Incoming Vet's Checklist | Veterans Services | SIU

The Admissions Office is your first point of contact.

To learn more about the university, take a virtual tour, or schedule a campus visit, contact an admissions counselor by calling 618-536-4405, by emailing admissions@siu.edu, or by visiting their website at admissions.siu.edu.

Apply up to one year in advance.

To complete the application process you will need to submit a $40 non-refundable application fee, supply us with official transcripts for all post-secondary work, and provide the Member 4 copy of your DD-214. If you have earned fewer than 26 transferable credit hours after high school, you will also need to submit an official high school transcript or GED scores, and if you are under 21 years old. ACT and SAT scores are now optional but some selective-admission programs may require test scores for direct entry.

Forward all transcripts from previous colleges and military training for review.

Veterans Services strongly recommends submitting military transcripts to the university for evaluation. Military technical training earns course credit in many cases. Veterans may find their military transcripts at jst.doded.mil.

A veteran who completed one year of active duty and earned an honorable discharge will receive 6 credit hours for physical education requirements.

Transcripts should be sent to:

Transfer Student Services
Mailcode 4701
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL 62901

Submit a copy of your military immunization record.

You can obtain a copy of your military immunization record at: DoD Milconnect Web Site

Sign in with your CAC (we have CAC readers at SIU Carbondale Veteran Services) or your DoD Self Service Login (same login as for e-benefits)

Hover the arrow over "My Profile" tab and select Immunizations - you can request the printer friendly view and print a copy.

Submit your DD-214.

DD-214 can be used to obtain 2 credit hours which meets University Core Curriculum Human Health Requirement, and my be necessary to process your GI Bill education benefits.  We need Member 4 or Service 2 Copy which shows categorization of discharge.

• You can obtain a copy of your military records, including a DD-214 at https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil 
• Sign in with your CAC (we have CAC readers at Veteran Services) or your DoD Self Service Login.
• Type DPRIS into the search box and select "Defense Personnel Records Information Retrieval System
• Click on "Request Personnel File"
• Click on "Request My Personnel File"
• Enter e-mail address
• Select Your Service
• Under the heading "Service Computation Group" click on "DD214/DD215"
• When you submit the request you will be notified when the document is ready.  You will need to return to DPRIS to download the document

You may be eligible for Active Duty Alternate Tuition Rate.

As of Fall 2019, this charges tuition at $250 per credit hour with no additional fees, which matches maximum Military Tuition Assistance Rate.  For questions about the alternate tuition rate, contact extended campus at ectuitionassistance@siu.edu

The University may request a copy of your Military ID Card.  There are authorized exceptions to the general prohibition against making photocopies, See www.cac.mil/Portals/53/Documents/DODI-1000.13.pdf specifically Enclosure 3, paragraph 2a "Examples of authorized photocopying include photocopying of DoD ID cards to facilitate medical care processing, check cashing, voting, tax matters, compliance with appendix 501 of title 50, U.S.C. (also known as "The Servicemember's Civil Relief Act"), or administering other military-related benefits to eligible beneficiaries." 

Important Steps for prospective students.

• Apply for Illinois National Guard Grant
  • Note you must apply annually prior to Fall Term
• Apply for Illinois Veterans Grant
• Apply for Illinois MIA/POW Scholarship
• Apply for GI Bill® Benefits www.vets.gov
• Then upload supporting documents through "Ask a Question"
• Apply for 9 month Post 9/11 extension for STEM students