Veterans Resource Center

Getting Started - Joliet Junior College

Enrolling at JJC and applying for Military Education Benefits may be completed simultaneously.

• Apply to JJC

  As the first public community college in the U.S., JJC sends a warm welcome to all of our new students. We're so happy you're here!

  View JJC Admissions for information and our free application. 

  The Admissions page provides helpful links to guide you through the application process. 

   

• Follow Admitted Student Steps

  Visit the Admitted Students page 24 - 72 hours after you apply to JJC for information on accessing your MyJJC account. 

  While you wait for your MyJJC account to be created, get a step ahead and order your official Joint Service Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcripts. 

   

Getting Started - Military Education Benefits

Find out how to apply for your Department of Veterans Affairs and State of Illinois military education benefits.

• Veteran or Service Member

  Federal Benefits (GI Bill®)

  • GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.
  • Access information and apply at www.va.gov
  • Post 9/11 GI Bill
  • Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty

  Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserves

  New applicants will complete form 22-1990. Already approved and transferring to JJC? Please complete form 22-1995 to designate JJC as your school of record. 

  Veteran Readiness and Employment

  State of Illinois Benefits 

  Illinois Veterans Grant

  Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) 

  The program is available through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). The grant pays in-district and out-of-district tuition. Course and lab fees are the responsibility of the student and cannot be billed to IVG. IVG cannot be used towards noncredit courses at Joliet Junior College. 

  To be eligible for IVG, you must: 

  • Have served at least one year of active duty 
  • Have been a legal resident physically residing in Illinois within six months prior to entering the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Have physically returned to Illinois within six months of separation from the service and now be living in Illinois 
  • Have an honorable discharge status Not be in default on any federal student 
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress 

   

  Illinois National Guard Grant

  Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant 

  The program is available through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). The grant pays in-district and out-of-district tuition and student service fees. Any additional are the student’s responsibility and cannot be billed to ING. ING cannot be used towards noncredit courses at Joliet Junior College. 

  To be eligible for ING, you must: 

  • Active in the Illinois National Guard and served at least one year
  • Not be in default on any federal student loan 
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress 

  *The application must be completed every academic year*

   

  Check Your Application Status 

• Family Members

  Federal Benefits 

  Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance - Chapter 35 

  Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

  New applicants will complete form 22-5490. Already approved and transferring to JJC? Please complete form 22-5495 to designate JJC as your school of record. 

  Post 9/11 Transfer of Entitlement

  New applicants will complete form 22-1990e. Already approved and transferring to JJC? Please complete form 22-1995e to designate JJC as your school of record. 

  State Benefits

  Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Scholarship

  Check Your Application Status 

• Military Tuition Assistance

  This program is offered by certain branches of service for members still on active duty, or currently in the reserves. Please check with your branch of service for the application procedure. Completed authorization forms received back from unit need to be taken to JJC Student Accounts and Payments for processing.

  More information can be found at ArmyIgnitED,  militaryonesource or Department of Defense

• College Credit for Military Training

  Joliet Junior College will award seven college credits (four credits of physical education, HPR 101, and a three credit health class, BIO 103) to any service member who served a minimum of one year active duty, and was discharged honorably. Complete the Request for Military Credit Form and return to the Veterans Resource Center at JJC with a photocopy of the DD214, member 4.

  Students with military training should submit their official Joint Service Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcripts directly to the Registrar's Office. Transfer credit is awarded based on ACE (American Council on Education) recommendations and corresponding college curriculum. Course-Specific credit is awarded when possible. Upon receipt of the transcript, and completion of a Transcript Evaluation Form, transcripts will be evaluated by the JJC Academic Credentials Analyst, and any applicable credit awarded. More information can be found in the JJC Catalog under "Credit Without Attending Formal Classes."

• Called For Duty

  Called for Duty 

  A currently enrolled student who is called to military service with the U. S. Armed Forces (as defined in 330 ILCS 60/30) or who is requested to work for the federal government during a national emergency or a limited national emergency must present to the Veteran Resource Center documentation supporting the call to service.

  Military Orders should be uploaded with this FORM prior to the student leaving for military service.

  If the student is unable to upload or provide the order prior to leaving, please contact the Veterans Resource Center as soon as possible at VeteransBenefits@jjc.edu.

   

• Utilizing Your Benefits

  Please review the Student Veteran Handbook provided to assist you with navigating your benefits at JJC. 

  Student Veteran Handbook

JJC Documentation

To be eligible to utilize your educational benefits please review and submit the appropriate documentation.

