Veteran and Military Students
For more than 50 years, College of DuPage has proudly supported veterans, active-duty service members, and their families with dedicated educational resources. Our Veterans Services team is here to help you navigate military education benefits and connect you with the student, academic, and community support you need to succeed.
Whether you're a service member, veteran, or eligible family member, we’ll guide you through the admissions process—from applying and using your benefits to taking your first steps toward academic and career goals.
Use Your Education Benefits and Enroll Today
- Submit the general admissions application.
- The application fee is waived for veterans and active-duty service personnel. Contact us via email at grosss384@cod.edu to receive the application fee waiver code.
Federal Benefits (Chapters 30, 33, 35 and 1606)
Federal Benefit (Ch 31: Veterans Readiness & Employment)
State Benefits (IVG, ING, MIA/POW)
- Apply for the Illinois Veterans Grant.
- Apply for the Illinois National Guard Grant. You will need to reapply every academic year to continue your eligibility. New applications are available each summer.
- Apply for the MIA/POW scholarship.
Tuition Assistance
Contact your Educational Services Officer (ESO) within your unit to obtain approval to use TA prior to enrolling at College of DuPage. More information on using TA for each branch can be found by clicking on the link for your branch.
MyCAA Scholarship
- Complete the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for additional aid. Completion of the FAFSA and subsequent awarding of aid can help defray costs when your benefits don't meet your expenses or when the VA is delayed in payments.
- College of DuPage's Title IV school code is 006656.
- Federal Benefits: Provide a copy of the COE for the education benefit you plan to use. Submit it the first semester at College of DuPage and upon request thereafter.
- State Benefits: For Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG), Illinois National Guard Grant (ING), or MIA/POW Scholarship, print your letter of eligibility from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) Student Portal.
- New Benefits:If you recently applied for military education benefits, submit your Application Confirmation to Veterans Services.
- Submission Options: Submit documents in person to Veterans Services or email to veterans@cod.edu. Include your COD student ID number in the message.
- Academic Transcripts: Request official, sealed transcripts from all previous colleges and universities you have attended.
Military Transcripts
- Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy Personnel: Request your official Joint Services Transcript (JST).
- Air Force Personnel: Request your transcript.
- Submit all official transcrips the Office of Student Records. Transcripts are official only if mailed in a sealed envelope and marked "official" by the sending institution.
- Call (630) 942-2259 to schedule your appointment.
- Before your appointment, learn if you need placement testing.
- After your appointment, you will register for your classes.
This form should be completed every semester by students utilizing military education benefits. It should also be completed anytime changes are made to your schedule (drops, adds, etc.). or you change your program or benefit.
Access the form through inside.cod.edu:
- myACCESS > Miscellaneous > Veteran Benefit Certification Request Form
The military education benefit you use determines whether you need to enroll in a payment plan. Contact Veterans Services with any questions.
You may request accommodations at cod.edu/access.
Join us! The Student Veterans of America Association at COD provides an opportunity to connect with other student veterans through monthly meetings and other experiences. Contact burfields@cod.edu for more information.