The Parent Institution Letter (PIL)
If you are receiving VA education benefits you may choose to take courses at more than one school in order to complete your degree.
If you choose to do this, some things to bear in mind are:
- the school that will grant the degree is your “parent/primary” school, and
- all other schools are your “secondary” schools.
If you're receiving VA education benefits, you must obtain a Parent Institution Letter (PIL) from your primary school to receive VA benefits at the secondary school. The PIL gives the receiving school assurance that the class, if completed successfully, will apply to your intended academic program.
You can request your PIL from your assigned academic adviser if you plan to take a course at an institution other than Penn State. If you wish to take another course at a different Penn State campus, then our SCO will provide you with your PIL.
Students requesting a PIL must have every intention to enroll at Penn State after completing courses at their current institution.