Des Plaines, Ill. (April 13 , 2026) - As military-connected students begin their next chapter, Oakton College continues to be a trusted resource — evidenced by its recognition for the 11th consecutive year as a Military Friendly® School.
Serving over 200 military-affiliated students annually, Oakton supports veterans, active-duty service members, reserve members and their families. The College provides personalized support designed to accommodate students through the enrollment process and assist in navigating the transition from a military environment to a college setting. Oakton was recognized with a 2026-2027 Silver Military Friendly® award as well as a Military Spouse Friendly® School designation.
“We’re proud to see Oakton receive the Silver designation, as it reflects our College-wide efforts to support veterans, service members and their families,” said Brooke Roche, Oakton’s senior academic advisor for student veterans. “We remain committed to continuing this work and expanding the resources and opportunities available to military-connected students.”
Central to this effort is Oakton’s Center for Veterans Transition and Support (CVTS), a campus-wide employee-led group that connects students to financial aid, wellness services and external VA resources. CVTS streamlines access to services, removing barriers and ensuring students can easily access the various supports available at the College.
Additionally, specialized one-to-one academic advising supports students’ educational and career goals. Advisors work closely with students to align coursework with degree requirements while ensuring continued eligibility for VA educational benefits.
Oakton’s Veteran Lunch and Learn program introduces students to campus resources and academic support services, helping them become acclimated early in the semester. Further support is also available through CVTS, which provides guidance, referrals and support from veteran staff for students, faculty and their families.
Additional resources include financial support through veteran-specific scholarships, federal and state military benefits, grants and emergency assistance funds. The College also connects military-affiliated students with career and workforce opportunities through programs such as Chapter 31, which supports career transitions and employment for veterans. Furthermore, the College collaborates with the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry to host the annual Veterans Back to Work Boot Camp, which provides job readiness training and employment connections tailored to veterans’ unique needs, experiences and skill sets.
“Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution’s deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served. These schools don’t just open doors for veterans and military spouses, they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact,” said Kayla Lopez, vice president of Memberships, Military Friendly®.
Oakton will be featured in the 2026-2027 Guide to Military Friendly® Schools. The full list of recognized institutions is available at www.militaryfriendly.com.
Institutions earning the Military Friendly® Schools designation were evaluated using public data and survey responses measuring student retention, graduation and career outcomes. More than 3,200 schools participated in the 2026-2027 evaluation cycle. Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment to supporting the military community.
For more information about Oakton’s support for veterans, service members and their families, visit Oakton’s veterans resources page.