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The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

  • The scholarship requires a fee to apply
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If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!


* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system.
** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements.
***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

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Top 61 Illinois Scholarships in December 2023

Written by Cece Gilmore

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

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and Kayla Korzekwinski

Kayla Korzekwinski is a Scholarships360 content writer. She earned her BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied Advertising/PR, Rhetorical Communication, and Anthropology. Kayla has worked on communications for non-profits and student organizations. She loves to write and come up with new ways to express ideas.

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Edited by Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman

Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is a content editor and writer at Scholarships360. He has managed communications and written content for a diverse array of organizations, including a farmer’s market, a concert venue, a student farm, an environmental NGO, and a PR agency. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.

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Updated: October 26th, 2023

Illinois, also known as the “Land of Lincoln,” is home to some of the most renowned colleges in the Midwest. From the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to Northwestern, there is a college for all students!

Illinois scholarships are also available to help pay for college. The following list contains some of the best scholarships to help make your Illinois education a reality. Keep on reading to learn more about the top Illinois scholarships including deadlines, award amounts, and eligibility requirements.

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$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Next steps

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Niche $50,000 No Essay Scholarship
Niche $50,000 No Essay Scholarship

Offered by Niche

1 award worth $50,000
Deadline Dec 14, 2023

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.…

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.…

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year. Niche is giving one student $50,000 to help pay for tuition, housing, books and other college expenses — no essay required!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Next steps

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$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship
$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

Offered by Sallie Mae

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Dec 31, 2023

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA

Next steps

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$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

Offered by Bold.org

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Dec 1, 2023

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Next steps

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University of Chicago’s Chicago Police and Fire Scholarship
University of Chicago’s Chicago Police and Fire Scholarship

Offered by University of Chicago

Multiple awards worth Full Tuition
Deadline Jan 4, 2024

The University of Chicago’s Chicago Police and Fire Scholarship is open to high school seniors who've been accepted to the University of Chicago and are…

The University of Chicago’s Chicago Police and Fire Scholarship is open to high school seniors who've been accepted to the University of Chicago and are…

The University of Chicago’s Chicago Police and Fire Scholarship is open to high school seniors who've been accepted to the University of Chicago and are the child (or the legally adopted children) of currently active, sworn Chicago Firefighters, Chicago Police Officers, or University of Chicago Police Officers. Students whose parent lost his or her life in the line of duty are also eligible to apply. Each winner is guaranteed up to full-tuition for four years of undergraduate studies (12 academic quarters), provided he or she makes satisfactory academic progress and remains enrolled full-time in the College. If you have a parent who served as a Chicago Public Safety Officer, we encourage you to apply and honor their legacy today.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

State: Illinois

University: UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (THE)

Next steps

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Six Meter Club of Chicago Scholarship
Six Meter Club of Chicago Scholarship

Offered by ARRL Foundation Inc.

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 10, 2024

The Six Meter Club of Chicago Scholarship is calling all active Amateur Radio license holders! If you're a resident of Illinois or the ARRL Central…

The Six Meter Club of Chicago Scholarship is calling all active Amateur Radio license holders! If you're a resident of Illinois or the ARRL Central…

The Six Meter Club of Chicago Scholarship is calling all active Amateur Radio license holders! If you're a resident of Illinois or the ARRL Central Division (Indiana, Wisconsin) and enrolled part-time or full-time in an accredited technical school, community college, college or university leading to an undergraduate degree, you're eligible to apply. Any field of study is welcome, but those with a GPA of 2.5 or better and in good academic standing will be given preference. Don't miss out on this opportunity to further your education!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Academic Interest: TV/Radio Broadcasting

State: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin

Next steps

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David Knaus Memorial Scholarship
David Knaus Memorial Scholarship

Offered by ARRL Foundation Inc.

1 award worth $3,000
Deadline Jan 10, 2024

The David Knaus Memorial Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for students with an active Amateur Radio license who are residing in Wisconsin or elsewhere in…

The David Knaus Memorial Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for students with an active Amateur Radio license who are residing in Wisconsin or elsewhere in…

The David Knaus Memorial Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for students with an active Amateur Radio license who are residing in Wisconsin or elsewhere in the ARRL Central Division (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin). Applicants must also be pursuing a bachelor's degree or a 2 year Associate's degree. Don't miss out on this chance to further your education and honor the memory of David Knaus.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Academic Interest: TV/Radio Broadcasting

State: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin

Next steps

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Peoria Area Amateur Radio Club Scholarship
Peoria Area Amateur Radio Club Scholarship

Offered by ARRL Foundation Inc.

