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Top 72 Illinois Scholarships in March 2024

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.

Full Bio

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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: March 3rd, 2024

Illinois scholarships can help lighten the financial load of attending school in the “Land of Lincoln.” The state 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!

There are many great private Illinois scholarships included on the list below, including the Chicago Engineers Foundation High School Graduate Award and the Elaine Chapin Memorial Scholarship. You can also help pay for your education by applying for state grants, which are typically less competitive and are often guaranteed to students who meet financial requirements. The Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) and Illinois Commitment Program are just two examples of state funding students can receive.

Keep on reading to learn more about the top Illinois scholarships including deadlines, award amounts, and eligibility requirements!

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Scholarship Review Process

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
  • The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
  • The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
  • Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
  • The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
  • The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
  • The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
  • There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
  • The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
  • There is no available contact information

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.

Learn about our editorial policies
All Scholarships
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72 scholarships
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ISAC Monetary Award Program (MAP)

Offered by Illinois Student Assistance Commission

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Illinois Student Assistance Commission

Are you an Illinois resident who is enrolled in a minimum of 3 hours per term at an approved Illinois college and has accumulated less…Show More

Are you an Illinois resident who is enrolled in a minimum of 3 hours per term at an approved Illinois college and has accumulated less…Show More

Are you an Illinois resident who is enrolled in a minimum of 3 hours per term at an approved Illinois college and has accumulated less than 135 MAP Paid Credit Hours so far? If so, the ISAC Monetary Award Program (MAP) may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the scholarship is awarded to multiple Illinois residents who are enrolled in a degree or certificate program in Illinois. Applicants must also have not yet earned a bachelor's degree. The amount that applicants are eligible to earn will be prorated based on the number of credit hours in which they are enrolled. To be considered for this scholarship, interested students must complete either the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid or the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive

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…Show More

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…Show More

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.Show Less

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Sallie Mae

Easy Application
1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Offered by Sallie Mae

Easy Application

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.

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
Apply

Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest

Offered by Regions Bank

4 awards worth $8,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Seniors, College Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by Regions Bank

Are you a Black, college-bound high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming academic year?…Show More

Are you a Black, college-bound high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming academic year?…Show More

Are you a Black, college-bound high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming academic year? If so, you may be eligible for the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest! Each quarter, the contest awards $8,000 to the top four (4) applicants who submit an essay (500 words or less) or a video (3 minutes or less) about how someone they know has (1) inspired them and (2) given them the confidence to achieve their goals. The scholarship is offered four times a year, with deadlines every March, June, September, and December. Bear in mind that applicants must also reside in a state with Regions Bank full-service branches to apply. To find out whether or not your state is eligible, keep on reading. If it is, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

4 awards worth $8,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Seniors, College Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Get Started

$40,000 BigFuture Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application
Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

LULAC National Scholarship Fund (LNSF)

Offered by LULAC National Educational Services Centers, Inc.

Multiple awards worth $250 - $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

Offered by LULAC National Educational Services Centers, Inc.

Are you a current or incoming full-time university student in the U.S.? Further, are you of a Latine background and live near a participating LULAC…Show More

Are you a current or incoming full-time university student in the U.S.? Further, are you of a Latine background and live near a participating LULAC…Show More

Are you a current or incoming full-time university student in the U.S.? Further, are you of a Latine background and live near a participating LULAC council? If so, you may be eligible to apply for the LULAC National Scholarship Fund (LNSF)! Each year, the fund awards between $250 and $2,000 to multiple applicants who submit a transcript, proof of enrollment, an essay, and complete an online application. The scholarship is funded by LNESC (LULAC National Education Service Center), “a financial aid and college admissions outreach program designed to assist low-income, high school student’s admission to college.” To find out whether you live in an eligible state, keep on reading. If you fit the criteria, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

Multiple awards worth $250 - $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
Get Started

