We're committed to serving our veteran community.
At Columbia College Chicago, we encourage veteran students to apply. We have support services in place to help you before and during your time at the college.
Have questions? Contact Paul Loretto, Veterans Educational Benefits Counselor.
600 S. Michigan Ave, Room 303
phone: 312-369-8791
email: ploretto@colum.edu
Paul is here to help you apply for and receive your GI Bill® educational benefits, evaluate military training courses and experience for credit, navigate military jargon in relation to your benefits, and explain the benefits—educational and otherwise—that are available to you and your dependents.
Paul served in the United States Marine Corps for five years. He deployed to Iraq in 2004 and 2008 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and ultimately earned the rank of staff sergeant. Upon discharge from the Marine Corps, Paul earned his associate’s degree from the City Colleges of Chicago and his bachelor of arts degree in English from DePaul University in 2014. While in college, Paul used the Post-9/11 GI Bill® . Paul has served as a financial aid advisor and a student veteran counselor, including work as a veteran certifying official, for seven years.
Additional Resources for Veteran Students
- Yellow Ribbon Program
Columbia College Chicago is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon program. If you are 100% eligible for this program, you will receive an additional $7,000 per school year ($3,500 from Columbia and $3,500 from the VA) added to your Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Yellow Ribbon amount is subject to change.
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 website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