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 10, 2024

The Peoria Area Amateur Radio Club Scholarship is open to students with a Technician Class (one of three US Radio Amateur licenses) or higher license…

The Peoria Area Amateur Radio Club Scholarship is open to students with a Technician Class (one of three US Radio Amateur licenses) or higher license…

The Peoria Area Amateur Radio Club Scholarship is open to students with a Technician Class (one of three US Radio Amateur licenses) or higher license who is enrolled in any accredited two- or four-year university. Applicants must also reside in Central Illinois in one of these counties: Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Knox, McLean, Fulton, Logan, Marshall or Stark. Don't miss out on this chance to further your education and pursue your passion for amateur radio!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Academic Interest: TV/Radio Broadcasting

State: Illinois

Next steps

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Indianapolis Amateur Radio Association Scholarship
Indianapolis Amateur Radio Association Scholarship

Offered by ARRL Foundation Inc.

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Jan 10, 2024

The Indianapolis Amateur Radio Association Scholarship is calling all Indiana residents with an active FCC-issued amateur radio license! If you're studying Electrical or Electronics Engineering,…

The Indianapolis Amateur Radio Association Scholarship is calling all Indiana residents with an active FCC-issued amateur radio license! If you're studying Electrical or Electronics Engineering,…

The Indianapolis Amateur Radio Association Scholarship is calling all Indiana residents with an active FCC-issued amateur radio license! If you're studying Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields at any postsecondary institution, this scholarship is for you. If no qualified applicant from Indiana is identified, preference will be given to those residing in the ARRL Central Division (Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin). Don't miss out on this opportunity to further your education and passion for amateur radio!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College & Graduate Students

Academic Interest: TV/Radio Broadcasting, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering

State: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin

Next steps

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Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship Program
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship Program

Offered by JVS Chicago

Multiple awards worth up to $4,000
Deadline Feb 1, 2024

The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship Program offers scholarship funds to help Jewish college and graduate students offset some of their financial burden.…

The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship Program offers scholarship funds to help Jewish college and graduate students offset some of their financial burden.…

The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship Program offers scholarship funds to help Jewish college and graduate students offset some of their financial burden. To be eligible, applicants must be Jewish, been born and raised in the Chicago metropolitan area*, including Lake County, Indiana or had one continuous year of full-time employment in the Chicago metro area prior to enrollment, intend to return to the Chicago metropolitan area after completing school, and are entering their last two years of an undergraduate program or entering an accredited graduate program in the upcoming academic year. Eligible fields are listed below under "Eligibility Overview." Selected recipients will earn awards worth up to $4,000 each, which are potentially renewable. If you're an incoming Jewish college upperclassmen or graduate student from the Chicago Metropolitan Area or Lake County, Indiana, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Upperclassmen & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens

Academic Interest: Architecture, Communications, Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Law, Biology, Math, Science, Technology, and Society, Natural Sciences, Religion, Physical Sciences, Psychology, Social Services, Visual & Performing Arts, Photography/Photojournalism, Music, Healthcare, Audiology, Dental Health/Services, Pharmacy, Public Health, Therapy/Rehabilitation, Animal/Veterinary Sciences, Nursing, Business, Medicine, Chemistry

Religious Affiliation: Jewish

Other Category: Low Income

State: Illinois, Indiana

Next steps

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Greater St. Louis Mothers of Twins Club Mary Joan Wolf Memorial Scholarship
Greater St. Louis Mothers of Twins Club Mary Joan Wolf Memorial Scholarship

Offered by Greater St. Louis Mothers of Twins Club

4 awards worth $1,000
Deadline Feb 23, 2024

Introducing the Greater St. Louis Mothers of Twins Club Mary Joan Wolf Memorial Scholarship, an incredible opportunity offering four scholarships to multiple-birth students (e.g. twins,…

