Veterans and Active Military | Fels Institute of Government

The Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania values the dedication to public service and unique experiences of the veteran and active military community. Fels is committed to providing military-affiliated students a robust public administration education with personalized academic and career support, whether continuing a career in the military or transitioning to civilian leadership.

"Earning an MPA through the Fels Institute of Government at Penn has significantly enhanced my ability to continue to lead and innovate within the federal government. Being able to merge my strategic military background with a strong practical and theoretical understanding of public administration has elevated my capacity to drive change in my role. I'm grateful for the opportunities my Fels MPA has provided me to continue serving the nation.”

- Dave Brimmer ‘22

Strengthening service and leadership

The Fels Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) programs build on the service and skills that military-affiliated students bring to their studies. Our programs integrate rigorous academics with experiential learning, equipping students with expertise in data analysis, leadership, and economics. Fels graduates leverage their educations to advance their careers in impactful roles throughout every level of government, the military, nonprofits, and the private sector.

Financial aid and benefits

The Fels Institute of Government and The University of Pennsylvania are committed to supporting military-affiliated students through a variety of financial aid resources:

Military Service Scholarship: Service members or veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces with at least two years of service are eligible for a Military Service Scholarship of $15,000. Service includes active duty and qualified reserve time (part-time and full-time) in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and is subject to verification.
Military Service Fee Waiver: Any applicant to a Fels Institute of Government MPA program who is an active-duty service member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces is eligible for an application fee waiver.
Yellow Ribbon Program: In accordance with the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, The University of Pennsylvania honors the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering tuition support to eligible veterans in collaboration with the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veteran education benefits are administered through the Student Registration and Financial Services office. Please contact the Office of Veteran and Military Engagement at veterans@upenn.edu for questions and assistance.

"GI Bill®" is a registered trademark of the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official US government website.

“I was at a point in my military career where I didn't know if I wanted to stay in active service or try to pivot to a different career on the civilian side. While I had years of practical experience in the military, I saw an MPA as a way to broaden my academic understanding of the public sector and my role in it as a leader. I knew regardless of whether or not I stayed in the military or got out, an MPA would equip me with the skills necessary to excel within the public sector. I looked into Fels specifically because they offered a top tier program that had an emphasis on practical experience and it provided me the opportunity to complete my degree without having to pause my career.”

- Matthew Groff ‘24

Contact us

For more information about the Fels MPA programs and admissions, contact felsinstitute@sas.upenn.edu.

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