Veteran's Education Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs and ISAC (Illinois Student Assistance Commission) administer a variety of veteran benefit programs for education. Many veterans and active duty personnel may qualify for more than one educational benefits program.
As a veteran, you have access to the earliest possible enrollment opportunities. Priority registration for all degree and certificate programs offered will be provided once eligibility to receive benefits has been verified. If you have already registered for classes and would like to use your VA benefits, you must visit the Financial Aid Office. If you have made changes to your class schedule, please notify Financial Aid.
Fill out this request for benefits and certification form (PDF) every semester and return to the Financial Aid Office by email at finaid@heartland.edu or by mail. You can contact Ashley Westerhold for assistance with veterans education benefits and financial aid by phone 309-268-8020 or by email ashley.westerhold@heartland.edu.
Federal Veteran Education Benefits:
View current rates for:
If you are transferring to HCC from another college and have your Letter of Eligibility, you will need to complete the Change of Program or Place of Training Form.
All Chapters must fill out an application available online at the GI Bill application webpage.. To ensure correct processing please provide a copy of your DD-214 and Certificate of Eligibility to the Financial Aid Office. HCC does not determine benefit eligibility or payment details, we simply certify your enrollment to the VA. All processing questions should be directed to the VA for resolution.
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.
State of Illinois Benefit Programs
Once your application has been processed by the State, you will receive and eligibility letter. Please forward this to the Financial Aid Office. Note: Changes in federal, state, and/or institutional policies could affect the above stated financial information.
Requesting Military Transcripts
Veterans or reservists may be eligible to receive additional transfer credit for specialized military training. One of the following applicable documents must be submitted to the Records Office to receive this credit. Unofficial copies or transcripts printed from the Internet cannot be accepted. Information describing how to obtain an official JST (formerly AARTS or SMART or Coast Guard Institute Transcript), CCAF, or Coast Guard transcript is listed below.
JST (formerly AARTS or SMART or Coast Guard Institute Transcript) - Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, Army, National Guard, and Army Reserve: An official copy of the Joint Services Transcript request form may be obtained online at SMART- Joint Services Transcript
CCAF - Air Force: The Community College of the Air Force Transcript Request form is located at CCAF Transcript Request.
National Testing Program
Advancing your education often requires costly national tests. Students can be reimbursed all required (mandatory) fees charged for national admission tests and national tests for college credit.
Check if your test qualifies for reimbursement at National Testing Program.
Higher Education Veterans Service Act Survey Result for Heartland
Download the Higher Education Veterans Service Act survey results (PDF).
Tution Assistance, Recruitment and Enrollment activities statement.
