Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency highlights MCAP program

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency recently highlighted Valley Forge Military College’s PA National Guard Military College Assistance Program (MCAP).

The MCAP scholarship provides tuition coverage for all four undergraduate years. Through this accelerated ROTC program, cadets earn an Associate Degree and attain the rank of Second Lieutenant in the PA National Guard in two years at Valley Forge Military College (VFMC) before continuing on to any Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) to complete their undergraduate degree.

This program is limited to just 10 scholarships annually and is only available at VFMC.

“At PHEAA, we are honored to be able to administer this program for Pennsylvania, and assist in aiding our PA Army National Guard cadets,” said Senator Wayne Fontana, Chairman of the PHEAA Board of Directors. “This is an excellent opportunity for these cadets to serve their nation and achieve higher education. I wish them well as they begin their training and prepare to serve this nation.”

The MCAP program is state-funded and administered by PHEAA on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

MCAP Scholarships are awarded based on a student’s merit and grades. The scholarship includes:

• Two years’ full tuition

• Stipend of $420 per month, freshman year

• Stipend of $420 per month, sophomore year

• A grant from VFMC to cover 100% of room and board while attending

• Commission as an officer in the PA Army National Guard 2 years ahead of traditional ROTC students

MCAP Scholarship cadets can transfer to any PASSHE school with 100% of their tuition covered. The scholarship covers up to the equivalent of PASSHE tuition rates at non-PASSHE schools in Pennsylvania; additional costs are the responsibility of the student.

“There are many paths to higher education,” said James Steeley, PHEAA President & CEO. “At PHEAA, we are dedicated to helping students find the path that is affordable while also meeting their specific needs. One of those paths allows students to serve their nation through the U.S. Armed Forces. We’re proud to administer this worthy program for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as these cadets train to protect and serve the state.”

The application for the 2027-28 academic year will open on July 1, 2026. All applicants will need to submit proof of citizenship, one to three letters of recommendation, an essay, and their SAT or ACT test score.

About PHEAA

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) was created by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1963 to provide affordable access to higher education for PA students and families. Over the years, PHEAA has become one of the nation’s leading providers of student financial aid services, offering the Pennsylvania-based PA Forward Student Loan Program and Keystone Student Loans, available to students and families in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. PHEAA also serves millions of students through guaranty, servicing, financial aid processing, and other programs.

PHEAA’s earnings are used to support the Agency’s public service mission and to pay operating costs, including the administration of the PA State Grant Program and other state-funded student aid programs. This contribution from PHEAA saves the Commonwealth millions of dollars each year. PHEAA continues to devote energy, resources, and imagination to developing innovative ways to ease the financial burden of higher education for students, families, schools, and taxpayers.

PHEAA conducts student loan servicing operations nationally as American Education Services (AES).