College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, was included in the 2011 list of “Military Friendly Schools” compiled by G.I. Jobs, a veteran-owned publication focusing on post-military education and employment. Only 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide receive this designation.
The Military Friendly list honors educational institutions that embrace America’s veterans as students and provide other benefits such as on-campus veterans programs, credit for service and military spouse programs.
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.
“This recognition is a clear indication that College of DuPage is meeting the needs of its diverse student population,” he said. “Whether through the College’s Veteran’s Association or through our new Veterans Affairs office, COD is doing its part to provide easily available educational opportunities for the men and women who serve in our armed forces.”
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.
College of DuPage is in the process of developing a new curriculum to meet the needs of service men and women returning from active duty. Last spring, College leaders announced the development of a Veterans Counseling Certificate and Degree program. The federally-supported program will be 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 recently established an office at the College’s Glen Ellyn campus to provide information about academic and general provisions for veterans. The College’s Veteran’s Association offers additional services through regularly-scheduled guest speakers and a free annual Veterans Benefits Fair to help link returning service men and women with local service providers.
For more information about College of DuPage, visit: www.cod.edu. For more information on education benefits available to veterans returning to school, visit: www.cod.edu/AdRegRec/Records/veterans.htm#covered.
