Apply as a Military Connected Student

Military Connected: Applying to ECC

Elgin Community College strives to create a veteran-friendly environment to make your transition from military service to a college student as easy as possible! The steps below will guide you through the admissions process.

Admissions Process

1. Complete an ECC application for admission.

   (online at or in Building B, Room B110).

2. Submit ACT® scores, SAT® scores, and high school transcripts.

   To waive placement tests, minimum ACT scores are required: math, 22 (less than two years ago); reading, 19 (less than five years ago); and writing/English, 19 (less than 5 years ago). Minimum SAT scores are: reading and writing, 480; and math, 530.

   Take placement tests (if you have no prior college credits or have not met required SAT/ACT scores, above). Tests needed may include math, reading, or English. Learn more about placement testing.

3. Request military transcript/college credit evaluations.

   Request your military transcript through JST. Send other college transcripts to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment at admissions@elgin.edu and verify the transcripts are received. Decide on the degree/certificate you want to study and complete the Transcript Evaluation Request Form. ECC gives college credit for military training based on evaluation and program of study.

4. Complete your online orientation.

   The Office of Admissions and Recruitment will send the link to your personal email.

5. Meet with your veteran academic advisor to plan classes for the term you would like to start.

Military Benefits

1. Apply for educational benefits and explore financial aid.

   Apply for VA educational benefits. Then meet with ECC’s VA certifying official for additional financial aid and scholarship information.

2. Apply for Illinois state awards.

   Apply for the Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) or Illinois National Guard (ING), through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) website.

3. Submit your “Veteran & Military Benefit Activation Form” to the Financial Aid Office.

   The form must be submitted before ECC’s payment due date to secure tuition payment of classes and BHA/MHA. See how much your BHA/MHA will be.

4. Apply for financial aid.

   Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is important to apply early. You can start now, even before you complete the admissions process. If you need assistance, contact the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office in Building B, Room B156 or call 847-214-7360.

Note that you can use the FAFSA and ECC scholarships with any military benefit(s).

Cost

If benefits/aid will not cover your total tuition charges, set up a payment plan or pay in full in the Student Accounts Office, Building B, Room B151, by the payment due date. If registering after due dates, payment is due by 7 pm the following day.

We are here to serve you!

Placement Tests

Placement tests are free. They are taken in the Testing Center, Building B, Room B115. No appointment is needed but be sure to bring your ECC ID number and a photo ID. Allow approximately one hour per test. Testing Center hours are Monday through Thursday 8 am to 7 pm, Fridays 8 am to 3 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm (ECC is closed on Fridays and Saturdays in the summer). If you have questions, call 847-214-7150.

Explore Testing Services

Student Access and Disability Services

Contact the director of ADA, student access & disability services in Building F, Room F120, 847-214-7376 for assistance in asking professors for additional time for tests, note-taking, and other services.

Explore Disability Services

Fees

Please note that if you owe more than $10 in fees and do not pay your balance, you will be dropped from your classes.

See Payment Policies

Veterans Clubs

Join the Military Branches United (MBU), Student Veterans of America (SVA), and Veterans National Honor Society (S.A.L.U.T.E.) clubs.

Explore Clubs

Student Activities

Contact the Student Life Office in Building B, Room B173, 847-214-7370, to learn more about these opportunities.

Explore Student Life

Academic Support

Stop by the Veterans Resource Center, Building F, Room F201. Take advantage of The Write Place, where you can find assistance with your papers for any course, in Building B, Room B274. Other resources include the Math Lab, Building D, Room D219; Tutoring Center, Building C, Room C230 and the computer labs in Building K, Room K128 and in the Library in Building C.

Explore Academic Support