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A Leading College for Veterans

All military students will find a welcoming and supportive community at North Central College—it's why we were named the #7 Best College for Veterans among schools in the Midwest region by U.S. News & World Report in 2025.

North Central fully participates in both the Post 9/11 GI Bill®* and Yellow Ribbon veteran benefit programs. Veterans eligible for 100% of the Post 9/11 benefit, based on Department of Veteran Affairs guidelines, will also qualify for Yellow Ribbon, ensuring that 100% of your tuition is covered. 

Questions? Please request additional information via this form and indicate your veteran status in the message box.

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. 

Getting Started

  1. Apply online for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Benefits. 
     
  2. Apply for admission to North Central College. Be sure to mark ‘Yes’ to the Military Benefit Questions.
     
  3. Submit required transcripts. Send transcripts from all previous institutions, including military transcripts if applicable (Joint Services Transcript / Community College of the Air Force). You’ll receive your admission decision within ten days. 
     
  4. Complete or update your FAFSA (North Central College School ID: 001734). Veteran benefits can be combined with other forms of financial aid, such as other federal, state, or institutional assistance. Our helpful and knowledgeable financial aid staff will work with you individually to identify all aid, putting a North Central education within your reach.
     
  5. Send your Certificate of Eligibility to our School Certifying Official, Tiffany Backstrom (tnbackstrom@noctrl.edu), once available.
     
  6. Confirm your intent to enroll by emailing your admission counselor. Note that student veterans are not required to submit a tuition deposit.
     
  7. Register for classes. Your admission counselor will share next steps when course registration is available.

Visit Campus

We encourage you to learn more about North Central College through a campus visit built around your specific interests. Campus visits can include a tour and individual appointments with the Veteran Services Coordinator, faculty, or staff. If you’d like to be connected with Veteran Services during your visit, please indicate that on the registration form.

Hear From Our Students

The Student Veteran Experience at NCC

Advice for Prospective Student Veterans

Questions?

Our staff is here to help make your college decision process as smooth as possible. Please reach out with your questions, and a staff member will contact you shortly.

Office of Admissions: admissions@noctrl.edu or 630-637-5800    
Office of Financial Aid: finaid@noctrl.edu or 630-637-5600   
Office of the Registrar: registrar@noctrl.edu 
Office of Veteran Services: veteranservices@noctrl.edu