Des Plaines, Ill. (May 6, 2024) — Oakton College is proud to announce its designation as a Military Friendly® School for the 2024-2025 academic year, earning the prestigious Gold Award for the first time. The recognition underscores Oakton's unwavering commitment to supporting student veterans as they pursue their educational goals.
"Oakton College is honored to receive the Military Friendly® School designation for the ninth time and proud to be recognized with our first Gold Award," said Brooke Roche, Oakton’s veterans academic advisor. "The achievement reflects our ongoing dedication to providing comprehensive resources and services tailored to the unique needs of our student veterans."
The Military Friendly® Schools list, published by VIQTORY, recognizes institutions that provide exceptional support for military students, veterans and their dependents. Oakton offers many programs and initiatives to support military-connected students throughout their academic journey. These include specialized academic advising, military benefits and financial aid assistance, veteran-specific orientation programs and dedicated counseling services.
In addition, Oakton acknowledges and rewards military experience with academic credit. Military students can withdraw from classes beyond the midterm without penalty if called to service, potentially earning full credit for these courses. Oakton's advisors connect students with federal and state military educational benefits, and the College’s Veterans Emergency Fund assists students with unexpected expenses.
Furthermore, the College collaborates yearly with the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry to host the Veterans Back to Work Boot Camp. The Boot Camp utilizes effective job-seeking tools tailored to veterans’ unique needs, experiences and skills.
The 2024-2025 Military Friendly® Schools list can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com. Oakton remains steadfast in its commitment to serving those who have served our country. For more information about the College's commitment to supporting military-affiliated students, please visit oakton.edu/admissions/apply-to-oakton/veterans-info.