Admissions > Veterans

	Founded in 1866, Thiel College has a long history of educating men and women of the military. We are proud to serve the educational needs of those who have spent years serving our country. At Thiel, we provide educational excellence, awareness of global issues, development of ethical and responsible leadership, and quality career preparation. We know that lives inspired by the truth and freedom found here at Thiel will continue to be committed to service in the world. I encourage you to explore how Thiel can help you reach your full potential. We look forward to helping you on the next part of your life’s journey! —Dr. Troy VanAken, president
	Thiel College has been named a Military Friendly School by G.I.Job’s magazine, which places it in the top 15 percent of colleges, universities, and trade schools in the nation when it comes to recruiting and serving military veterans.  Under The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, you could attend Thiel College for no out-of-pocket tuition expense.

Easy to Start Your College Career
Thiel offers military personnel and veterans a single point of contact and a simplified admissions process.  Senior admissions counselor Jennifer Pruzinsky specializes in the admissions of our military and veteran students. Jennifer can be reached at jpruzinsky@thiel.edu or by calling 724-589-2756.

Streamlined Admission Process
Present and former members of the military receive a free application process and their own custom-tailored application for admission. Students who have earned their high school diploma or GED are eligible to apply to Thiel. Enrolling members of the military will also need to submit:

• High School Transcript or GED
• ACT or SAT scores (or alternative ACT Compass Testing is available)
• College and/or Military Experience Transcripts
• DD 214 (If discharged, separated or retired from active-duty military)

Network of Advocates
Thiel boasts a network of advocates who are especially tuned in to the needs of our military students.  Students can find an advocate in the offices of financial services, admissions, student services, The Learning Commons, academic records and administration. Three faculty members who are also ex-military personnel serve as first-year advisors to our military students, Dr. Arthur White, Professor David Huddleston, and  Professor Dave Shaffer.

SERV (Supportive Education for the Returning Veteran) Program
Any present or former member of the military can ask to be a part of our SERV program. This program is specially designed to meet the needs of veterans who want the combined experience of college, with the camaraderie of working through their college experience in the presence of other military students. It offers Thiel’s network of advocates, along with added services such as grouping of vets in first and second year classes, a military student’s lounge and study area, special summer family programs, additional campus orientation, professional campus counselor and other services.

		"We chose Thiel because it was close to home, was small with better professor/student interaction, was known for its business and accounting majors, and also worked well with veterans. The campus and faculty have been very accommodating during the last four years and we are happy with the education and services we received at Thiel College. We would recommend Thiel to other vets and military personnel because of the flexible scheduling, the time professors will spend with you and how willing everyone on campus is to help you regardless of your situation!" Chris Mahoci, accounting and business administration, and Renee Mahoci, business communication. Both Chris and Renee were in the U.S. Army—Chris has finished his duties and Renee is currently in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Both graduated in May 2009.