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Veterans and Military Services

Scholarships

The following are some examples of available scholarships for military-connected students. Please review each for specific information and eligibility. Again, these are only a few examples; you are encouraged to do your research for other available opportunities. A good place to begin is with our Financial Aid Office .

AFCEA War Veterans Scholarship

The Armed Forces Communication & Electronics Association (AFCEA) Educational Foundation is dedicated to providing academic support to U.S. military personnel. Merit-based scholarships of $2500 will be awarded to persons on active duty in the uniformed military services and to honorably discharged U.S. military Veterans (including Reservists and National Guard personnel) who deployed abroad in support of one of the Overseas Contingency Operations (Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Inherent Resolve, or Operation Freedom's Sentinel). Recipients must be currently enrolled and attending classes in an undergraduate program (part-time or full-time) in an eligible STEM major degree program. Distance-learning or online programs affiliated with a major U.S. institution are eligible.

Scholarship awards are subject to availability of funding. Scholarship awards are restricted to tuition and course-related expenses, such as fees, books, supplies, and equipment that are required for the courses at the University. Please visit the AFCEA War Veterans Scholarship webpage for more information on the scholarship, or here for information on other scholarships offered by AFCEA.

AMVETS Service Foundation Veterans Scholarships

The Illinois American Veterans (AMVETS) Service Foundation is committed to supporting educational goals of our Illinois Veterans. A variety of both renewable and non-renewable scholarships are available to military-connected students (annual award amounts vary by scholarship and are based on eligible funding). Each award can be utilized for books, housing expenses, school fees, and tuition. Please visit the Illinois AMVETS scholarship webpage for specific information and how to apply.

IDVA MIA / POW Scholarship

The State of Illinois provides an education scholarship for the dependents of Veterans who are either 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. This scholarship is administered by the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) and covers all tuition and certain fees. To be eligible, the Veteran must have been an Illinois resident at the time of entry into active duty service. Please visit the Illinois Department of Veteran's Affairs webpage for specific details and information on how to apply.

Illinois Patriot Education Fund

The mission of the Patriot Education Fund is to provide financial and educational assistance to enlisted military Veterans (E-1 to E-5) and their dependents. We bridge the unintended funding gaps created by the Post-9/11 GI Bill by providing financial support to individuals pursuing bachelor and associate degrees, accredited technical training diplomas, and certified apprenticeship programs. The Patriot Education Fund provides multi-year/repetitive scholarships over and above the benefits provided by the Post‐9/11 GI Bill in order to help minimize the financial gaps.

Through an investment in education, the Patriot Education Fund’s vision is to honor and empower our service members and military families during their transition from serving our country into successful careers in the public and private sector. We focus our investments in those individuals and families who display financial need, while demonstrating the greatest promise that our investments in their lives will continue to benefit our Country and communities through their leadership. For more information, please visit the Illinois Patriot Education Fund.

Pat Tillman Foundation - Tillman Scholarship

Since 2008, the Pat Tillman Foundation has provided academic scholarships, professional development opportunities, and a national network to empower military service members, Veterans, and spouses. These scholars are making a difference in the fields of healthcare, business, public service, STEM, education, and the humanities. Each year, up to 60 candidates are selected from thousands of applicants to be Tillman Scholars.

Tillman Scholars are military Veterans and spouses with a high potential for impact as demonstrated through a proven track record of leadership, the continued pursuit of education, and the commitment of their resources to service beyond self. Scholars have a solid record of dedication and perseverance. They believe their best years of service are still ahead of them and are committed to strengthening communities at home and around the world.

Tenets of the Tillman Scholar Program include:

  • Scholarship - Annual funding for academic expenses, including tuition, books, and living expenses
  • National Network - Access to a community of high-performing peers, mentors, and industry leaders
  • Professional Development - Opportunities to advance knowledge, skills, and experience

The application is open to military Veterans (active duty service members including National Guard and Reserves who have served in pre- and post-9/11 service areas) and current spouses/surviving spouses pursuing a full-time bachelor's, master’s, or professional degree. Selection as a Tillman Scholar is merit-based. Tillman Scholars can anticipate an average scholarship of $10,000 per academic year.