Prospective Students

Getting your military education benefits set up at NIU takes a few steps, and we are here to walk you through every one. This checklist covers what to do before your first semester, from applying for your benefits and receiving your Certificate of Eligibility to submitting your enrollment certification with our office. Work through the items at your own pace, and reach out any time you have a question. Some steps, like applying for the GI Bill, can take six to eight weeks, so it helps to start early.

Checklist

Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine eligibility for financial aid. Priority filing date is March 1. Attend a student orientation session and the Military Students Breakout session prior to the semester you begin coursework at NIU. Apply for the correct GI Bill with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Attach all supporting documents to the online application. Plan ahead: this process can take six to eight weeks to receive your Certificate of Eligibility. If you need assistance with this application, the VA contact is 888-442-4551. Once you have received your appropriate Certificate of Eligibility, take a picture of the letter or download it as a PDF if virtual. Submit an Enrollment Certification Form to Military and Veteran Services each semester on the website. On this form, you will also be able to upload the Certificate of Eligibility to the Military and Veteran Services office. Transfer students who received federal veterans benefits at another school must complete and submit the Change of Program or Place of Training form to the VA. Once Military and Veteran Services has processed your Enrollment Certification Request, you must verify your attendance each month you are enrolled in school. This will trigger your monthly payment. You can verify by phone at 877-823-2378 or online at the VA enrollment verification page. (Chapter 31, 33 and 35 students are exempt.)

State Grant and Scholarship Programs

The application for the Illinois Veteran Grant can be obtained online. Once the Certificate of Eligibility for the Illinois Veteran Grant is received, provide a copy of this form to Military and Veteran Services through the Enrollment Certification Form, which must be completed each semester the student wishes to use the benefit.
If the student is a member of the Illinois National Guard, they may be eligible to receive the Illinois National Guard Grant.
Review the eligibility for the MIA/POW Scholarship. If you believe you qualify, please reach out to our office with any questions, or ISAC at 800-899-4722.

Resources for Prospective Students

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.

Benefits and Aid

Contact Us

Military and Veteran Services
Peters Campus Life Building 160
DeKalb, IL 60115

815-753-0691
815-753-0943 (fax)
mss@niu.edu

Office Hours

Monday to Friday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Throughout the academic year