Various benefit programs for U.S. Armed Forces veterans are available if the veteran meets the program requirements and has remaining eligibility for the program. Veterans should check with the Veteran’s Representative in the Financial Aid Services Office to determine their eligibility and complete the necessary application requirements.
A person who is on active duty or who is an individual entitled to assistance as described in 38 U.S.C. 3679 (c), shall receive in-district tuition. Per 23 Administrative Rule 1501.501, members of the armed services stationed in Illinois are classified as Illinois residents for tuition purposes, without needing to meet the general 30-day residency requirement.
Source: 110 ILCS 805/ Public Community College Act
Important Information For Veterans, Military Students, or Dependents
All new students applying for Federal Education Benefits should go to the website https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/ to inquire what benefit(s) they are eligible for and what supporting documentation is needed to apply. The VA recommends application be completed online and sent using the Department of Veterans Affairs Education website https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/
- All new students and students changing schools or degree/certificate programs must notify the School Certifying Official.
- You must complete the SCC Request for Military Benefits form every semester to use your benefits.
- A copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) needs to be brought to Lisa Meyer as soon as possible.
- You must make satisfactory academic progress (SAP) in order to receive Federal Veterans Benefits and the Illinois Veteran’s Grant, Illinois National Guard, and the MIA/POW Scholarships.
- You must notify the School Certifying Official of any class or schedule change within 3 business days.
- Send all transcripts to the Admissions department. This includes; high school, college, and military transcripts. Do this as soon as possible to prevent overpayment and possible loss of benefits. An official military transcript can be requested through the JST https://jst.doded.mil/jst/
Information for New Student Veterans
Contact Lisa Meyer in the Financial Aid office with any questions you may have regarding your Veteran benefits at lisam@shawneecc.edu.
- Complete the application for Admissions.
- Request that transcripts from high school/previous colleges and/or military transcripts be sent to:Office of Admissions
Shawnee Community College
8364 Shawnee College Road
Ullin, IL 62992Military transcripts: Joint Services Transcript (JST) https://jst.doded.mil/jst/
- Submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): studentaid.gov (Shawnee Community College School Code: 007603)
- Submit an Initial application for GI Bill benefits to the Department of Affairs at https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/
- Apply for State of Illinois Veteran Affairs Benefits (if applicable):
- Illinois Veterans Grant (submitted electronically): Illinois Veterans Grant Application
- Illinois National Guard Grant (submitted electronically): Illinois National Guard Grant Application
- MIA/POW Scholarship (submitted electronically): MIA/POW Scholarship Application
- Register for classes
- Complete the SCC Request for Military Education Benefits form: https://shawneecc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SCC-Military-Benefits-Form.pdf
The following items need to be taken to Lisa Meyer in the Financial Aid office:
- SCC Request for Military Education benefits form: https://shawneecc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SCC-Military-Benefits-Form.pdf
- DD214 Member copy 4
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Letter of Eligibility from IVG, ING or MIA/POW Scholarship if applicable
- Copy of schedule
Information for Current Student Veterans
Contact Lisa Meyer in the Financial Aid office with any questions you may have regarding your Veterans benefits at lisam@shawneecc.edu
- Submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): studentaid.gov (Shawnee Community College’s Federal School Code: 007693)
- Notify Lisa Meyer if your Federal Veteran Benefits have changed
- Apply for State of Illinois Veteran Affair Benefits (if applicable):
- Illinois Veterans Grant (submitted electronically): Illinois Veterans Grant Application
- Illinois National Guard (submitted electronically): Illinois National Guard Grant Application
- MIA/POW Scholarship (submitted electronically): MIA/POW Scholarship Application
- Register for classes
- Complete the SCC Request for Military Education Benefits Form
Forms
Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance
Illinois National Guard Grant Application
Survivors’ or Dependents’ Request for Change of Program or Place of Training
Veteran’s Request for Change of Program or Place of Training