Multiple websites on the internet appear to be providing helpful information for student veterans. Not all of these sites are legitimate. Consequently, knowing which websites are providing accurate and current information can be a challenge.  As a result, the staff at the Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) Financial Aid, Veteran Services, and Student Employment Office have reviewed the following websites that offer help and information to veterans.

Educational Assistance

• Requesting VA Education Benefits
• G.I. Bill® W.A.V.E
• Yellow Ribbon Program Information
• Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (Chapter 30)
• Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Community College of the Air Force Transcript Request Forms (CCAF)

Scholarships

• AMVETS Scholarships
• AVECO Scholarships
• Military Scholarships List and Links
• Student Veterans of America Scholarship
• Additional Scholarships Sources

Requesting Military Transcripts

Soldiers and veterans may obtain transcripts of their military training and experience to submit for evaluation and the awarding of college credit.

Military transcripts for the Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS), the Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART), and the Coast Guard Institute are now requested through the Joint Services Transcript (JST) website. The JST is an academically accepted document approved by the American Council on Education (ACE) to validate a service member’s military occupational experience and training along with the corresponding ACE college credit recommendations. Air Force personnel should continue to contact CCAF to receive transcripts.

• Joint Services Transcript (AARTS, SMART, and Coast Guard)
• Community College of the Air Force

Additional Resources

• JST the FAQs
• CCAF FAQs
• Military.com (Article with information about JST)

General Assistance

• Welcome to the VA Guide
• Military Records Archive
• Benefits for Illinois Veterans
• Make the Connection

Non-Education VA Resources

• Department of Veteran Affairs
• Social Security Administration (SSA)
• Family Guide to PTSD
• Veterans Crisis Line
  
  • For confidential chat call 1800-273-8255 press 1 or text 838255

Additional Information

• Public Act Survey 10/02/2019
• Public Act Survey 07/11/2018
• Public Act 96-0133

‘‘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®.”