FINANCIAL AID

Military and Veterans Student Benefits

Honoring Your Service — Supporting Your Future

At Stautzenberger College, we are proud to support those who have served. Whether you are a veteran, active-duty service member, reservist, or military family member, our dedicated team is here to help you navigate your education benefits and transition into a new career path.

Stautzenberger College is approved by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, State Approving Agency, to offer federally funded education and training programs for eligible beneficiaries. We are committed to making sure your military experience translates into academic and career success.


Using Your VA Benefits

If you’re planning to use GI Bill® benefits or other Veterans Affairs (VA) funding, here’s what you need to know:

  • Submit Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE): To activate your benefits, provide a valid Certificate of Eligibility or a VAF 28-1905 form to our Veterans’ Affairs Certifying Official.

  • No Delays, No Penalties: Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®) and Chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness & Employment) beneficiaries can attend classes for up to 90 days while the VA processes payment. During this time, you will not be:

    • Charged late fees

    • Denied access to classes, libraries, or other resources

    • Required to secure additional funding to cover tuition or fees

“GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information is available at benefits.va.gov/gibill.”


Reporting Prior Education

Students using VA benefits are required to report all previous postsecondary education.
You must submit official transcripts—translated into English if applicable—so we can evaluate them for possible transfer credit.

This helps ensure:

  • You receive credit for prior coursework
  • You don’t repeat previously completed material
  • Your benefits are applied as efficiently as possible


Programs Approved for Veterans

Not all programs are eligible for VA funding. Before you apply, check with our Veterans’ Affairs Certifying Official to ensure your program of interest is currently approved for military education benefits.

We’ll walk you through:

  • Which programs are VA-approved
  • What documentation is required
  • What costs are covered
  • How and when to expect disbursements


Additional Resources and Support

In addition to processing your benefits, Stautzenberger College provides support services to help you thrive academically and personally:

  • Dedicated Financial Aid Advisors: We’ll help you maximize your VA benefits and explore other aid like scholarships or workforce grants.

  • Career Services: Our team can help you build your résumé, practice interview skills, and connect with local employers who value military experience.

  • Student Services Support: We offer advising, tutoring, and coaching to help you adjust to student life and stay on track.


Start Your New Mission

You’ve served your country. Now let us serve you. Whether you’re transitioning from active duty or building a new path as a veteran, Stautzenberger College is here to support your goals with flexible programs, hands-on training, and a team that understands your needs.

Need Help? – Our financial aid staff
is here to Answer Your questions!