Veterans
First Steps
- Apply for U of I admission (Enter fee waiver code "service" to waive application fee for Veterans)
- Determine whether you are an in-state or out-of-state resident
- Read about the CHOICE Act
- Out-of-state residents may qualify for the Yellow Ribbon tuition assistance program.
- Transfer military and other institutional transcripts.
- Army, Navy, Marines, & Coast Guard use Joint Services Transcript.
- Air Force uses Community College of the Air Force
- Visit Financial Aid
- Students using VA education benefits may still be eligible for financial aid.
- Applying for all university merit-based scholarships and financial aid is a simple step-by-step process. Learn more
Apply for VA Benefits on VA.gov
This will take 4-6 weeks. Plan accordingly.
Our office highly recommends students set up direct deposit. You will need your bank account information, including routing number and your account number.
Schedule On-Campus or Phone Interview
Schedule a meeting or phone interview with Military and Veterans Coordinator Matthew Barber. Bring Certificate of Eligibility or most recent award letter to interview.
Request GI Bill Certification
Students must submit a GI Bill Certification Request after registering for classes each semester to obtain their GI Bill benefits.
Students using the Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) qualify for:
- Textbook Stipends – Based on number of credits taken, student can receive up to $1,000 per year, $41.67 per credit or $125 per three-credit class.
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)/Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) – Up to $1,307 per full month (100 percent eligibility)