Veterans Resource Center
Your “One-Stop Shop” for campus military-connected services and events!
The Veterans Resource Center (VRC)
Built on service, integrity, and advocacy, GovState's military-connected community exemplifies leadership by translating military experience into academic excellence, civic engagement, and purposeful impact on campus and beyond.
Mission Statement
The Veterans Resource Center’s mission is to serve as a “One-Stop Shop” for campus military-connected services, advocacy, and events. The Veterans Resource Center serves the military-connected community, which includes (but is not limited to) veterans, active-duty service members, spouses, dependents, ROTC cadets, etc. From admission to graduation and beyond, we support students’ through navigating their VA Education Benefits and institutional services for financial aid planning, connection to healthcare and other support services with the VA and local agencies, support for campus life such as cultural events and resource fairs, and more.
Important Information for Prospective and Current Students
Further information for current students, including how to use your benefits at GovState, is available on the student portal.
Prospective students can begin their journey by applying to GovState on our Admissions Page. Be sure to call the Veterans Resource Center at 708.235.7597 to get a code to waive your application fee!
When you apply, you will be asked for transcripts. Be sure to include your Joint Service Transcripts / Community College Air Force transcripts and DD214, along with all other official college transcripts, when you apply.
If you have any questions regarding which program to choose, or information about enrolling in your chosen program, the admissions office can assist you: admissions@govst.edu, 708-534-4490.
Once admitted, you will be assigned an academic advisor who can assist you in selecting courses from your outstanding degree requirements.
Be sure to contact our office with any questions about getting started, and using any veterans educational benefits, at 708.235.7597 or email veterans@govst.edu.
There are a variety of educational benefits available for many military-connected students, including veteran, active duty military, veteran dependents/spouses, and ROTC members of our campus community. Please explore some of the resources below for information on the different benefit types and how to apply.
- Federal Veterans Education Benefits: Please learn more about Federal Veterans Education Benefits here: Federal Veterans Benefits Administration: Education and Training Information. To apply for VA Education Benefits, or check your benefit status, please go to va.gov.
- Illinois State Veterans and Dependent Benefits: Please see the links below for state benefit options.
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission: State Veterans Benefits
- Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) Program information and application
- Illinois National Guard Grant Program information and application
- MIA/POW Scholarship information and application
- Tuition Assistance for Active Duty Military Students: Active Duty Military Service Members may use their TA while attending GovState. Students should speak with their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service for guidance when applying to use Tuition Assistance.
- U.S. Army
- U.S. Marine Corps
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Air Force
- TA Refund Policy: Per Department of Defense (DOD) policy, Governors State University must return any unearned TA funds on a proportional basis through at least the 60 percent portion of the period for which the funds were provided. Unearned funds are returned to the DOD based upon when a student stops attending, and can result in a debt to the university once benefits are prorated.
- Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) tuition waiver: Available to AFROTC participants.
- 100% waiver of tuition expenses (does not cover fees, or additional expenses).
Governors State University proudly adheres to the Veterans Benefits Administration's Principles of Excellence program guidelines.
Student Veteran Attendance or Participation in Courses Pending VA Payment in Compliance with 38 USC 3679(e):
In Compliance with 38 USC 3679(e), Governors State University will not take any of the four following actions toward any student using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while their payment from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs is pending to the educational institution:
- Prevent their enrollment;
- Assess a late penalty fee to;
- Require they secure alternative or additional funding;
- Deny their access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.
However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:
- Produce the VA’s Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class;
- Provide written request to be certified;
- Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment
Prior to enrollment, you can view your expected charges for one semester at Governors State University, veteran’s benefit coverage, etc. using the guidance below. For questions, please contact the Veterans Resource Center at 708.235.7597 or veterans@govst.edu.
Begin by using our tuition calculator to estimate your tuition and fees for the term you wish to enroll: https://www.govst.edu/tuition
Then, use the chart below to find your coverage options.
