Military-Connected Applicants
We’re dedicated to supporting our active-duty service members, veterans, and dependents of individuals who have served in the U.S. Military.
Admissions Process
How you apply depends on your academic background, not your military-connected status.
Choose Your Path
Holistic Review
Your application will be reviewed according to first-year or transfer criteria.
In both cases, we consider:
- Experiences gained during military service
- Your academic opportunities and achievements
- Your personal story
Online Programs
Illinois offers several fully online undergraduate degree programs for transfer students. You’ll apply following the same process as other transfer applicants.
Explore Illinois OnlinePaying for School
There are several federal, state, and Illinois programs that can help cover your costs.
VA Education Benefits
Browse a list of Federal Veterans Programs.
State of Illinois Benefits
Browse a list of State of Illinois Veterans Programs.
Children of Veterans
The Children of Veterans Tuition Waiver covers four years of in-state tuition at Illinois.
Cost & Aid
Learn about other aid opportunities, estimating your costs, completing the FAFSA, and finding scholarships.
Chez Veterans Center
10+ Years of Serving Veterans
The Chez Veterans Center offers open, welcoming spaces for all military-connected students. As the largest and most comprehensive facility of its kind in the country, it’s designed to support you throughout your time at Illinois.
- Individual academic and career coaching
- Professional mentoring with CampMackall Veteran Mentoring Network (CMVMN)
- Behavioral health and wellness counseling and family services
- Support transitioning to university life
Redefining the Journey: Military Connected Support with Rob
We’re ranked #19 best college for veterans according to U.S. News.
Watch on YouTubeHousing
Explore University Housing
Graduate and upper-division halls offer a more private, mature environment and may be a good fit for veteran students.
Live Off-Campus
Students who are eligible to live off campus can consider University-affiliated apartments and ADA/accessible housing options.
Chez Veterans Center Residential Suites
The 14 residential units can accommodate a range of disabilities. If interested complete the Residential Application Form.
FAQs
Am I eligible to receive health insurance as a military-connected student?
All Illinois students are automatically enrolled in the university’s Student Health Insurance and billed a once-per-semester fee, attached to your tuition amount. You can choose to opt out of coverage if you don’t want to participate.
If you’re a veteran of the US Military Service, you may be eligible for VA healthcare. You can find more information, including eligibility and how to apply for health benefits, on the US Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Can my military training and experience be translated into college credits?
Transfer students are eligible to receive up to four semester hours of lower-division military science credit. You can find specific information about receiving military credit on our Policies & Procedures page, as well as information about receiving credit for education gained in the Armed Forces.
How does Illinois identify military-connected students, and how can I identify as military-connected?
Illinois gets its military-connected student numbers by identifying how many Illinois students are receiving military-connected education benefits. However, you don’t need to be officially identified or be receiving benefits to visit and join the Chez Veterans Center community; its doors are open to all students who identify themselves as military-connected.
Does Illinois participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program?
The Yellow Ribbon program covers out-of-state tuition costs for students who are currently drawing on Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. At Illinois, students who are eligible to receive these benefits also qualify for in-state tuition, which means they do not require the additional funds granted by the Yellow Ribbon program to cover tuition and fees!
What does it mean that Illinois is a Purple Heart School?
The University of Illinois was designated a Purple Heart School because of our longstanding commitment to military veterans. Being awarded this title means we’ve proven an above-and-beyond dedication to fostering veteran student success at our university!
Continue Exploring
Camp Mackall Veteran Mentoring Network (Career Development)
Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES)
Student Veterans of America, Illinois Chapter
Veterans Assistance Commission
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Mental Health Resources and Support