Immaculata University has again been recognized as a Guard-Friendly School by the Pennsylvania National Guard Association (PNGAS). Immaculata was one of the first educational institutions awarded Guard-Friendly School status, which began in 2019.

This designation identifies universities and trade schools that meet or exceed 10 criteria for creating a supportive learning environment for members of the Pennsylvania Guard and their families pursuing post-secondary degrees. The Pennsylvania National Guard Association Education Advisory Council developed the Guard-Friendly School standards.

One of the standards includes acceptance of the state’s Education Assistance Program, which provides eligible members of the Pennsylvania National Guard a tuition benefit equivalent to the yearly tuition rate set by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The tuition benefit is approximately $64,000 per Guard member.

“Your efforts play a crucial role in enriching the educational and support opportunities available to our servicemen and women, and we look forward to a continued partnership in fostering their success,” said Chad M. Rettew, Executive Director of PNGAS upon notifying Immaculata of the designation.

Immaculata Associate Professor George Schwartz, Ed.D. is a retired Army guardsman and understands the challenges that citizen-soldiers face while trying to earn a college degree.

“Guardsmen have unique responsibilities within their states that active-duty troops and reservists do not have,” he said. “Schools like ours, which make a deliberate effort to be flexible, accommodating and supportive of guard students, deserve to be recognized.”

Immaculata University is proud to support veterans and military members and their spouses who are pursuing higher education.

Learn more about Immaculata University’s benefits for these students and how the University has emphasized academic success, student outcomes, and faith-based values for more than 100 years.