| Potential Costs* | Coverage Options | ||||
| Chapter 33: Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® | Chapter 1606: Montgomery G.I. Bill® Selected Reserve | Chapter 30: Montgomery G.I. Bill® Active Duty | Chapter 35: Survivors’ & Dependents’ Educational Assistance | Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment | |
| Tuition and Fees** | 40-100% of all tuition and fee charges covered based upon your eligibility rating. | Per month payments for- Full-time enrollment: $466.00 3/4-time enrollment: $349.00 1/2-time enrollment: $233.00 Less than 1/2-time enrollment: $116.50 | Per month payments for- Full-time enrollment: $2,358.00 3/4-time enrollment: $1,768.50 1/2-time enrollment: $1,179.00 Less than 1/2-time and more than 1/4-time enrollment: $1,179.00 (or the cost of your tuition and fees, whichever is less) 1/4-time enrollment or less: $589.50 (or the cost of your tuition and fees, whichever is less) | Per month payments for- Full-time enrollment: $1,488 3/4-time enrollment: $1,176 1/2-time enrollment: $862 Less than 1/2-time and more than 1/4-time enrollment: $862 (or the cost of your tuition and fees, whichever is less) 1/4-time enrollment or less: $372 (or the cost of your tuition and fees, whichever is less) | 100% of all tuition and fee charges covered |
| Books and supplies, $500.00 | Up to $1,000 each academic year. | N/A | N/A | N/A | 100% of all required book charges covered |
| Cost of Living, transportation, and personal expenses, $7,528 | $1,146 -$2,292 per month based on 40% - 100% Chapter 33 rating when enrolled in full-time credit hour status. | N/A | N/A | N/A | Monthly payment for students with no dependents – Full-Time: $768.42 ¾ Time: $577.38 ½ Time: $386.32 ¼ Time: $193.14 OR Chapter 33 monthly rates if student has time remaining in Chapter 33 benefits. |
| Estimated Loan Debt (without other grants, scholarships, etc.) for full-time undergraduate students | At 40% Chapter 33 rate: 60% of tuition and fees plus 3,517 for living expenses At 100% Chapter 33 rate: $0.00 | $12,970.00 | $5,294.00 | $8,882.00 | $11, 760.32 for living expenses OR $0.00 if 100% Chapter 33 eligible. |
| Military Tuition Assistance | Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) | Illinois MIA/POW Scholarship | Illinois National Guard Grant (ING) | AFROTC | |
| Tuition and Fees** | $250.00 per credit hour, up to $4,500 annually. | All tuition and fees covered except the following: Graduation fee, Course specific Fees (MATH 2100 fee, etc.), Late fees. | All tuition and fees covered except the following: Graduation fee, Course specific Fees (MATH 2100 fee, etc.), Late fees. | All tuition and fees covered except the following: Student Center fee, Course specific Fees (MATH 2100 fee, etc.), Late fees. | Tuition Waived at 100%, costs for fees still applies. |
| Books and supplies, $500.00 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living, transportation, and personal expenses, $7,528 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Estimated Loan Debt (without other grants, scholarships, etc.) for full-time undergraduate students | $11,834.00 | $8,028.00 | $8,028.00 | $8,292.00 | $9,914.00 |
*Potential Costs are based upon Cost of Attendance estimates: https://www.govst.edu/Cost/
**Use the tuition calculator to estimate your tuition and fees for the term you wish to enroll: https://www.govst.edu/tuition
Additional Coverage can include financial aid through the FAFSA (grants, loans, etc.) and scholarships: https://www.govst.edu/Financial-Aid-Types/
Graduation rates, job placement rates, and other consumer data can be found here: https://www.govst.edu/Admissions/Financial_Aid/Consumer_Information/
Transfer credits, including military transfer credits are accepted: https://www.govst.edu/vets-military-admissions/
Academic Programs Listing and information is available: https://www.govst.edu/ProgramListing/
For information regarding our institution's student loan Cohort Default Rate (CDR), please visit https://nsldsfap.ed.gov/cdr-searchable-database/school/search and search Governors State University.
The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is a leadership development program that prepares college students to become officers in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. Through hands-on training, academic coursework, and physical fitness, cadets develop the skills necessary to lead and commission as officers upon graduation.
Illinois State Tuition Waiver
- By joining AFROTC, you may be eligible for a State-funded tuition waiver for ROTC cadets attending GovState.
- The waiver covers 100% of tuition charges (not fees, or other expenses).
- Waiver is not tied to service commitment like other scholarships (commitment starts with Field Training like non-scholarship cadets).
The GovState AFROTC program is hosted by Detachment 195 at the University of Chicago. Learn more about the program and take your first step toward a future of service and leadership by visiting the detachment’s website at https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/afrotc.
The Alumni Association at Governors State University and the Veterans Resource Center are exploring new ways to engage veteran alumni. If you are interested in future engagement opportunities, including events, networking, and resources designed with veterans in mind, please contact us at veterans@govst.edu to complete a short survey.
Contact Us
- Veterans Resource Center
- Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Closed on days campus is closed.) Appointments recommended to guarantee service at a specific time.
- Goodman Malamuth Technology (GMT) Bldg, Room 105
- 708.235.7597
- veterans@govst.edu
Get Involved
Join our Student Veterans Association!
The goal of our SVA Chapter is to use our combined skillsets to advocate for our student veteran community. Our chapter will instill a new purpose while in higher education. We want to empower military-connected students by fostering camaraderie that reflects our shared experiences through all branches of service. Our pledge is to lead the way for future success in our students through integrity, honor, and commitment.
Join your fellow students in our mission by requesting an invitation in Jaguar Connection:
Tuition and Fee Rate
Our tuition and fee rate for the 2025/2026 year is available to view at the link below.
Credit for Prior Learning
At Governors State, we give credit by evaluation (Joint Service Transcripts/Community College Air Force), standardized testing (CLEP/ DSST) and portfolio assessment, to make the most of your achievements and help you save time and money.
Donate to the VRC!
Please consider donating to one of two GovState Veteran initiatives: Veterans Resource Fund (supports on-campus programming and community outreach), Veteran's Emergency Fund ($250 student micro-grants).
Quote from Jonathan Cooper
"What made GovState so easy and seamless for me to transition was the staff at our Veterans Resource Center and also the other student veterans on campus. You get that sense of community, that sense of comradery.’’