ING Grant Program Overview

The Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant pays tuition and eligible fees (registration, graduation, general activity, matriculation and term fees) at all Illinois public universities or public community colleges. The ING Grant is an entitlement program and is awarded to eligible recipients regardless of the funding level.

This grant can be used for either undergraduate or graduate enrollment for the equivalent of four or six academic years of full-time enrollment, which is measured in eligibility units. With the exception of veterans who are eligible for Post -9/11 GI benefits at less than 100% (based on length of service) and choose to use those benefits during the same term that IVG benefits are used. Recipients who have completed less than 10 years of active duty ING service may accumulate up to 120 eligibility units. Recipients who have completed more than 10 years of active duty ING service may accumulate up to 180 eligibility units. There is no minimum enrollment requirement and non-credit courses are eligible for the ING Grant.

Students who qualify for IVG and the Montgomery G.I. Bill may receive benefits from both programs during the same academic year for eligible educational expenses. To obtain information and an online application for G.I. Education benefits, call the Department of Veterans Affairs at 888.GI BILL1 or visit their website.

Gift Assistance Policy Clarification Regarding "Pay Back" To Reinstate Eligibility Units

Regardless of the program, once payment processing ends for a fiscal year, adjustments will not be made for individuals who originally had their expenses (e.g., tuitions and fees) covered by an ISAC gift assistance program and now they want to pay those expenses to "save" or reinstate eligibility units.