Niche $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Niche

Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Niche

Easy Application

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

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

MAC Louisa Bowen Memorial Scholarship for Graduate Students in Archival Administration

Offered by Midwest Archives Conference

1 award worth $1,500
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students

Offered by Midwest Archives Conference

Are you a resident or full-time graduate student in the MAC region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South…Show More

Are you a resident or full-time graduate student in the MAC region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South…Show More

Are you a resident or full-time graduate student in the MAC region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin) who is pursuing a degree in archival administration? If so, the MAC Louisa Bowen Memorial Scholarship for Graduate Students in Archival Administration may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,500 to one individual in the MAC region who is pursuing graduate studies in archival administration. Applicants must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA in the most recent academic year. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

1 award worth $1,500
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students
Get Started

Mid-Illinois Communications Association Education Scholarship

Offered by Mid-Illinois Communications Association

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level College Sophomore, College Junior & Graduate Student

Offered by Mid-Illinois Communications Association

The Mid-Illinois Communications Association Education Scholarship is open to rising college juniors, seniors, and graduate students from Central Illinois or attending a college or university…Show More

The Mid-Illinois Communications Association Education Scholarship is open to rising college juniors, seniors, and graduate students from Central Illinois or attending a college or university…Show More

The Mid-Illinois Communications Association Education Scholarship is open to rising college juniors, seniors, and graduate students from Central Illinois or attending a college or university in Central Illinois who are majoring in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, graphic design, videography, photography or related fields. Each year, one applicant who demonstrates a commitment to pursue a professional career in communications or a related field and service to the field through extracurricular or job activities, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to go toward their postsecondary education. If you're a Central Illinois college upperclassman or graduate student passionate about communications, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level College Sophomore, College Junior & Graduate Student
Get Started

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application
1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application

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.

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

Friends of Volo Bog Environmental Studies/Natural Science Scholarship Program

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Friends of Volo Bog

Multiple awards worth $1,500
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students

Offered by Friends of Volo Bog

The Friends of Volo Bog Environmental Studies/Natural Science Scholarship Program is open to academically impressive college students and high school seniors interested in pursuing an…Show More

The Friends of Volo Bog Environmental Studies/Natural Science Scholarship Program is open to academically impressive college students and high school seniors interested in pursuing an…Show More

The Friends of Volo Bog Environmental Studies/Natural Science Scholarship Program is open to academically impressive college students and high school seniors interested in pursuing an environmental career. Applicants must have a permanent residence in Lake, McHenry, Kane, Cook, DuPage, Kendall, or Will County (Illinois), have attended a high school in one of these counties, and have a minimum B average. If you're from one of these Illinois counties and planning to pursue an environmental career, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more, and keep on keeping the world green.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $1,500
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students
Get Started

Palumbo Family Foundation Scholarship Program

Offered by Palumbo Family Foundation

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students

Offered by Palumbo Family Foundation

The Palumbo Family Foundation Scholarship Program is open to all high school seniors and undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, an annual…Show More

The Palumbo Family Foundation Scholarship Program is open to all high school seniors and undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, an annual…Show More

The Palumbo Family Foundation Scholarship Program is open to all high school seniors and undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, an annual adjusted gross family income of $65,000 or less, and residence in Illinois’ Cook, Dupage, Kane, Lake, or Will County (Illinois) for at least six months. If you're an eligible, college (or college-bound) student from the Chicagoland area, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students
Get Started

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

ICF First-Year College Scholarship

Offered by Italian Catholic Federation (ICF)

Multiple awards worth $400
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by Italian Catholic Federation (ICF)

Are you a Roman Catholic high school senior of Italian descent who lives within the Roman Catholic Dioceses or where the Branches of Federation were…Show More

Are you a Roman Catholic high school senior of Italian descent who lives within the Roman Catholic Dioceses or where the Branches of Federation were…Show More

