Best Military-Friendly Colleges in Illinois

Military students in Illinois can find several military-friendly colleges and universities in their state. These schools go out of their way to support military students and help them cover their tuition expenses. Students can use military benefits for colleges in Illinois properly with this guidance and support.

Many schools in Illinois are also covered under the Illinois Veterans Grant Program. Keep reading to find some of the best military-friendly colleges in Illinois.

Military-Friendly Colleges in Illinois

Multiple colleges and universities in Illinois can be considered military-friendly schools. They typically accept military education benefits and provide support as students transition from military service into a higher education setting.

Below, we've listed some of the top colleges and universities for military service members and veterans in Illinois.

1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public research university in Champaign, Illinois. Its Chez Veterans Center provides an open, welcoming space for all student veterans and military-connected communities.

Because UIUC is public, eligible students could completely cover their tuition costs through the GI Bill, military tuition assistance, or the Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG). The university also offers military scholarships, as well as a variety of support programs for active-duty service members, veterans, and their dependents.

2. Illinois State University

Illinois State University is a public research university in Normal, Illinois. It assists all military-connected students through its Veterans and Military Services Office.

Students can use their military education benefits and the IVG to cover tuition costs at Illinois State University or apply for one of the university's military scholarships. The veterans services office can help students with financial aid, admission, enrollment, and career assistance.

3. Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois. Its Military and Veteran Services office serves all veteran and active duty students and their family members.

As a public institution, students can use their military educational assistance programs and the IVG for tuition costs. NIU also offers scholarships specifically for veterans.

4. DePaul University

DePaul University is a private Catholic research university in Chicago, Illinois. It creates a seamless transition from military service to college courses through its Office of Veterans Affairs.

Because DePaul is private, students will not have their full tuition costs covered through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. However, through the Yellow Ribbon Program, DePaul can provide up to $12,500 yearly to eligible students, which will almost completely cover annual tuition costs.

5. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago is a private Catholic research university in Chicago, Illinois. Its Military Veteran Student Services offers support to help students with enrollment, healthcare, and securing their military or veterans benefits.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill won't fully cover tuition at Loyola Chicago. The university will pay tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't cover for all eligible students through the Yellow Ribbon Program.

6. University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is a private research university in Chicago, Illinois. It offers a customized application process, dedicated career counseling and programming, academic advising, social programming, tailored financial aid, unique housing, and student support services through its Veterans Services office.

The university is part of the Yellow Ribbon Program and pays the remaining tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't cover for all eligible students. It also hosts a Veteran Scholars cohort and partners with the Warrior Scholar Project and Service to School program.

7. Chicago State University

Chicago State University is a public university in Chicago, Illinois. It's classified as a predominantly Black institute that assists veterans and their eligible dependents through its Veterans Affairs Office.

Students at CSU can use their military benefits or the IVG to pay for tuition. Chicago State University allows military students to earn college credit for military experience, which can also reduce your overall tuition costs.

8. Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Southern Illinois University is a public research university in Carbondale, Illinois. Its Veterans Services office provides transition services to assist military members in making the switch to the academic environment.

Since SIU is public, it is authorized to accept military and VA education benefits and the IVG. Additionally, it offers a reduced rate for military members and veterans in bachelor's degree programs.

9. Columbia College Chicago

Columbia College Chicago is a private art college in Chicago, Illinois. It offers resources to help students apply for and receive their GI Bill benefits and hosts a Student Veterans Association.

Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, the college provides up to $3,500 yearly to all eligible students, which should cover remaining tuition costs. It also allows students to claim college credit for military and life experience.

10. Governors State University

Governors State University is a public university in University Park, Illinois. Its Veterans Resource Center helps military students navigate their VA education benefits, offers career planning assistance, and connects students with campus life.

Your GI Bill benefits, military benefits, or the IVG program could completely cover your tuition at GovState. There's also a Student Veterans Association on campus where military students can find additional support.

Does the U.S. Military Offer Free College?

Between the VA and the Department of Defense, the military offers several types of benefits that can allow eligible students to attend college for free. We've listed some of these initiatives below.

GI Bill Benefits

There are a few types of GI Bills, and each offers various benefits with different eligibility requirements. These include:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill: This bill will cover up to 100% of tuition costs at a public in-state university or up to $28,937 at private universities, and provide stipends for books and housing, for those who served on active duty on or after 9/11.
• Yellow Ribbon Program: This program covers additional tuition that the Post-9/11 Bill doesn't cover, such as tuition costs to attend a private or out-of-state public school.
• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty: This bill provides funding for degree programs and job training for those who have served on active duty.
• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve: This bill provides funding for degree programs and job training for selected reservists of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs runs these benefit programs. You can learn more through the VA government website.

Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance

All branches of the armed forces offer tuition assistance. These programs are for those currently serving, not for vets.

Eligibility requirements vary between programs. For example, some may require you to enroll as a full-time student or keep your GPA above a certain number.

Military College Funds

Most branches of the military also offer college fund programs. Sometimes referred to as ''kickers'', these programs add additional funding to your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

You'll enroll in a military college fund when you enlist. The Navy and the Air Force don't have college fund programs.

FAQs About Military-Friendly Colleges in Illinois

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about military-friendly colleges in Illinois.

Is College Free for Veterans in Illinois?

There are many ways military students can go to college for free in Illinois. Aside from GI Bill benefits and military tuition assistance, Illinois offers the Illinois Veterans Grant Program, which pays eligible tuition and mandatory fees for veterans at Illinois public colleges or community colleges.

Can the Military Get You Into Any College in Illinois?

The military cannot get you into any college in Illinois. While being in the military can improve your chances of acceptance, you'll still need to go through the application process like other students.

Is Illinois State University a Yellow Ribbon School?

Illinois State University is not a Yellow Ribbon School. However, as it is public, your tuition costs should be covered under the Post-9/11 GI Bill or the IVG.