The College is proud to partner with the VA and similar agencies to provide veterans and their families with funds to help pay the cost of higher education.
Section 1018 of Public Law 116-315
Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, adds new requirements for educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
These new provisions became effective June 15, 2021 and will apply to Institutions of Higher Learning and Non-College Degree institutions beginning August 1, 2021. Many of the requirements are consistent with the requirements of the Principles of Excellence, currently in Executive Order 13607; however, there are requirements in addition to those embodied in the Principles of Excellence which schools must also satisfy to maintain approval for GI Bill® participation.
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 http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Schools must provide a covered individual (a student using benefits under chapter 30, 31, 32, 33, or 35 of title 38, U.S.C., or chapter 1606 of title 10, U.S.C.) with a personalized shopping sheet that contains:
Total cost of course*
*Provides information about costs of tuition, fees, room and board, and health insurance.
Other types of Financial Aid available not administered by the VA
Estimated amount of student loan debt*
*Typical total debt for undergraduate borrowers who complete college is $27,000.
Information regarding graduation dates
Information regarding the acceptance of transfer credits
Information regarding Job-placement after graduation
For Financial Aid Assistance please contact Adriana Rodriguez or visit lakeforest.edu/admissions/financial-aid.
Additional Resources:
The College Navigator- Provides school information to include tuition and fees, retention and graduation rates, use of financial aid, student loan default rates and features a cost calculator and school comparison tool.
GI Bill® Comparison Tool - Assists VA educational benefit recipients explore higher education opportunities based on their educational goals and benefit use.
Post-9/11 GI Bill®
Eligible veterans or their spouse/dependent may receive up to $28,937 for the entire 2024 - 2025 academic year, from the VA.
Yellow Ribbon Program
The College began its participation in this program in 2015 and remains a participating institution. The College currently considers funding an unlimited number of enrolled eligible students at any given time, with up to $36,000 in funds available (per person).
The College’s portion of Yellow Ribbon funds may be in the form of a Lake Forest Grant, academic or talent scholarships provided by the College, including Presidential, Phi Theta Kappa, College of Lake County Scholarships, Art, Music, Theater, etc.
Eligible students must reapply each year (first-come, first-served basis) showing continued eligibility for funding.
In order to be considered for the Yellow Ribbon Program students must complete a FAFSA.
Federal and Private Sources
There are numerous sites that will help identify sources of funds for veterans and their spouses, children, grandchildren, etc. While we believe that the resources below are worthwhile, we do not guarantee the authenticity of the information or websites, and do not endorse the information or services offered. Deadlines and other dates are assumed to be valid annually.
By Branch
- Air Force - General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant
- Coast Guard
- Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation - 25 military-related resources
- Navy-Marine Corps
V.A. Programs
- Department of Veteran’s Affairs - veterans/children
- Yellow Ribbon Program - Lake Forest participates as of 9/1/16
Other Resources
- AffordableColleges.com (general resource, various service branches)
- American Legion child, (great)grandchild, WWI/II, Korea, Vietnam, etc
- Federal Student Aid information for military families
- Military Officers Association of America - Veterans, family members
- Paralyzed Veterans of America
- Scholarships for military families
- Veterans United Foundation
Admissions
Contact
To determine if you are eligible for VA funds and the amount that may be, your initial contact with the College should be with our VA certifying official, Adriana Rodriguez. 847-735-5015 or rodriguez@lakeforest.edu.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone and Fax
847-735-5103
finaid@lakeforest.edu
Location
Patterson Lodge, 2nd Floor
Middle Campus, Map
Hours
Monday-Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
FINANCIAL AID STAFF
Jerry Cebrzynski
Associate Vice President for Financial Aid
847-735-5104
cebrzynski@lakeforest.edu
Mark Anderson
Associate Director
847-735-5010
anderson@lakeforest.edu
Adriana Rodriguez
Associate Director for Financial Aid Operations
VA Certifying Official
847-735-5015
rodriguez@lakeforest.edu
Si necesita hablar con alguien en español en la oficina de ayuda financiera, usted puede llamar a Adriana Rodriguez.