Veterans, reservists, and active-duty service members can now apply to Penn State free of charge, the university announced Thursday.

Penn State made this decision to help remove potential barriers of higher education for the military community.

The application fee waiver applies to any undergraduate program and campus, including Penn State’s World Campus.

“Applying for college can be expensive, especially for individuals in the military community who, by dint of their profession, receive modest pay, and who very often have families of their own to support,” Vince Timbers, interim director of admissions at Penn State, said. “By removing the application fee for this population, we hope to eliminate a barrier these individuals may face in applying for and attending college.”

Penn State’s application fee waiver stems from its involvement in the American Talent Initiative (ATI), in which a handful of universities hope to reduce barriers to higher education for lower income students. Penn State’s ATI steering committee hopes to increase veteran recruitment.

“The men and women who have served in the Armed Forces bring valuable life experiences, along with a diversity of thought and background, to the Penn State community, and this enriches the educational experience of all students,” Eugene McFeely, senior director for veterans affairs and services and ATI steering committee member, said. “By waiving the undergraduate admission fee for members of the military community, Penn State stands to gain even more than it gives.”

For more information, check out the Office of Veterans Programs website.