Introducing the Greater St. Louis Mothers of Twins Club Mary Joan Wolf Memorial Scholarship, an incredible opportunity offering four scholarships to multiple-birth students (e.g. twins,…

Introducing the Greater St. Louis Mothers of Twins Club Mary Joan Wolf Memorial Scholarship, an incredible opportunity offering four scholarships to multiple-birth students (e.g. twins, triples, quadruplets, and so on) who are embarking on their post-high school education or training. If you reside in the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan statistical areas or the surrounding counties, this scholarship is for you! The Greater St. Louis Mothers of Twins Club, the scholarship provider, is looking for exceptional individuals who excel academically, demonstrate leadership and citizenship, and submit a compelling essay and recommendations. The chosen recipients will receive a generous award of $1,000, split equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. If you are a "multiple-birth" child (twin, triplet, quadruplet, etc.) from Missouri or Illinois, don't miss out on this chance to pursue your dreams! We encourage you to apply.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

State: Illinois, Missouri

Next steps

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Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation Academic Scholarships
Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation Academic Scholarships

Offered by Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation

Mulitple awards worth $500 - $2,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024

The Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation (REEF) is offering Academic Scholarships to support and motivate aspiring real estate professionals. These scholarships are available to students…

The Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation (REEF) is offering Academic Scholarships to support and motivate aspiring real estate professionals. These scholarships are available to students…

The Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation (REEF) is offering Academic Scholarships to support and motivate aspiring real estate professionals. These scholarships are available to students pursuing a career in real estate at any accredited college or university in Illinois. However, bear in mind that each REEF Scholarship has its own criteria for eligibility. Thus, we recommend checking out each scholarship's eligibility criteria before applying. Most of the scholarships require the applicant to be a United States citizen and a resident of the State of Illinois attending school full-time while pursuing a degree with an emphasis in real estate. If you're an Illinois resident interested in a real estate career, we encourage you to apply! The annual deadline falls on April 1st. Apply to take the first step toward your dream career.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Academic Interest: Real Estate

State: Illinois

Next steps

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Elaine Chapin Memorial Scholarship Fund
Elaine Chapin Memorial Scholarship Fund

Offered by Elaine Chapin Memorial Scholarship Fund

Multiple awards worth up to $1,000
Deadline Apr 30, 2024

The Elaine Chapin Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Elaine Chapin by providing financial support to students impacted by multiple sclerosis, whether directly or…

The Elaine Chapin Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Elaine Chapin by providing financial support to students impacted by multiple sclerosis, whether directly or…

The Elaine Chapin Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Elaine Chapin by providing financial support to students impacted by multiple sclerosis, whether directly or as a family member. Applications are accepted from November 1st to April 30th, with scholarships up to $1,000 awarded to deserving students. To be eligible, applicants must be US citizens who are currently or will soon be enrolled in an accredited college, university, vocational, or technical school within 300 miles of Elaine Chapin Memorial Scholarship Fund's St. Louis (Missouri) offices. Recipients will be chosen based on financial need, academic standing, and the impact of multiple sclerosis on their lives. If you're an eligible incoming or current post-secondary student whose life has been impacted by multiple sclerosis, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Citizenship: US Citizens

State: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri

Next steps

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Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois
Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois

Offered by Illinois Student Assistance Commission

Multiple awards worth $2,500 - $5,000
Deadline Varies

The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois encourages academically talented Illinois students, especially minority students, to pursue teaching careers, especially at high-need, hard-to-staff schools by providing…

The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois encourages academically talented Illinois students, especially minority students, to pursue teaching careers, especially at high-need, hard-to-staff schools by providing…

The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois encourages academically talented Illinois students, especially minority students, to pursue teaching careers, especially at high-need, hard-to-staff schools by providing tuition assistance at one of the participating colleges. College underclassmen may qualify for up to $2,500, and college upperclassmen may qualify for up to $5,000. As part of the application process, applicants must agree to teach, on a full-time basis, for a period of not less than five years at nonprofit Illinois preschools, or Illinois public elementary or secondary schools considered a "School of Need." Recipients must begin teaching not more than two years after completing their degree or certificate program, and if this commitment is not fulfilled, the award will convert to a loan requiring repayment with interest. If you're an Illinois postsecondary student enrolled in a course of study leading to teaching licensure, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Academic Interest: Education

