College Tuition Grants Available for Eligible Illinois Veterans

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is accepting applications for the Illinois Veteran Grant, which provides grants covering tuition and certain fees for eligible Illinois veterans attending a public university or community college in Illinois. 

Last year, the Commission awarded nearly 11,800 grants to Illinois veterans.  While the State of Illinois budgeted over $19 million to cover the grants, participating Illinois colleges waived an additional $5 million since the amount appropriated for the program did not cover all the eligible applicants.  Because the Veteran Grant is an entitlement by state law, universities must waive any portion of tuition and fees not covered by the Illinois Veteran Grant.  

In addition to Illinois veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, those serving in the Illinois Reserves and Illinois National Guard who meet the eligibility requirements are also eligible to receive the Veteran Grant.

 “The administrative rules governing the Illinois Veteran Grant needed revision, given that so many of our Reservists and National Guard members are now being called to active duty.  Those individuals undoubtedly deserve the same benefits of a college education as provided to our enlisted veterans,” explained Larry Matejka, Executive Director of ISAC.

Members of the Illinois National Guard are still eligible to receive the Illinois National Guard Grant, covering tuition and some fees, but those who have been called to active duty and are also eligible for the Illinois Veteran Grant may accept either grant.  Last year, approximately 2,000 members of the Illinois National Guard received National Guard grants, totaling $4.5 million.

Members of the Illinois Reserves who have served active duty may now receive the Illinois Veteran Grant while they are still in the Reserves, rather than waiting until the end of their initial enlistment period. 

“After these individuals have left their families and loved ones, not to mention their livelihoods, to serve their country and risk sacrificing their lives, it is only right that we do everything possible to ensure that veterans receive all the benefits they are entitled to, including a college education,” stated Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn, in support of the programs. 

Eligibility guidelines, applications, and additional information regarding the Illinois Veteran Grant or Illinois National Guard Grant can be found at collegezone.com or by calling 800-899-ISAC (4722).

About ISAC
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is the State’s centralized provider of financial assistance aimed at helping students and families access postsecondary education and/or training. Each year, the Commission awards an estimated $400 million in scholarship and grant aid to nearly 185,000 qualified students, and also provides an additional $740 million to borrowers through its student loan programs. The agency offers credit-based alternative loans, a 529 prepaid tuition program known as College Illinois!, and a broad array of outreach and informational services to ensure that families have access to the information they need to pay for a college education. More information is available by calling toll-free 800.899.ISAC (4722) or visiting the agency’s Web site at www.collegezone.com.