Benefits for Veterans

Veteran's benefits are available for students in both undergraduate and graduate programs.

This information pertains to the 2012-2013 academic year.

Post 9/11 GI Bill

Veterans who served a minimum of 90 days active duty after September 11, 2001 (or 30 continuous days and were discharged due to a service-connected disability), are eligible for education benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill and may be eligible for additional benefits through the Yellow Ribbon Program. Additional information on the Post 9/11 GI Bill is available online.

Benefits from Post 9/11 GI Bill

• Tuition and Fees: The VA will pay a maximum amount of $18,077.50 per year. Students eligible for the maximum VA benefits may be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program, which could cover all additional costs over $18,077.50.
• Monthly Housing Allowance: This amount is based on the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) calculations. The monthly housing allowance is paid directly to the student after enrollment verification.
• Annual Stipend for Books and Supplies: A maximum amount of $1,000 per year based on enrollment during the academic year.

Who Qualifies

The amount of active duty service determines the maximum percentage of benefit eligibility:

Active Duty Service after 9/10/01	% of Maximum Benefit Payable
36 months or more	100% and eligible for Yellow Ribbon
30 continuous days or more and discharged due to service-connected disability	100% and eligible for Yellow Ribbon
30 months, but less than 36 months	90
24 months, but less than 30 months	80
18 months, but less than 24 months	70
12 months, but less than 18 months	60
06 months, but less than 12 months	50
90 days, but less than 06 months	40

Remember, the VA will make the final determination of your percentage of maximum benefit payable for the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Yellow Ribbon Program

North Park University is pleased to participate in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program). A provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, this program provides matching funds from the Department of Veterans Affairs as a supplement to the Post- 9/11 GI Bill.

How it Works

After the post-9/11 GI Bill benefit is applied to those at the 100% benefit level, North Park would waive half of the remaining tuition and the VA would match this amount. This would enable qualified students to attend North Park tuition free.

The Yellow Ribbon covers tuition and mandatory fees. Fees are not represented in the example below. These benefits will replace merit scholarships. Yellow Ribbon recipients will also receive a monthly housing allowance and an annual stipend for books and supplies which are both sent from the VA directly to the student. Students who are eligible for the Illinois MAP Grant will have those funds applied after the GI Bill and before the Yellow Ribbon Funds.

Yellow Ribbon Benefits Example

North Park University Tuition	$22,090
Less:  Post 9/11 GI Bill	$18,077.50
Less:  North Park Yellow Ribbon Waiver	$2,006.25
Less:  VA Yellow Ribbon Program Match	$2,006.25
Amount Student Owes	$0

Who Qualifies

Individuals who meet one of the following standards:

• Served an aggregate period of at least 36 months after September 11, 2001
• Were honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and served 30 continuous days after September 11, 2001
• Are dependents eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill

Next Steps

• In order to begin receiving benefits at North Park, veterans need to bring a copy of their discharge paper (DD-214), and their Certificate of Eligibility to Emily Hawkinson in Student Administrative Services. Emily can be reached at (773) 244-5561 or via email. Students who have not received their Certificate of Eligibility can apply for it online. Duplicate copies of the Certificate of Eligibility can be obtained from the VA, (888) GI-BILL1.
• Each semester, you must fill out the Veteran's Certification Form. This form will give the VA School Certifying Official the necessary information to certify enrollment with the VA each semester. This form must be filled out at the start of each term. If the form is not submitted by the end of the add/drop period (4th week of the semester), then a hold will be placed on the account, which will prevent the student from adjusting his/her schedule, registering for future terms, obtaining transcripts, and/or receiving his/her diploma.
• Students can contact Rob Berki in the Admission Office to indicate their veteran status.

Leave Information

In the event that you are called up for active military duty or for military training, you must contact Emily Hawkinson, North Park's veteran coordinator in the Office of Student Administrative Services. You will need to provide a copy of your military orders at that time. The Office of Student Administrative Services will work with you and other campus offices to coordinate your leave of absence or withdrawal. Questions should be directed to the Office of Student Administrative Services at (773) 244-5560.