State: Illinois

Next steps

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Israel Experience High School Scholarship Program
Israel Experience High School Scholarship Program

Offered by Jewish United Fund

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Triannual

Are you a Jewish high school student from the Chicago metropolitan area wanting to participate in a study abroad program in Israel? If so, consider…

Are you a Jewish high school student from the Chicago metropolitan area wanting to participate in a study abroad program in Israel? If so, consider…

Are you a Jewish high school student from the Chicago metropolitan area wanting to participate in a study abroad program in Israel? If so, consider applying for the Israel Experience High School Scholarship Program! The Israel Experience High School Scholarship Program is open to Jewish high school students living in the Chicago metropolitan area who have applied for a study abroad program in Israel that does not begin until after the scholarship application deadline. The scholarship is offered by the Jewish United Fund, the central philanthropic center of Chicago's Jewish community and one of the largest not-for-profit social welfare institutions in Illinois. The goals of the Jewish United Fund Israel Experience Scholarship Program are to strengthen students' Jewish identities, develop a greater commitment to the Chicago Jewish community, and promote leadership in the Jewish community. The scholarship is offered triannually, with deadlines on March 15th, June 1st, and November 1st of each year. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors

Academic Interest: Religion

Religious Affiliation: Jewish

Other Category: Low Income

State: Illinois

Next steps

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Greenhouse Scholars Program
Greenhouse Scholars Program

Offered by Greenhouse Scholars

Multiple awards worth up to $5,000
Expected deadline November 2024

Are you a college-bound, high school senior passionate about helping your community? If so, consider applying for the Greenhouse Scholars Program! The program is open…

Are you a college-bound, high school senior passionate about helping your community? If so, consider applying for the Greenhouse Scholars Program! The program is open…

Are you a college-bound, high school senior passionate about helping your community? If so, consider applying for the Greenhouse Scholars Program! The program is open to residents of Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New York, and North Carolina planning to attend a four-year university. It is offered by Greenhouse Scholars, is a non-profit organization that seeks to empower young students by providing "personal, professional, and financial resources they need to create lasting change in their own lives and the lives of others, regardless of circumstances." By funding young students' educations, they hope to cultivate leaders and make a difference in communities across the nation. Recipients of the award receive up to $5,000 to help pay for their educational expenses. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: 3.5

Other Category: Low Income

State: California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New York, North Carolina

Next steps

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Nick & Helena Patti Foundation Scholarship
Nick & Helena Patti Foundation Scholarship

Offered by Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans

Multiple awards worth up to $6,500
Expected deadline November 2024

The Nick & Helena Patti Foundation Scholarship annually awards up to $6,500 to multiple college sophomores and upperclassmen of Italian heritage who reside in Illinois…

The Nick & Helena Patti Foundation Scholarship annually awards up to $6,500 to multiple college sophomores and upperclassmen of Italian heritage who reside in Illinois…

The Nick & Helena Patti Foundation Scholarship annually awards up to $6,500 to multiple college sophomores and upperclassmen of Italian heritage who reside in Illinois and were orphaned or raised in a foster home. Preference will be given to students pursuing music as a course of study, but students in any course of study may apply. If you're a college student of Italian heritage from Illinois who was orphaned or raised in a foster home, we encourage you to apply. Keep on reading for more application details!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: Yes

Academic Interest: Music

Other Category: Foster Care

State: Illinois

Next steps

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The Daniel Murphy Scholarship
The Daniel Murphy Scholarship

Offered by Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund

Multiple awards worth $7,500
Expected deadline October 2024

The Daniel Murphy Scholarship is funded by the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund, an organization with a mission to provide financial and educational support Chicago students…

The Daniel Murphy Scholarship is funded by the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund, an organization with a mission to provide financial and educational support Chicago students…

The Daniel Murphy Scholarship is funded by the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund, an organization with a mission to provide financial and educational support Chicago students from underfunded neighborhoods. Each year, the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund awards approximately 130 - 140 scholarships worth around $7,500 each to help exceptional, low-income middle school students from Chicago attend college preparatory high schools. These scholarships can be renewed for an additional three years, meaning recipients can earn up to $30,000 total. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading for more application details.

