Military Benefits
North Park University is proud to support U.S. military veterans and service members in achieving their educational goals. We offer financial benefits for both undergraduate and graduate students, updated annually based on federal adjustments.
Educational benefits
Veterans and their families may qualify for VA benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the Yellow Ribbon Program, to help cover tuition costs.
GI Bill®
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More details about VA education benefits are available at benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Veterans and service members may qualify for various VA educational benefits to help cover tuition and expenses. Eligibility is determined by the VA, and benefits may include:
- Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty
- Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
- Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill®
- Chapter 35: Survivors and Dependents’ Educational Assistance
- Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve
To receive VA educational benefits at North Park, students must submit required documentation. Contact our veteran coordinator for guidance.
Post-9/11 GI Bill®
Veterans who served 90+ days of active duty after September 11, 2001 (or were discharged due to a service-connected disability after 30 days) may qualify for Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits, including potential Yellow Ribbon Program eligibility.
Benefits overview
- Tuition and fees: Covers up to $22,805.34 annually. Students at the 100% eligibility level may qualify for Yellow Ribbon funding to cover additional tuition costs.
- Monthly housing allowance: Based on Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates. Paid directly to students after enrollment verification.
- Annual book and supply stipend: Up to $1,000 per year, based on enrollment.
| Active Duty Service | % of Maximum Benefit Payable |
|---|---|
| 36+ months | 100% (Yellow Ribbon eligible) |
| 30+ days (discharged due to service-connected disability) | 100% (Yellow Ribbon eligible) |
| 30–36 months | 90% |
| 24–30 months | 80% |
| 18–24 months | 70% |
| 12–18 months | 60% |
| 6–12 months | 50% |
| 90 days–6 months | 40% |
The VA makes the final determination of eligibility percentages.
Yellow Ribbon Program
North Park University proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering additional tuition support for students eligible for 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits.
How it works:
After applying Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits:
- North Park covers 50% of remaining tuition.
- The VA matches North Park’s contribution.
- Students attend tuition-free under this program.
Example (based on 2015–16 tuition)
| Cost | Amount Covered |
|---|---|
| North Park Tuition | $25,740 |
| Post-9/11 GI Bill® | $21,084.89 |
| North Park Yellow Ribbon Waiver | $2,327.56 |
| VA Yellow Ribbon Match | $2,327.55 |
| Amount Student Owes | $0 |
Who qualifies
- Veterans with 36+ months of service after 9/11/01.
- Veterans discharged due to a service-connected disability after 30+ days of service.
- Eligible dependents under the Transfer of Entitlement (ToE) program.
Transfer of entitlement (ToE)
Eligible service members can transfer their Chapter 33 benefits to spouses or dependent children. To apply:
- Submit a request through the ToE website.
- Once approved, the dependent must apply with the VA.
- Submit the Certificate of Eligibility, DD214 (if applicable), and North Park Veteran Certification Form.
VA pending payment compliance
While VA payments are pending, North Park will not:
- Prevent enrollment.
- Charge late fees.
- Require alternative funding.
- Deny access to classes or campus resources.
To qualify, students must:
- Provide a VA Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class.
- Submit a written request for certification.
- Provide any additional required documentation.
Military tuition assistance
Active-duty military personnel may be eligible for Military Tuition Assistance (TA), a financial aid program with benefits varying by branch of service.
While North Park University does not participate in the government’s Military Assistance Program, we offer an institutional Military Tuition Grant to ensure eligible service members receive financial support.
North Park’s military tuition grant
- Provides $250 per credit hour in addition to existing North Park aid.
- Cannot exceed the total cost of tuition.
- Capped at $4,500 per year.
How to apply
To receive this grant, students must submit a copy of their DD214 or equivalent to the Office of Financial Aid.
Veterans’ benefits procedures
Getting started
- Undergraduate applicants: Indicate your veteran status on your admission application. If you’ve already applied without doing so, contact the Admissions Office.
- Graduate & degree-completion applicants: Speak with your recruiter about how your benefits apply.
Required documents
To receive benefits, submit the following to North Park’s Office of Financial Aid:
- Certificate of eligibility
- Veteran’s discharge paper (DD-214)
- Veteran’s certification form
Need a certificate of eligibility? Apply online or call (888) GI-BILL1 for a duplicate.
Ongoing certification
Each semester, you must complete the Veteran’s Certification Form to maintain your benefits. This form must be submitted by the end of the add/drop period (4th week of the term) to avoid a hold on your account that could prevent: schedule adjustments, future term registration, transcript requests, and diploma issuance.
VA-approved program of study
- VA benefits cover only required courses within your approved degree program.
- Not covered: Audited courses or repeated courses previously passed.
Course changes and failures
- Dropping a course, receiving a W grade, failing due to unsatisfactory participation, or retaking a previously passed course may reduce your VA benefits or create a debt.
- Students are responsible for notifying North Park’s Office of Financial Aid about course changes.
Transferring credits
- The VA requires North Park to evaluate all prior college credits.
- Deadline: Submit official transcripts to the Records Office within two semesters of enrollment.
- Failure to submit transcripts on time will pause your VA certification until credits are reviewed.
Academic progress
Your academic progress is reviewed each semester.
First semester below standards → Warning notice
Second semester below standards → Benefits suspended
Next steps: The Financial Aid Office will provide instructions on reinstatement.
Military leave
If you are called to active duty or military training, notify North Park’s Office of Financial Aid and provide a copy of your military orders. The Office of Financial Aid will assist in coordinating your leave of absence or withdrawal.
Contact
Office of Financial Aid
Johnson Center, 1st floor
3225 W. Foster Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 244-5560
financialaid@northpark.edu