If you're a resident of Illinois you get a free ride, 100% of tuition of a 4 year degree including private thru CFI for aviation degrees is paid for by the state of Illinois if you serve your country for at least 1 year and are honorably discharged. Search "Illinois Veterans Grant", it's the only state that pays for a 4 year degree for its veterans. It has nothing to do with the GI Bill, this is done through the state of Illinois.