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State Approving Agency G.I. Bill®

The State Approving Agency (SAA) approves college and non-college degree programs, vocatio​nal flight training, apprenticeships and other on-the-job training so that federal educational assistance benefits may be paid to veterans and other eligible persons under the several programs administered by the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs. In addition to approvals, the SAA assists the US Department of Veterans' Affairs in conducting compliance surveys at institutions and training establishments where eligible veterans and their dependents are attending.

The types of approved training establishments include the following:

  • Colleges and Universities
  • Vocational Schools
  • Business Schools
  • Professional Schools
  • Vocational Flight Schools
  • High Schools
  • Apprenticeships
  • On-the-Job Training Programs
  • Licensing and Certification Tests

If you have questions about the approval of a program, please call one of the following Illinois State Approving Agency representatives:

Enrique Cabrera Joliet 312-898-4227
Melissa Cushman Springfield 217-786-8932
Andrew Pieper Deerfield 773-758-2125
Tiffany Perry Deerfield 312-718-4569
Dan Wellman Springfield 217-843-1222
Jay Hoffman Springfield 217-299-4197
Janine Arriola Wheaton 217-441-1421

For further information about the GI Bill, please see VA Education Benefits | Veterans' Affairs.

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 Veterans Benefits.