• Veteran or Service Member

  New or Returning JJC Student

  Federal

  • DD214 (Member 4, or Service 2, 7, or 8
  • Certificate of Eligibility issued by VA
  • Prior Institutions Form
  • Request for Military Credit Form
  • Degree Planning Worksheet - Complete with your academic advisor
  • Veterans Benefit Request Form

   

  State

  • Letter of Eligibility for Illinois Veterans Grant or Illinois National Guard Grant
  • Veterans Benefit Request Form

   

  Continuing JJC Student

  • Veterans Benefit Request Form
  • Updated Degree Planning Worksheet

   

  Please submit all required documentation to the Veterans Resource Center by utilizing the online secure document upload, or visit the Veterans Resource Center, Main Campus - C1039. 

  Veterans Secure Document Upload Form

• Family Members

  New or Returning JJC Student

  Federal

  • Certificate of Eligibility issued by VA
  • Prior Institutions Form
  • Degree Planning Worksheet - Complete with your academic advisor
  • Veterans Benefit Request Form

   

  State

  • Letter of Eligibility for MIA/POW Scholarship 
  • Veterans Benefit Request Form

   

  Continuing JJC Student

  • Veterans Benefit Request Form
  • Updated Degree Planning Worksheet

   

  Please submit all required documentation to the Veterans Resource Center by utilizing the online secure document upload or visit the Veterans Resource Center, Main Campus - C1039. 

  Veterans Secure Document Upload Form

• Veterans Resource Center

  The JJC Veterans Resource Center is 1,700 square feet and provides a dedicated area for veterans to gather and socialize, study, have computer access, and space for meetings. The space is open to all veterans attending the college. Located on Main Campus; C-1039. 

Additional Information and Resources

• Apply for Federal Student Aid

  Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If eligible, these funds can be used with your military benefits. 

  Visit the Financial Aid page for information on how to apply. 

• Illinois State Statutes

  Eligible active duty service members, veterans, and their dependents will be charged in-state tuition and fee amounts in accordance with all applicable state and federal regulations and guidance. Eligibility is defined by the regulating agency.

  Higher Education Veterans Service Act Survey Results (PDF)

  *JJC offers Priority Registration to all student veterans*

• Principles of Excellence

  On April 27, 2012, President Obama signed Executive Order 13607; Establishing the Principles of Excellence for educational institutions service members, veterans, spouses, and other family members. Joliet Junior College fully complies with the seven principles and is dedicated to helping our veteran and non-veteran students succeed! Educational institutions participating in the Principles of Excellence program agree to the following guidelines:
  
  Provide students with a personalized form covering the total cost of an education program.
  The Financial Aid Shopping Sheet is a consumer tool that is designed to simplify information that prospective students receive about costs and financial aid so that they can make informed decisions about which postsecondary institution to attend. This can be found within MyJJC.

  Provide educational plans for all military and Veteran education beneficiaries.
  Each student can access his or her degree plan in the student-planning module located in MyJJC. A list of all degrees and certificates can be found on in the JJC Course Catalog.

  End fraudulent and aggressive recruiting techniques and misrepresentations.
  Joliet Junior College does not participate in high-pressure recruitment-marketing tactics. Joliet Junior College will not provide any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollment of federal financial aid (including TA funds) to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.

  Accommodate Servicemembers and Reservists absent due to service requirements.
  When a student is called to military service, he or she may opt to complete the class or request a tuition and fees refund, in accordance with state and federal laws. The students should present a copy of the “military service orders” to the Office of the Registrar prior to leaving. Information for Called to Duty can be found on the this page.

  A student returning from military service may re-enter as a currently enrolled student in order to be given priority registration for the most immediate semester upon return. 

  Designate a point of contact to provide academic and financial advice.
  Veterans and their families may contact the Veterans Resource Center: 

  • Veterans Coordinator Cheryl Hlavac
    Phone: (815) 280-2966
    Email: veteransbenefits@jjc.edu

  
  Ensure accreditation of all new programs prior to enrolling students.
  Joliet Junior College works with the State Approving Agency (SAA) to ensure accreditation of new programs prior to enrolling students in those programs.
  
  Align institutional refund policies with those under Title IV, which governs the administration of federal student financial aid programs.
  Joliet Junior College’s institutional refund policy aligns with the Title IV refund policies.

• Other Resources

  • Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital 
    • Joliet location
  • Center for Women Veterans (CWV)
  • Veterans Crisis Line
  • Counseling Services
    • Orland Park location
  • Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Student Veterans of America (SVA)
  • Illinois Department of Employment Security
  • Aid for Military Families Information