Veterans

Thank you for your military service! Whether starting college for the first time or re-entering college, ECC welcomes veterans home to a great college experience. We offer a Textbooks for Veterans Program, a dedicated Veterans Resource Center, and active student organizations. These include Military Branches United and the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society chapter.

ECC demonstrated its commitment to over 157 veteran students last academic year, addressing their ongoing needs. This effort is part of a larger movement where institutions like ECC support veterans' educational goals. ECC is among 530 schools recognized by the Military Friendly program for championing veterans’ educational pursuits.

Why should veterans choose ECC?

ECC focuses our educational programs on courses of study and majors in demand in the workforce. This is crucial for successfully transitioning from a military career to a college student and becoming a desirable job candidate.

• Affordable tuition: A fraction of the cost of public universities, private colleges, or technical institutes.
• Dedicated veteran support: Access to a Veteran Success Specialist, Academic Advisor, and Financial Aid/Veteran School Certifying Official for personalized guidance in our dedicated Veterans Resource Center.
• Close to home: Less travel means more time for family, work, and studies.
• High-quality instruction: Expert faculty focused on teaching and student success in both transfer and career-technical programs.
• Expanded academic options: In-district tuition is available at nearly 30 other Illinois community colleges if ECC doesn’t offer your chosen program.
• Flexible learning: Day, evening, online, and hybrid courses designed to fit your schedule.
• Safe and supportive environment: A welcoming campus where you can focus on your goals in a secure learning space.

Veterans Services FAQ

Do you have a quick question? Use our Live Chat or search the FAQ to find the answer.

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Academics

Policy on Transfer Credits - Previous education and training can be evaluated for all veterans and eligible persons. Appropriate credit is granted, which can reduce the number of classes you may need to take. Request your military transcript at JST - Job Services Transcript. 

Academic Support at ECC

• ECC Apprenticeship Program
• Computer labs
• Student Access and Disability Services for accommodations
• Career development services
• Tutoring Center
  • Math Lab
  • The Write Place
• TriO student support services
• Wellness Services

ECC has verified the above website address to be legitimate.

Military Career, Job Sources, and Other Resources

• Undecided veterans looking at their options: My Next Move for Veterans
• Military Transferable Skills: Invisible assets and military-to-civilian transitions sample resumes are available in the Veterans Resource Center with Anitra King. 
• Career Exploration: Find civilian careers and related education based on your military occupation code at ECC's Career Coach Military Careers site. Start by adding your branch and status for available options for local jobs, combined with salary information. 
• The best place to find federal jobs for veterans:
  • Vet Jobs
  • National Labor Exchange
  • ECC College Central Network

Military Ally Training

We're trained and ready to help. ECC provides Military Ally Training to employees to increase awareness and appreciation for military-connected students' unique needs, experiences, and perspectives. For questions about the workshop and/or how to become an ally, contact Anitra King by email at aking@elgin.edu. 

Social Outlets

• Campus and social networking events are planned specifically for veterans.
• Military Branches United (MBU) - ECC club on campus.
• Charter Member since March 2013 and have 36 S.A.L.U.T.E. Inductees since May 2023. For more information, visit the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

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