Eligibility information

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Other Category: Low Income

State: Illinois

Next steps

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Acorn Equality Fund Scholarships
Acorn Equality Fund Scholarships

Offered by Acorn Equality Fund

Multiple awards worth up to $4,000
Expected deadline September 2024

Are you an LGBTQ+ individual, an ally, or a child or LGBTQ+ parents? Further, do you live in Illinois and will soon be attending a…

Are you an LGBTQ+ individual, an ally, or a child or LGBTQ+ parents? Further, do you live in Illinois and will soon be attending a…

Are you an LGBTQ+ individual, an ally, or a child or LGBTQ+ parents? Further, do you live in Illinois and will soon be attending a postsecondary educational institution? If so, you may be eligible for the Acorn Equality Fund Scholarships! Each year, the scholarships provide between $1,000 and $4,000 to eligible applicants. There are five separate scholarships available: The Acorn Scholarship, Central Illinois Friends Scholarship, Korty & Morton Scholarship, the Luke Scholarship, and the McKeon Scholarship. Just bear in mind that while you may apply to multiple scholarships, they all have separate applications and you may only receive a maximum of one scholarship. The scholarships are all funded by the Acorn Equality Fund, “a grassroots nonprofit organization that provides financial support for the advancement of education, health, and civil rights of LGBTQ+ persons and their allies.”  To find out if you’re from an eligible Illinois county, keep on reading! If you fit the criteria, we encourage you to apply and wish you luck!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: Yes

Other Category: LGBTQ+

State: Illinois

Next steps

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Bernard Heerey Foundation Scholarship
Bernard Heerey Foundation Scholarship

Offered by Illini Hillel

Multiple awards worth $2,000
Expected deadline September 2024

Are you a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign student willing to regularly attend Jewish Orthodox prayer services and learning sessions at the university? If so, you…

Are you a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign student willing to regularly attend Jewish Orthodox prayer services and learning sessions at the university? If so, you…

Are you a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign student willing to regularly attend Jewish Orthodox prayer services and learning sessions at the university? If so, you might consider applying for the Bernard Heerey Foundation scholarship! Dedicated to supporting students who will lead and support Jewish prayer, Jewish learning, and Jewish practice at the University of Illinois, the scholarship awards $2,000 to multiple students each semester. In order to apply, you must submit an online application in addition to essays detailing your interest in the scholarship and your Jewish leadership experience. However, you do not have to be Orthodox to apply - anyone can! So, if you’re passionate about Judaism and are looking for some help to pay off college costs, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Academic Interest: Religion

Religious Affiliation: Jewish

State: Illinois

University: UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Next steps

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Illinois, also known as the “Land of Lincoln,” is home to some of the most renowned colleges in the Midwest. From the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to Northwestern, there is a college for all students!

Illinois scholarships are also available to help pay for college. The following list contains some of the best scholarships to help make your Illinois education a reality. Keep on reading to learn more about the top Illinois scholarships including deadlines, award amounts, and eligibility requirements.

How to win Illinois scholarships

Illinois is home to the third largest city in the United States (Chicago!) as well as countless universities and colleges. Therefore, it is no surprise that winning Illinois scholarships is on the top of list for many students. In order to win Illinois scholarships, you should focus on the uniqueness of yourself as well as Illinois as a state. Scour the internet and Scholarships360 for available scholarships that align with your interests. Once you find these perfectly catered scholarships, you should then respond using aspects from your Illinois life to give you a leg up on the competition. 

Scholarship application resources for Illinois scholarships

It may be necessary to write an essay about yourself in order to win Illinois scholarships. Therefore, read over our Scholarships360 ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships to help ensure you are prepared to win Illinois scholarships! Anything you could need is at your fingertips with Scholarships360 from guides on how to start a scholarship essay to how to write a scholarship resume. So, be sure to check out our other resources to help you win Illinois scholarships!

Illinois college loan debt snapshot

According to the Department of Education, Illinois residents owe $61.6 billion in federal student loan debt, with student borrowers owing an average of $37,757 each (this does not include private loans). In Illinois, 54.5% of student loan borrowers are under the age of 35. As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take less loans. Make sure that you apply to as many as you qualify for. 

