This quick snapshot is built from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and state-level resources. It shows how many scholarships we currently list for Illinois, the total dollars represented, and a short overview of key state aid programs.
We currently have 126 scholarships in our database tagged for Illinois. This includes statewide programs, school-specific awards, and private or foundation-based scholarships.
Across our Top 26 Illinois Scholarship & Grant listings, the total advertised award value comes to roughly $244,000. Some programs are renewable or stackable, so your real lifetime value could be even higher depending on how long you remain eligible.
Illinois students rely heavily on the Monetary Award Program (MAP Grant), one of the largest need-based grant programs in the country. MAP funds often run out early in the cycle, making timely FAFSA filing absolutely critical. Illinois also supports AIM HIGH scholarships, which provide institutional merit awards to in-state students at public universities. Additional grants exist for teaching and nursing majors who commit to service requirements. Community colleges frequently offer local promise programs and district scholarships. The best approach for Illinois students is to file the FAFSA immediately when it opens, explore both public and private college options, and combine MAP with institutional merit to significantly reduce costs.
The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best Illinois scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.
The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest is hosted by Regions Bank and aims to amplify stories of personal inspiration from students in their communities. Entrants submit an essay or video about someone they know personally who has uplifted and empowered
Award: $8,000 Deadline: December Est. Time: Med (~68 min)
The Acorn Equality Fund Social Impact Scholarship is designed to support students who are committed to creating social change and have demonstrated a positive impact within their communities. This scholarship encourages students who are actively involved in social justice, community
Award: $1,000 Deadline: September Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
The Acorn Equality Fund Creativity in Advocacy Scholarship is designed to support students who have demonstrated creative approaches to advocacy and activism, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. This scholarship seeks individuals who have employed innovative methods, such as art, media,
Award: $1,000 Deadline: September Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
The Acorn Equality Fund Leadership Scholarship is designed to support students who have shown exceptional leadership skills in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. This scholarship is open to students who have demonstrated leadership in
Award: $1,000 Deadline: September Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
The Acorn Equality Fund Social Justice Scholarship is intended for students who are passionate about advancing social justice, equity, and human rights for all marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. This scholarship supports students who have demonstrated commitment to social
Award: $1,000 Deadline: September Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
The Acorn Equality Fund Empowerment Scholarship aims to support students who have faced personal challenges, including those related to their gender identity, sexual orientation, or other social or familial hardships, and have demonstrated resilience and a commitment to overcoming these
Award: $1,000 Deadline: September Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
The Acorn Equality Fund LGBTQ+ Advocacy Scholarship is intended to support students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy and have been actively involved in efforts to promote equality, social justice, and human rights for LGBTQ+ individuals. This
Award: $1,000 Deadline: September Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
The Acorn Equality Fund General Scholarship is available to students from downstate Illinois who demonstrate a commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy, community service, and academic achievement. The scholarship seeks to empower students who are passionate about equality, social justice, and creating
Award: $1,000 Deadline: September Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
The Weber-Tucker Scholarship is designed to support LGBTQ+ students who have faced significant social or family hardships, including financial difficulties or challenges related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to students pursuing
Award: $1,000 Deadline: September Est. Time: Low (~10 min)
The McKeon Scholarship is designed to assist students who have demonstrated a passion for political advocacy and LGBTQ+ rights. It seeks students who have actively engaged in political campaigns, public policy work, or social justice initiatives aimed at advancing the
Award: $1,000 Deadline: September Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
The Acorn Scholarship is awarded to high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students from downstate Illinois who have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, volunteerism, and community advocacy. The scholarship seeks individuals who are passionate about LGBTQ+ advocacy and have
Award: $1,000 Deadline: September Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
Name: Eastern Illinois University General Scholarship Application Award Amount: Scholarship award amounts vary depending on the specific...
Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~33 min)This comprehensive collection of Illinois scholarships and grants for the 2026 - 2027 school years, curated from our regularly updated databases. To explore all available scholarship matches, visit our Scholarship Database and Grant Database, which both offer easy-to-use filters, current deadlines, and detailed eligibility information to help you discover the best Illinois scholarship opportunities.
International students studying in Illinois have access to a wide range of scholarships offered through public universities, private colleges, and independent organizations. These awards help reduce out-of-state and international tuition rates, which are often significantly higher than in-state costs. Many scholarships reward strong academic achievement, leadership potential, and community engagement, while others support students pursuing specific majors.
Popular Illinois scholarships for international students include:
International students are encouraged to apply early and submit strong academic transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters to maximize their award potential.
Illinois is home to several highly prestigious full-ride scholarships offered by universities and statewide programs. These awards generally cover full tuition, fees, housing, meals, and additional academic expenses, making them extremely competitive.
Top full-ride scholarships in Illinois include:
These programs often require outstanding GPAs, strong test scores (when applicable), leadership experience, and well-written application materials.
Illinois high school seniors can access dozens of statewide, regional, and institution-based scholarships designed to support their transition to college. These awards recognize academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, financial need, and future career interests.
Scholarships for Illinois high school seniors include:
Students should check with their school counselors and local civic groups for additional opportunities.
Hardship grants in Illinois are designed for students experiencing unexpected financial challenges that could interfere with their ability to stay enrolled in school. These grants provide short-term emergency relief and help students continue their studies without interruption.
Common hardship grants available in Illinois include:
Each program has its own eligibility rules, but common approved expenses include food, rent, transportation, books, utilities, or medical bills.
The Minority Teacher of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship is a state-funded program that aims to increase the diversity of Illinois classrooms. It provides financial support to minority students enrolled in teacher education programs who commit to teaching in Illinois after graduation.
Key features of the MTI Scholarship include:
Students apply through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). This program helps fill teaching shortages and enhance diversity in Illinois schools.
The Illinois Nurse Educator Scholarship Program provides financial support to graduate students preparing for careers as nursing instructors in Illinois. The state continues to face shortages in both nurses and nursing faculty, and this program helps build the pipeline of future educators.
Program benefits include:
This scholarship is particularly helpful for nursing professionals transitioning into education roles.
Illinois invests heavily in supporting students pursuing STEM pathways, providing scholarships through industry groups, private organizations, and universities.
Popular STEM scholarships in Illinois include:
STEM scholarships help build Illinois’ growing technology, medical, and engineering workforce.
The Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) is a valuable state-funded benefit that covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for eligible veterans attending public colleges and universities in Illinois.
Eligibility requirements include:
Veterans must apply through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). IVG can be used alongside federal VA benefits, helping veterans reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket college costs.
Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025. Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.
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