Overview of Illinois Scholarships & Grants

Illinois offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Illinois more affordable.

The Illinois MAP Grant is key for need-based aid; check AIM HIGH institutional awards.

What Illinois College Scholarships Are Available for International Students?

Many colleges and universities in Illinois provide scholarships to attract and support international students. These awards help reduce tuition costs while recognizing strong academic performance and community involvement. For instance, Illinois Wesleyan University offers International Student Scholarships ranging from partial to full tuition, based on academic achievement and holistic review. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) also provides Merit-Based Scholarships to international students who demonstrate outstanding grades, leadership, and extracurricular excellence. In addition, several private colleges—such as DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, and Illinois Institute of Technology—offer competitive international merit awards to help global students afford an Illinois education.

What Are Some Full-Ride Scholarships in Illinois?

Illinois offers multiple full-ride and near full-ride scholarships for high-achieving students who excel academically and demonstrate leadership potential. The Chicagoland Scholars Program at the University of Chicago provides full tuition, fees, housing, and living stipends for students from the Chicago area who show exceptional academic promise. Similarly, the Presidential Scholarship at Illinois State University is a comprehensive award that covers full tuition and mandatory fees for four years. The statewide AIM HIGH Scholarship Program also helps high-performing students from Illinois attend public universities by combining state and institutional funding to reduce tuition costs. Many universities participate in AIM HIGH, including Northern Illinois University and Western Illinois University, offering competitive packages for top scholars.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors in Illinois?

Illinois high school seniors can choose from a wide variety of scholarship programs that reward academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program supports students pursuing teaching careers in high-need Illinois schools by providing both financial aid and mentorship. The Illinois PTA Scholarship recognizes students who plan to pursue education-related degrees, while the ComEd Future of Energy Scholarship helps students interested in STEM fields related to energy, sustainability, and technology. In addition, local organizations, community foundations, and civic clubs across Illinois offer smaller awards that can be combined with state or institutional aid for added financial support.

What Are Hardship Grants in Illinois?

Hardship grants are designed to help students in Illinois overcome unexpected financial difficulties that could disrupt their education. Examples include the Illinois Cares Grant and the Student Emergency Assistance Fund available through many colleges, such as the University of Illinois. These programs can help students pay for housing, food, transportation, or other urgent needs. The Chicago Scholars Financial Assistance Program also offers small emergency grants for students facing temporary financial strain. Each program has its own application process and eligibility criteria, but all share the goal of preventing students from leaving college due to financial hardship.

What Is the Illinois Minority Teacher of Illinois Scholarship?

The Minority Teacher of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship encourages minority students to enter the teaching profession by offering financial support for those pursuing education degrees. Eligible students must be Illinois residents and members of a qualified minority group. In return for receiving the scholarship, recipients agree to teach in an Illinois school with a substantial minority student population for at least one year per year of funding received. The award can provide up to $5,000 per academic year and can be renewed for up to four years. This program, administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), helps address teacher shortages in diverse classrooms across the state.

What Is the Illinois Nurse Educator Scholarship Program?

The Illinois Nurse Educator Scholarship Program supports graduate-level nursing students who plan to teach in Illinois nursing programs after graduation. Administered through ISAC, the scholarship covers tuition, fees, and related educational expenses for eligible candidates pursuing advanced degrees in nursing education. In exchange, recipients commit to working as nurse educators in Illinois for at least two years following program completion. This initiative helps strengthen the state’s nursing workforce and ensures that nursing programs across Illinois can meet growing demand for qualified faculty.

Are There STEM Scholarships in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois actively invests in building its STEM talent pipeline through targeted scholarship programs. The Illinois Society of Professional Engineers (ISPE) Scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing engineering degrees at accredited universities. Similarly, the Nicor Gas Scholarship supports students in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics programs, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Many Illinois universities, including UIUC and Northwestern University, also offer departmental STEM awards for students studying computer science, biomedical engineering, and environmental science. These programs are vital for developing the state’s technology and innovation sectors.

What Is the Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG)?

The Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) is a state-funded benefit that covers tuition and mandatory fees for eligible veterans attending Illinois public colleges and universities. To qualify, applicants must have been Illinois residents before entering military service and must have served at least one year of active duty, or less if they were discharged due to service-related reasons. The grant can be used at institutions such as the University of Illinois System, Illinois State University, and community colleges throughout the state. Veterans interested in applying can review eligibility and application details through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).

Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025 Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.