COD named 'Military Friendly School'

College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn was included in the 2012 list of “Military Friendly Schools” compiled by G.I. Jobs, a veteran-owned publication focusing on post-military education and employment. This is the third consecutive year COD has received this award. Only 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide receive this designation.

“Men and women returning from active duty have needs beyond those of traditional students,” College Board Chairman David Carlin said. “We are pleased to offer support in a number of areas, helping those re-acclimating to civilian life and higher education.”

College of DuPage President Robert L. Breuder cited the institution's inclusion on the list as testament to the College's strong program offerings for veterans and overall dedication to strengthening the local workforce.

“College of DuPage is very proud to receive this recognition, which confirms we are meeting the needs of our diverse student population,” he said. “Through the College's Veteran's Association, our Veterans Affairs office and our Academic Affairs Division, COD is doing its part to provide a wide range of educational opportunities for the men and women who serve in our armed forces, as well as their dependents.”

With an average enrollment of 30,000 students per year, College of DuPage is the largest single-campus community college outside the state of California and is the second largest provider of higher education in Illinois. The College recognizes a number of tuition-based veteran education bills, including the Montgomery G.I. Bill for Active Duty, Survivors and Dependent Educational Assistance Program, and the Reserve Educational Assistance Program.

The College also accepts the recently-enacted Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, which provides a maximum benefit of free tuition, a monthly housing allowance and a yearly book and supply stipend of up to $1,000 for qualifying veterans.

This fall, the College launched a Veterans Counseling certificate and degree program. The federally-supported program is available to professional-level counselors, College faculty and qualified nationwide online students to provide assistance to returning veterans as they transition back to civilian life. In addition, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs established an office at the College's Glen Ellyn campus to provide information about academic and general provisions for veterans.

For more information about College of DuPage, visit: www.cod.edu. For more information on education benefits available to veterans returning to school, visit: http://home.cod.edu/veterans.