Illinois Benefits for Veterans

Whether you are interested in joining the military, currently serving, a veteran, or a dependent, there are education benefits that you might qualify for. The following is a list of military-affiliated education benefits from the State of Illinois that you can use at Northeastern Illinois University. Be sure to check the full eligibility requirements and apply with sufficient time to allow for processing. 

Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG)

The Illinois Veterans Grant is administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). In order to receive educational benefits under this program, an applicant must be determined to be a "Qualified Veteran" and satisfy Illinois residency requirements. The Illinois Veterans Grant pays tuition and most fees at approved 2 or 4 year public colleges in Illinois. Please visit ISAC's website for more information and a full list of eligibility requirements. Applications are only required once and can be submitted online.

Illinois National Guard Grant (ING)

The Illinois National Guard Grant is administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). The grant pays tuition and some fees at approved 2 or year public colleges in Illinois. In order to receive educational benefits under this program, an applicant must have at least one full year of service in the Illinois National Guard and be a current member. Full eligibility requirements can be found on ISAC's website. Students must re-apply for this grant annually.

Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Scholarship (MIA/POW)

The Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Scholarship is administered by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. If you are the dependent (child or spouse) of a qualifying veteran, you may be eligible to receive the MIA/POW Scholarship which covers tuition and most fees at approved 2 or 4 year colleges in Illinois.

The veteran must have been an Illinois resident at the time of entering active military service, an Illinois resident within six months after entering active military service, or a resident of Illinois for at least 15 consecutive years after entering active duty as of the date of application. The veteran must also qualify under one of the following categories: Missing In Action, a Prisoner of War, died while on active duty, 100% disabled due to service connected disabilities, or died as a result of a service connected disabilities. Applications are only required once and can be submitted online.

Illinois ROTC Scholarship (tuition waiver)*

Northeastern Illinois University currently partners with Loyola University for the Army ROTC Program and the University of Chicago for the Air Force ROTC Program. Qualifying cadets are eligible for the ROTC Illinois State Tuition Waiver.

*The ROTC Tuition Waiver does not require an application. For more information, please email Veterans Services at veterans@neiu.edu.