Merit scholarships at Illinois colleges and universities

University of Chicago 

  • Eligibility: Determined based on outstanding academic achievement, extracurricular achievement, demonstrated leadership and commitment to your community 
  • Amount: At least $2,000
  • Deadline: Admission to University of Chicago

University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

  • Eligibility: Variety of merit-based scholarships for incoming first-year students, both residents and non-residents
  • Amount: $2,000 up to full tuition
  • Deadline: Admission to UIUC

Northwestern University

  • Eligibility: Northwestern University scholarships are based on financial need and decision is made based on admission application
  • Amount: $250 up to $40,000
  • Deadline: Admission to Northwestern

University of Illinois – Chicago

  • Eligibility: Must be an Illinois resident and senior graduating from an Illinois high school. Be ranked 1st in your graduating class or have a 3.8+ GPA
  • Amount: up to $10,000 per year
  • Deadline: Early December

Illinois Institute of Technology

  • Eligibility: Incoming first-year students to IIT who display outstanding academic and extracurricular achievement and leadership
  • Amount: Up to full cost of tuition
  • Deadline: Varies 

Principia College

  • Eligibility: Incoming first-year students to Principia College with a 3.6+ GPA
  • Amount: $5,000 up to $25,000 
  • Deadline: Admission to Principia College

Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity 

In-state tuition provides students with a lower cost compared to out-of-state tuition rates. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.

Here are a few well-known Illinois universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:

University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

  • In-state tuition: $17,572
  • Out-of-state tuition: $36,068

University of Illinois – Chicago

  • In-state tuition: $10.776
  • Out-of-state tuition: $25,126

How do you get in-state tuition? 

It is clear that in-state tuition is a cheaper option when compared to out-of-state tuition for Illinois public universities. So, to become an Illinois resident for tuition purposes you would need to live in Illinois for one full year for non-educational purposes. Meaning, you cannot attend school during the year you’re establishing residency. Additionally, you will need to establish a domain in Illinois which includes obtaining an Illinois driver’s license or becoming employed in Illinois. Make sure that your intended Illinois college doesn’t have any additional requirements to obtain in-state tuition! 

Read more: How to get in-state tuition as an out-of-state student

Does Illinois have tuition reciprocity?

No, Illinois does not have tuition reciprocity as they longer participate in the Midwest Student Exchange

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Additional resources for Illinois students

Illinois Student Assistance Commission

This organization provides a variety of scholarships funded through annual appropriations by the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor. Scholarships are available for students studying teaching, nursing, and show financial need.

Nursing Education Scholarship Program

Students pursuing a certificate in practical nursing, an associate degree in nursing, a hospital-based diploma in nursing or a bachelor’s or graduate degree in nursing and demonstrate financial need can be eligible for tuition assistance through this program. The application cycle for this scholarship is from March 1 through April 30. 

First Phoenix Scholarship University of Chicago

All first-generation college students will be awarded a $20,000 scholarship over four years as part of the First Phoenix Scholarship program at the University of Chicago. Awards are made to students whose parents did not attain a degree from a four-year college or university. Applicants who qualify will automatically be considered and need not submit any additional materials beyond the application for admission.

FAFSA guide

On October 1st of every year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens nationwide. Illinois students should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to be eligible for federal student aid as well as some scholarships.

Frequently asked questions about Illinois scholarships

Does Illinois offer free college?

The state of Illinois does not have a program that covers full tuition, but several Illinois universities offer scholarships that cover full tuition, including University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northeastern Illinois University, and more.

Do I need to be an Illinois resident to qualify for Illinois scholarships?

Many Illinois scholarships require that applicants be Illinois residents or attend an Illinois public university or college. However, there are some scholarships that are open to non-Illinois residents as well. Ultimately, make sure you are researching your scholarships and ensuring you fit the eligibility criteria for them.

What is the Illinois “Golden Apple” Scholarship?

The Illinois Golden Apple Scholars Program is a teacher preparation/tuition assistance program for Illinois high school seniors and freshman and sophomore Illinois college students who have what it takes to teach at schools in need in  Illinois. Eligible recipients receive up to $23,000 in total financial assistance for college, job placement assistance, mentoring from award-winning teaching faculty, and much more!

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