College of DuPage Named 'Military Friendly' School

College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn was included in the 2014 list of “Military Friendly Schools” compiled by G.I. Jobs, a veteran-owned publication focusing on post-military education and employment. This is the fifth consecutive year COD has received this award. Only 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide receive this designation.

“Understanding that the needs of men and women returning from active duty go beyond those of traditional students, College of DuPage offers support in a number of areas for those re-acclimating to civilian life and higher education,” said Shelly Mencacci, Coordinator of Veterans and Military Student Services. “We are pleased to do our 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.”

Among the state's public colleges and universities, College of DuPage serves more than 26,000 students and is the second largest provider of undergraduate education in the State of Illinois after University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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.

The College launched a Veterans Counseling certificate and degree program in 2011. 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.