Veterans Affairs
Benefits
If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for certain education benefits administered by the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
Click on links below for more information and how to apply.
Veteran Benefits Checklist (PDF)
Illinois Veterans Grant
This grant is awarded to eligible students who entered the military from the state of Illinois, served at least one year of honorable active duty, and returned to Illinois within six months of separation. The grant pays tuition and certain fees and is not based on financials need; however, students need to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Illinois National Guard Grant
This grant is awarded to members of the Illinois National Guard or the Illinois Naval Militia who have served at least one year and are currently in the guard or militia. The grant will pay tuition and certain fees for 120 credit hours of enrollment at any state supported institution.
Illinois MIA/POW Scholarship
This State of Illinois scholarship is available for dependents of servicemen/servicewomen who have been declared a Prisoner of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA). This scholarship covers tuition and fees and may be used for the equivalent of five years at any Illinois public college or university.
Montgomery GI Bill Educational Benefits (Chapter 30, 33, 1606, and 1607)
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides educational benefits under the Montgomery G.I. Bill-Active Duty Educational Assistance Program. The Department of Veterans Affairs determines eligibility requirements for Chapter 30 - Montgomery G.I. Bill for Active Duty, Chapter 33 - Post-9/11 GI Bill, Chapter 1606 - Montgomery G.I. Bill (Selected Reserve), and Chapter 1607 - Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP).
Federal Vocational Educational Benefits for Disabled Veterans (Chapter 31)
This program provides vocational rehabilitation services for veterans who have a service connected disability. To receive services, a veteran must be found both eligible and entitled. The outcome of these services lead to suitable employment that is consistent with their aptitudes and interests or achieving independence in their daily living.
Federal Education Benefits for Dependents of Veterans (Chapter 35)
This grant provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, who are anticipated to be released from a military hospital with 100 percent disability, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits.
