15 Military Friendly Colleges in Illinois

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illinois military friendly colleges

Funding for Military Friendly Colleges in Illinois

There are many military friendly colleges in Illinois. According to the VA, in 2017, 328 IL schools received Post 9/11 GI bill funds for over 17,000 students totaling over $133 million dollars.

There are six active programs offering benefits for veterans’ education. If eligible, all of these may be used to help fund a college education.

  • Post 9/11 GI Bill
  • All Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program (MGIB-AD)
  • Educational Assistance for Members of the Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
  • Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
  • Post Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

 

The most used benefit program is the Post 9/11 GI Bill. At Illinois colleges, 72% of the beneficiaries used the Post 9/11 GI Bill to help fund their education.

Military Program# of 2019 veterans eaRNING aid at ILLINOIS colleges
Post 9 / 114,782
MGIB – AD149
MIGB – SR1,011
REAP8
DEA700
VEAP0
TOTAL6,650

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA

 

15 Military Friendly Colleges in Illinois for 2020

These 15 military friendly colleges in Illinois are listed based on the total amount of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits awarded in the 2017 / 2018 school year. All of the data cited from the National Center for Education Statistics. Many of these schools take part in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, the colleges and the VA pay the tuition and mandatory fees not paid for by the GI Bill.

1Chamberlain University-Illinois
1221 N. Swift Road, Addison, Illinois 60101

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $4.35M

Chamberlain University has a College of Nursing and a College of Health Professions. Both offer campus and online programs. The school also has dedicated Military Enrollment Specialists who are familiar with military and veteran benefits. This enables them to walk you through the process of using your benefits at the University.

There are several military and veteran nursing programs that may be of interest. One is the Military to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This option may suit those who wish to transition from a healthcare role in the military to a civilian role as a registered nurse. Several post licensure programs are also available.

As a prospective student, you don’t need a GRE to apply. The school also offers qualified registered nurses special military tuition rates.These tuition rates vary depending on military status (such as veteran, active duty and military spouses).

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $8,197
Grad: $6,371

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 316
Grad: 277

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 67%
Part Time: 60%

2Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Lincoln Drive | Carbondale, IL 62901

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $3.82M

Southern Illinois University Carbondale was one of the first universities to offer degree programs on military installations. There is a Student Veterans Club on campus. Finally, SIU offers several tuition assistance programs for active duty military members.

As a part of the Yellow Ribbon Program, SIU-Carbondale offers up to 10 graduate students $4,221 each, per year.

SIU offers credit for military training. The school has a 77% full time student retention rate and a 79% part time student retention rate for military students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $8,218
Grad: $10,099

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 397
Grad: 56

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 75%
Part Time: 86%

3 Lewis University
One University Parkway | Romeoville, IL 60446

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $3.69M

Lewis University offers a number of resources to help military students and veterans transition to higher ed. Veterans, service members and service member family members do not pay an application fee. Plus, Lewis University has a chapter of Student Veterans of America on campus. The Military Education and Resource Center (MERC) serves as a community room. There, students can socialize, relax, eat, and commune with fellow veterans and ROTC cadets.

As a part of the Yellow Ribbon Program, Lewis University offers an unlimited number of Undergrad, Graduate, and Doctoral students various awards. The size of the award depends on the school or division, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 per year.

The University offers credit for military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 88%, and 100% for part time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $15,144
Grad: $8,390

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 201
Grad: 77

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 84%
Part Time: 100%

4 University of Illinois at Chicago
601 South Morgan St | Chicago, IL 60607

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $3.6M

University of Illinois at Chicago’s Office of Student Veteran Affairs offers support and fellowship. It conducts activities throughout the year, including the Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program, which is in conjunction with Jesse Brown VA Hospital.

The University offers credit for military training. Retention rates are 71% for full time and 100% for part time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $11,453
Grad: $19,197

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 194
Grad: 72

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 79%
Part Time: 44%

5University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
601 E John Street | Champagne, IL 61820

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $2.81M

University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign is committed to serving Vets, active duty personnel, National Guard and Reserve members, and qualified dependents. The school offers services to help them pursue their academic goals and be part of the campus community.

Illinois’ Veteran Student Support Services (VSSS) offers counseling, medical, and mentoring services. The school also has a Student Veteran Lounge and a chapter of Student Veterans of America called the Illini Veterans.

The University offers credit for military training. The retention rate for students with military benefits is 100% for full time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $14,049
Grad: $10,547

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 138
Grad: 83

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 93%
Part Time: 67%

6Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
IL State Rte 157 | Edwardsville, IL 62026

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $2.18M

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers a special rate for active military, reservists and National Guard for students. That includes those in undergrad or graduate programs up to a master’s degree. The Student Veteran Association at SIUE helps close the gap between military and civilian life for student veterans.

