PA National Guard Military College Assistance Program (MCAP)
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Full scholarship (tuition, housing, food, uniforms) at Valley Forge Military College for 10 cadets a year who commit to the PA National Guard.
- How much
- Full tuition, housing, food and uniform costs (first 2 years at VFMC)
- Who qualifies
- PA National Guard Simultaneous Membership Program cadet at Valley Forge Military College (Early Commissioning Program)
- Must accept an 8+ year PA National Guard obligation and a commission on graduation; meet Army physical and officer academic standards; cannot combine with EAP/MFEP for the same service period.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- U.S. citizen
- When to apply
- Check dates Not published; 10 participants per year.
- How to apply
- Apply through Valley Forge Military College's Early Commissioning Program and the PA National Guard
- Provide proof of citizenship, physical and academic standards, a letter of intent and the ECP acceptance letter
- Contact mcap@pheaa.org or the DMVA Education Services Office
- What you'll need
- membership + state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (pheaa.org) and page 2
The details
First 2 years at Valley Forge Military College (VFMC) work as a full scholarship covering tuition, housing, food and uniforms. After that, recipients may use 2 more years of MCAP at a PASSHE university (tuition up to the approved rate plus food and housing) or a non-PASSHE PA school (tuition only). Requires at least 8 years of PA National Guard service (2 years as a VFMC cadet in the Simultaneous Membership Program, then 6-8 years as a commissioned officer). Limited to 10 participants per year.
More money from Pennsylvania
- PA Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP)up to $6,000 (currently), or unmet need if less
- Pennsylvania State Grantup to $6,000 per year (2026-27 maximum)
- PA Ready to Succeed Scholarship (RTSS)up to $3,000 full-time / $1,500 part-time in total RTSS + PA State Grant awards (2026-27); minimum $500
- Pennsylvania Internship Program (PIP) at The Washington Center$4,000-$11,000 per term depending on school type and term (anticipated 2027); short-term programs up to $2,500
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, West Virginia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
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