Are you a Roman Catholic high school senior of Italian descent who lives within the Roman Catholic Dioceses or where the Branches of Federation were established in California, Arizona, Illinois, or Nevada? Alternatively, are you a Roman Catholic high school senior with a parent, guardian, or grandparent who is a member of the Italian Catholic Federation? If either applies, you may be eligible for the ICF First-Year College Scholarship! In order to apply, you must submit an essay, transcript, and proof of enrollment at your soon-to-be university. If you win, the scholarship is automatically renewable, with the award amount increasing from $400 to $1,000 from freshman to senior year. If you fit the criteria and are looking for some help to pay off your college costs, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

Multiple awards worth $400
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started

Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation Academic Scholarships

Offered by Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation

Mulitple awards worth $500 - $2,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation

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…Show More

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…Show More

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.Show Less

Mulitple awards worth $500 - $2,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Appily

Easy Application
Monthly awards worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore

Offered by Appily

Easy Application

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month.Show Less

Monthly awards worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore
Apply

Chicago Engineers Foundation High School Graduate Award

Offered by Chicago Engineers Foundation

Multiple awards worth $1,200
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by Chicago Engineers Foundation

The Chicago Engineers Foundation High School Graduate Award is open to graduating high school seniors who currently live or go to high school in the…Show More

The Chicago Engineers Foundation High School Graduate Award is open to graduating high school seniors who currently live or go to high school in the…Show More

The Chicago Engineers Foundation High School Graduate Award is open to graduating high school seniors who currently live or go to high school in the city of Chicago AND are planning to major in Engineering in the upcoming academic year. If applicants receive a Chicago Engineers’ Foundation award as a graduating high school senior, continue to study engineering, maintain a satisfactory grade point average, and submit a new application each year, the Chicago Engineers’ Foundation may continue to provide annual scholarship awards over a student’s four years of undergraduate college studies. The current structure of the program allows recipients to earn $1,200 for their first year of college, and $1,600 for each of the subsequent three years as long as they maintain eligibility requirements. If you're a college-bound high school senior from Chicago with a passion for engineering, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more and start building your future.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $1,200
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started

Sergeant John Basilone Graduate Scholarship

Offered by UNICO Foundation Inc.

2 awards worth up to $1,500
Deadline Apr 15, 2024
Grade Level College Seniors & Graduate Students

Offered by UNICO Foundation Inc.

The Sergeant John Basilone Graduate Scholarship will be granted to two United States citizens of Italian descent (must have at least one parent of Italian…Show More

The Sergeant John Basilone Graduate Scholarship will be granted to two United States citizens of Italian descent (must have at least one parent of Italian…Show More

The Sergeant John Basilone Graduate Scholarship will be granted to two United States citizens of Italian descent (must have at least one parent of Italian heritage). Applicants must be beginning a full-time accredited graduate studies program at a campus-based college or university in the United States. Documented and notarized proof may be requested by the selection committee if necessary. If you're a college student in the U.S. of Italian descent, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

2 awards worth up to $1,500
Deadline Apr 15, 2024
Grade Level College Seniors & Graduate Students
Get Started

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Christian Connector

Easy Application
1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by Christian Connector

Easy Application

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian university or college.

1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship

Offered by UNICO Foundation Inc.

1 award worth $5,000
Deadline Apr 15, 2024
Grade Level College Senior

Offered by UNICO Foundation Inc.

The Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship will be granted to a senior at a campus-based public or private college/university, an individual who holds a baccalaureate…Show More

The Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship will be granted to a senior at a campus-based public or private college/university, an individual who holds a baccalaureate…Show More

The Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship will be granted to a senior at a campus-based public or private college/university, an individual who holds a baccalaureate degree and will be pursuing a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy degree, or an individual who is currently enrolled in an accredited medical school within the United States. The candidate must be a United States citizen of Italian descent and pursue their study within the upcoming academic year. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

1 award worth $5,000
Deadline Apr 15, 2024
Grade Level College Senior
Get Started
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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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