The University offers credit for military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 100%. For part time students, it is 50%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $8,120
Grad: $10,101

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 225
Grad: 35

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 79%
Part Time: 62%

7 Columbia College Chicago
600 South Michigan Ave | Chicago, IL 60605

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $2M

Columbia College Chicago’s Student Veterans Association (CCC – SVA) is a non exclusive club for student veterans and their supporters. They provide resources that help veterans navigate college. That includes getting info on federal benefits and health resources. Plus, the group offers an environment for veterans to socialize and feel comfortable.

CCC participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers 250 students up to $2,000 in grants each, per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit for military training. The retention rates for students with military education benefits are 89% for full time students. This rate is 50% for part time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $20,751
Grad: $15,584

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 95
Grad: 2

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 71%
Part Time: 27%

8 Northern Illinois University
1425 W. Lincoln Highway | Dekalb, IL 60115

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $1.96M

NIU is a public university. That’s key, since the Illinois Veteran Grant Program pays tuition and allowable fees for eligible undergrad, grad and law students at all Illinois public colleges! NIU has a dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service members, and their families. And, it has a Student Veteran Organization on campus.

The University offers credit for military training and experience. Retention rates for students with military education benefits are 71% for full time students. This rate is 57% for part time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,066
Grad: $7,286

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 177
Grad: 49

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 72%
Part Time: 44%

9 Illinois State University
North and School Streets | Normal, IL 61790

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $1.69M

Illinois State University’s Veterans and Military Services Office provides help to all of its military connected students. The Veterans Study Center is also a great resource. This center provides a place for students to gather, study, collaborate, or just take a break. It is also a venue for programs designed to help student Veterans.

The University grants academic credit for learning obtained in the military. The retention rate for students with military education benefits is 82% for full time students. It’s 67% for part time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,586
Grad: $6,543

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 167
Grad: 14

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 79%
Part Time: 56%

10 Northeastern Illinois University
5500 N Saint Louis Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60625-4699

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $1.61M

Northeastern Illinois University offers degree programs with online options. The school also has an ROTC training program.

The Veterans Services Office at Northeastern Illinois University provides veterans, active military members, and their families guidance on their federal and state military educational benefits. The Office strives to assist the military community with all aspects of their studies at Northeastern, as well as provide referrals at the state and federal level within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

NIU also awards a minimum of four credits to eligible veterans who have been honorably discharged and have served a minimum of one year active duty or in the guard/reserve. Veterans must submit copy 4 of their DD214 to the Admissions Review and Processing Office to receive this credit. Credit is also granted from military transcripts based on military service and training once you submit a transcript for evaluation.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $5,217
Grad: $4,250

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 247
Grad: 76

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 59%
Part Time: 42%

11 Benedictine University
5700 College Rd, Lisle, Illinois 60532-0900

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $1.43M

Benedictine University takes part in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The university supports those who have served our country and would like to start or continue their education. The school offers a streamlined admission application process for veterans. And, a quicker process specifically designed for veterans.Completing a FAFSA may help you obtain financial aid apart from your VA benefits.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $17,002
Grad: $13,286

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 31
Grad: 68

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 69%
Part Time: 50%

12 Southwestern Illinois College
2500 Carlyle Ave, Belleville, Illinois 62221-5899

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $1.31M

SWIC offers Veterans Services and assesses your military transcripts for credit. Veterans Services supports and aims to enhance the educational experiences of all Veteran students, dependents, and service members. As a student, you could expect access to support and advocacy, accurate information and a welcoming environment. You could also learn how to use your VA benefits and may receive guidance when ready to look for a civilian job.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $2,298
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 572
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 66%
Part Time: 44%

13 Western Illinois University
1 University Circle, Macomb, Illinois 61455

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.88M

Western Illinois University has an on campus Veterans Resource Center. Together with University departments and community organizations, the center provides coordinated services and resources in a one-stop location to help ensure that all veterans and service members have the support they need. Including how to use VA education benefits.

The University also awards credit for military training to eligible students. Veterans who have served in the National Guard or Reserves with less than one year of continuous active service may receive 4 semester credit hours toward their degree. Veterans who have served one full calendar year (or more) full-time active duty and received an honorable discharge may receive 8 semester credit hours toward their degree

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,608
Grad: $3,546

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 124
Grad: 18

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 67%
Part Time: 44%

14 National Louis University
122 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60603

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.82M

National Louis University has a Veterans Resource Center Website. If you are currently an NLU veteran or military-connected student who needs guidance or has a question regarding their program, support services or what education benefits are available, you could also contact the Veterans Program Director or Veteran Service Coordinator.

Military students at NLU may also be eligible for military tuition scholarships, book vouchers and credit for qualifying military training. For those who need it., the school offers individual and group tutoring, as well as career services. The campus also has an NLU chapter of Student Veterans of America.

The Air University Program is a partnership between the Air Force and civilian higher education institutions to offer Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) graduates with opportunities to earn their bachelor’s degrees. You could find the Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative NLU Partnership Program here.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,819
Grad: $6,844

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 61
Grad: 33

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 58%
Part Time: 24%

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*https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_311.15.asp

Sources for school statistics is the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

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