Yellow Ribbon Program
Montgomery GI Bill
Council for Adult & Experiental Learning (CAEL)
The Council for Adult Adult and Experiental Learning (CAEL) focus on making it easier for people to get the education and training they need by finding practical ways to link people's education to their jobs or future careers. CAEL also support ways to link learning from their work and life experiences to their educational goals - so they can earn their degrees and credentials faster.
Illinois Veterans Grants
Offered to veterans who have served at least one year of federal active duty service in the Armed Forces of the United States; or served on federal active duty service in a foreign country during a time of hostilities in that country and were honorably discharged after each period of federal active duty service; and/or are honorably serving you may be eligible for the Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) Program. Any member of the Illinois National Guard or a Reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States who meets the eligibility requirements is considered a qualified applicant for the IVG Program. Obtain an application and more information through College Zone.
TIP: Full tuition benefits are available at any state-supported college or university; tuition reimbursement of up to $250 per semester-credit hour is available at private institutions. Check with the specific institutions of interest to determine their policies regarding GI Bill tuition benefits.
Online financial aid form, scholarships and special grants specifically created for qualifying active-duty service personnel, veterans and/or spouses & dependents:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
AFCEA Educational Foundation
Marine Corps Tankers Association | MCTA
College Zone
Illinois Education Benefits
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Post 9/11 GI-Bill Benefits to Dependents (TEB)
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Survivors & Dependents Assistance (DEA)
National Military Family Association
Military Spouse Scholarships
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)
College Funding
Scholarship Programs of the Fisher House Foundation
The Tailhook Association
The American Legion Department of Illinois
Amvets
United States Field Artillery Association
Military.com Scholarship Finder
American Legion
Some posts may offer small college scholarships. Click "Find a Post" to find a location near you.
Free College Credit-by-Examination can be found at various colleges and universities in the area, including two-year programs at The City Colleges of Chicago and Oakton Community College, based on valuable military training and hands-on, real-life experiences. Check the websites below for more information or determine whether this free service is offered by any institutions of interest, not only for veterans and dependents but also for active-duty personnel:
TIP: Beyond reviewing the scholarship websites listed, which may change or be discontinued at any time, search for new military- and nonmilitary-related scholarships both online and through specific institutions of interest.
Also note that service men and women who have earned college credits from a federally-chartered degree-granting institution during their active military can submit credits earned for transfer to a civilian college or university to help complete the academic program of their choice.
