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Military-Connected Students

Whether you're currently serving in the military or have served previously, we're ready to help you make the transition to Illinois State.

  1. Home
  2. Admissions
  3. Military Veterans

Quick Facts

  • Military Friendly School

    Illinois State was named a Military Friendly School by Victory Media.

  • 450+ Military-Connected and Veteran Students

    We're proud to enroll and support so many military-connected Redbirds.

  • Best for Vets

    Ranked among the best U.S. universities for Veterans by Military Advanced Education & Transition and College Factual.

How to Apply

Please submit a Member 4 copy of your DD Form 214 (if applicable) to the Office of Admissions when you apply.

  • Freshman

    If you have never attended a community college (not including your service-affiliated community college) or other college or university.

  • Transfer Student

    If you have ever enrolled at a community college (not including your service-affiliated community college) or other college or university.

  • Returning Student

    If you ever previously enrolled at Illinois State as an undergraduate student.

  • Graduate Student

    If you have received a bachelor's degree and you plan to pursue a couple of courses or a graduate program/degree at Illinois State.

Military Credit

Students who have served at least one year of active duty and received an honorable discharge may receive six semester hours of elective credit. To qualify, submit a Member 4 copy of your DD Form 214 when you apply.

Transferring Military Credit

Concurrent Admissions Program

Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP) for Army Enlistees (Future Soldiers) is a partnership between participating colleges and universities, the Army Recruiting Command, and Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC). This program allows Future Soldiers enlisting in the Army or Army Reserve to declare their intent to enroll at a college or university at the time of their enlistment. ConAP’s intent is for Soldiers to transition directly from the Army or Army Reserves to their ConAP-selected college and puts Soldiers on track to utilize Army education benefits.

As a Future Soldier, your Army or Army Reserve recruiter can provide specific instructions on how to enroll in ConAP. Admission is deferred until completion of active duty service (after Basic and Advanced Individual Training for the Army Reserve). Please note, individuals must meet admission requirements in effect at the time of their enrollment and provide a Member 4 copy of their DD Form 214 (honorable discharge is required). Illinois State has a dedicated Veteran Admissions Liaison who serves at the University’s ConAP point of contact. This individual will acknowledge all Future Soldier ConAP requests and provide follow-up information regarding the admissions process.

For questions regarding ConAP or applying to Illinois State, please contact the Veteran Admissions Liaison at (309) 438-2181 or VetAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu.

Paying for College

Federal, state, and University financial aid programs are available to cover your cost of attendance—and veterans and active duty service members from out-of-state are eligible for in-state tuition.

  • GI Bill and VA Benefits
  • Military Scholarships and Grants
  • Financial Aid and Costs

Academic Support

We assist military-connected students in making a smooth transition into Illinois State through coordinated support efforts.

Students studying at Milner Library.

Veterans Advisor

University College's designated academic advisor for student Veterans is ready to answer your questions about courses, registration, and major options.

Students laughing as they walk to class.

Veterans Seminar

A 16-week, one-credit course that helps student Veterans in their transition to the University community, Bloomington-Normal, and civilian life.

Student working on a computer.

Veterans Study Center

A dedicated place for students to gather and study and to host programs to assist student Veterans.

Student Organizations

There are 400+ registered student organizations at Illinois State, including one just for military-connected Redbirds.

  • All Student Organizations

Veterans and Military Services News

Dr. John McHale holds a sword, surrounded by shelves of boxes
Professor authors acclaimed film script on the ‘Teacher’s Regiment’ veterans of Illinois State
U.S. Flag
Veterans Day Ceremony, November 11, 2024
man standing in cemetery
Being of service: A teacher and Army veteran inspires his students to honor those who died for their country

More Veterans and Military Services News

Questions?

Call (309) 438-2181 or email VetAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu to reach the Office of Admissions’ designated representative for Veterans and individuals still serving. The representative can assist you with the application process, provide referral for admissions counseling, and coordinate other University resources, such as educational benefits and disability accommodations.

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2024-09-06T12:11:10.404114658-07:00 2024
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