FAQ | Veterans Services | SIU

• How do I apply to SIU Carbondale?
  • Two ways: You apply online here: siu.edu/apply-now/, or you can visit Veterans Services and we will guide you through the admissions process. There is a $40 application fee, some waivers are available.
• I did poorly in high school. Will I be accepted?
  • Yes, as long as you are an honorably discharged veteran, and have no post military education that was below a C.
• Do I need my high school transcripts to apply?
  • If you have more than 26 after high school college credit hours, then you do not need your high school transcripts to apply. (Credit hours are as calculated by SIU Carbondale)
• Do I need my ACT/SAT scores to apply?
  • If you are over 21 or have more than 26 after high school college credit hours, then you do not need your ACT or SAT scores to apply. (Credit hours are as calculated by SIU Carbondale)
• Â I heard that I may be able to get credits for my military training. Is this true? If so, how do I go about getting those credits?
  • Veterans Services highly recommends submitting military transcripts to the university for evaluation. In most cases, course credit is given for military technical training.
    
    Have records sent to:
    Southern Illinois University Carbondale
    Enrollment/Academic Support Services
    Mail Code 4725
    900 S. Normal Ave.
    Carbondale Il, 62901
    
    
  • Veterans can find their military transcripts at:
    • American Council on Education (ACE) CREDIT^® Registry and Transcript System: www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Transcripts-for-Military-Personnel.aspx
    • Community College of the Air Force Transcript Request Forms (CCAR):
      https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Barnes/CCAF/Display/Article/803247/community-college-of-the-air-force-transcripts/
    • Military Transcript for Army/Navy/Marine Corps: Joint Service Transcript
  • If a veteran has completed 1 year of active duty and has an honorable discharge, they may receive 6 credit hours for the physical education requirements. A DD-214 Member 4 copy must be submitted for evaluation to the registrars office to determine eligibility for those credits.

• How do I apply for the GI Bill®?
  • To make sure you get the GI Bill® that is most beneficial to you, we highly recommend applying in person at Veterans Services.
• What are the differences between the GI Bill®'s?
  • Information on the different GI Bill®'s and what they provide can be found here: www.gibill.va.gov/. Additional questions can be answered by calling or stopping by Veterans Services.
• I'm having trouble with my GI Bill®, who do I contact?
  • Contact Veteran Services at 618-453-1335.
• I was told that because I am a veteran I might be eligible for certain grants?
  • Yes. In most cases, veterans are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. To see if you are eligible, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Applications are available online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
• I was denied the Pell Grant, but I am a student veteran. What should I do?
  • Please visit Veterans Services to see if you are eligible for the Special Circumstances form to appeal your denial.
• I am still Active Duty. Would it be beneficial for me to buy the $600 buy up for my GI Bill®?
  • If you intend to use Montgomery GI BIll in conjunction with Illinois Veterans Grant, it is a good idea to contribute an additional $600 dollars to your GI Bill. It will raise your GI Bill® $150 per month. Normal chapter 30 GI Bill® rate right now is roughly $1928, with the additional buy up its $2078. It will pay it self off in four months ...a darn good investment. See your base education office for the paperwork, and then take it to your finance office. If you are planning to use Post 9/11 GI Bill® the buy-up will not change the monthly living allowance.
• I think that I am eligible for the Illinois Veteran's Grant. How does that work, and can I use that with the new Post 9-11 GI Bill®?
  • The Illinois Veterans Grant waives tuition and mandatory fees and the paperwork can be filled out at Veterans Services. Yes you can use the IVG and Post 9-11 GI Bill® together, but only if your Post 9/11 benefit rating is less than 100%. However, this may not be the best option for you. To discuss your GI Bill® options, please call, email, or visit Veterans Services.
• Who do I call to certify my enrollment for the next semester?
  • Call Veterans Services at 618-453-1335.
• How do I get student loans?
  • First, the FAFSA must be applied for, then you can apply for student loans in the Financial Aid Office. They have all the paperwork and instructions to complete your loan application. The Financial Aid Office is located in the Student Services Building, 2nd floor. More information on student loans.  The FAFSA can be applied for at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
• I'm going to use the Post 9/11 GI Bill®. Should I pay the $600 to increase my GI Bill?
  • No, the $600 buy up program is for the Montgomery GI Bill® not the post 9/11 GI Bill®

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 website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

• Do I have to live on campus?
  • If you are over 21, have more than 26 after high school college credits, or are a veteran, you do not have to live on campus. Check out the housing guide for living suggestions.
• Help, I need a place to live ASAP!
  • Check out our housing guide for both on campus and off campus housing. As always, please call Veterans Services if you have any questions.
• Can my younger sibling, who is also going to SIU Carbondale, live with me?
  • If you are over 21 or have junior status (56 credit hours), or if your younger sibling has more than 26 after high school college credits, then yes, they can.
• I am under 21, but I am married. Do I still have to live on campus?
  • Contact Housing at 618-453-2301 to discuss exemption policies.

• Do I have to attend a New Student Orientation?
  • If you are a veteran or have more than 26 after high school credit hours, then no, you do not have to attend a New Student Orientation.
• Where do I get a student ID?
  • You can get a new or replacement ID on the second floor of the Student Center.
• Is there a place to work out in Carbondale?
  • Yes, Student Recreation Services has a great facility and it is free for SIU students. There are also other facilities around Carbondale that charge membership fees.
• I was told that as a veteran, I wouldn't have to take any health classes for my core curriculum requirements. Is this true?
  • A veteran who has completed 1 year of active duty and has an honorable discharge will receive 6 credit hours for the physical education requirements.