approved
• must be enrolled in approved program of education
• must be a member in good standing of the National Guard with an obligation to serve for 6 years from date of entry into the program. This obligation may be incurred through enlistment/reenlistment/extension
• must be a resident of Pennsylvania 12 months prior to enrollment
• must be a Private through Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer 1 or 2, or Lieutenant
• may not possess a Bachelor's degree or higher degree, if full-time
• may not be an ROTC Scholarship participant
• failure to complete the 6 year service agreement or being deemed an unsatisfactory participant will result in repayment of all monies paid under the EAP, plus interest & fees
• eligibility is limited to five years of full-time or part-time grants, or the equivalent

Application Process

• enlist, reenlist or extend enlistment for 6 years
• obtain application from PANG Education Officer, submit application, cost and promissory note for the EAP to the PANG Education Officer
• enroll in an approved program at a PHEAA approved school
• have PANG Education Officer verify eligibility and send application to PHEAA
• school and student are notified of student’s EAP eligibility; school verifies enrollment; PHEAA disburses monies to the school