Illinois Scholarships
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Evans Scholars Program
The Evans Scholars Foundation, administered by the Western Golf Association, offers up to $60,000- scholarships to deserving caddies to pursue undergraduate degrees in Ohio.
Greenhouse Scholarship
The Greenhouse Scholars Scholarship is available to students from Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New York, and North Carolina who need financial support to pursue a course of study.
First Amendment Freedoms Art & Essay Contest
The Anti-Defamation League offers the First Amendment Freedom Art & Essay Contest with awards between $1,000 and $5,000 to two high and middle school students to further their education.
ISAWWA IPSI Scholarship
The Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association awards the $1,500 Public Service Institute Scholarship to students undergoing a three-year training program at the Illinois Public Service Institute.
The James M. & Virginia M. Smyth Scholarship Fund
James M. & Virginia M. Smyth Scholarship Fund awards a scholarship to eligible students to pursue undergraduate degrees in arts and sciences, human services, music, or ministry at an accredited college.
Eli Lilly & Company Make Life Better Scholarship Program
The Eli Lilly & Company Make Life Better Scholarship Program awards up to $10,000 to seven college sophomore students in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.
Illinois Retired Teachers Association Foundation Scholarships
The Illinois Retired Teachers Association (IRTA) Foundation Scholarship awards from $1,500 to $3,000 to deserving undergraduate students pursuing studies in education and becoming educators in Illinois.
John Deere Scholarship
The $2,500 John Deere Scholarship is given to one Midwest US student and one diverse Midwest U.S. student enrolled in a welding engineering or weld engineering technology program annually.
Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship
The MTI Scholarship offers up to $5,000 to minority students in higher education institutions in Illinois who are studying to become teachers. Eligible students must have a 2.50 GPA.
TOI Scholarship
The TOI Scholarships program, administered by Township Officials of Illinois, offers $2,000 to financially support high school seniors to further their education and help them complete their undergraduate degrees.
Hearld and Marge Ambler Scholarship
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks offers the Hearld and Marge Ambler Scholarship of $6,000 to two college students each, pursuing business-related degree programs. Preference is given to accounting majors.
Illinois Sheriffs’ Association College Scholarships
The ISA awards over 100 students the Illinois Sheriffs' Association College Scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 to pursue their undergraduate studies in Illinois. Applicants must be residents of Illinois.
IACAC Transfer Scholarship
The IACAC provides the Transfer Scholarship of $1,000 to five students enrolled at community colleges who are looking to further their studies at IACAC four-year member institutions.
IAW Helen Henert Agricultural Education Scholarship
Women Changing the Face of Agriculture (WCFA), organized by the American Agri-Women, awards this scholarship of $1,500 to one college student pursuing a degree in agriculture- related field in Illinois.
Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – College Students
The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest awards 30 scholarships to undergraduate students who live in states with Regions' full service and are enrolled in undergraduate programs of their choice.
Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – High School Seniors
The Scholarship Contest awards 30 scholarships to high school senior students who live in states with Regions' full service and plan to enroll in undergraduate programs of their choice.
ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship
The Iowa Student Loan offers a $1,000 scholarship to ten students annually to assist them with college education expenses and encourage them to pursue college degrees. Recipients are picked randomly.
Cathay Bank Foundation Scholarship
The Cathay Bank Foundation Scholarship offers twenty $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors.
Nursing Education Scholarship Program
Every year, IDPH awards scholarships from $8,324 to $17,124 to individuals who are pursuing various degrees in nursing at approved institutions in Illinois.
Rural Nurse Practitioner Scholarship
The scholarship program, administered by the Rural Illinois Medical Student Assistance Program, awards $4,000 to registered nurses seeking to become nurse practitioners. Applications are only open to Illinois residents.
ICTM Scholarships
Annually, three students are granted $1,500 to study mathematics to become teachers in the state of Illinois. Applicants must be an undergraduate at an accredited college or university in Illinois.
Zakat Foundation Community Service Scholarship
Preparing for college is an exciting time, but it can also be an overwhelming undertaking, especially for students graduating during a pandemic.
¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program
The ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program offers 185 $1,500 flight e-passes to undergraduate and graduate students who travel away from home to study.
Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Scholarship
The ILBCF awards a scholarship of $1,000 to a number of undergraduate students in the state of Illinois to complete their undergraduate studies of choice at two- or four-year institutions.
IHLA Educational Foundation Scholarship
The scholarship, administered by the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association and ranges from $1,000 to $4,000, is to financially assist students who pursue hospitality management degrees at accredited colleges and universities.
About Illinois scholarships
Attending college in Illinois can be a great way to start your educational journey. With its diverse range of universities and colleges, the state offers an abundance of educational opportunities to all students. From small liberal arts schools to large public universities, there is something for everyone who wants to pursue higher education in Illinois. Not only do these institutions offer excellent academic programs, but they also provide a vibrant atmosphere that encourages learning and growth outside the classroom. Whether you are looking for affordable tuition or just want to experience college life with other like-minded individuals, attending college in Illinois could be the perfect choice for you!
Did you know that there are scholarships available in Illinois for students of all ages and backgrounds? We've gathered some of the best scholarships that Illinois has to offer and have also provided information on how to apply and what the requirements are. Illinois students often require financial aid to help cover the steep costs associated with higher education. Scholarships can provide a much-needed source of relief for these students, allowing them to pursue their educational goals without being overwhelmed by the financial burden that comes with college tuition and other related expenses.
Cost of college in Illinois 2023
The cost of college in Illinois can vary widely depending on what type of institution a student is attending. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average net price of tuition and fees for first-time, full-time undergraduates in 2020 was $14,670 at public four-year institutions and $29,380 at private four-year institutions. The average cost of room and board for students living on campus in 2020 was $11,680 at public four-year institutions and $12,720 at private four-year institutions.
The top three schools in Illinois are the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The University of Chicago is one of the most prestigious private research universities in the world, located in Hyde Park on the south side of Chicago — tuition for full-time undergraduates is $57,642 per year (2019-2020). Northwestern University is a private research university located in Evanston — tuition for full-time undergraduates is $58,491 per year (2019-2020). The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is one of the most renowned public research universities in the country — tuition for full-time undergraduates is $16,074 per year for in-state students and $30,394 for out-of-state students (2019-2020).
Illinois is also home to some of the most affordable schools in the United States, with tuition costs ranging from just $2,000 to over $30,000 annually. Three of the most affordable schools in Illinois are Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, and Western Illinois University. Tuition for in-state residents at Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is just $9,624 a year. Tuition at Northern Illinois University (NIU) is slightly higher at $11,480 a year for in-state residents. Western Illinois University (WIU) has a tuition fee of just $9,190 a year for in-state residents.
10 best $1,000 scholarships in Illinois 2023
There are plenty of scholarships available in Illinois, but here are the 10 best ones. Each of these scholarships awards $1,000 or more – which is a great contribution to your college tuition.
| Scholarship | Award Amount |
|---|---|
| IHLA Educational Foundation Scholarship | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Illinois Retired Teachers Association Foundation Scholarships | $1,500–$3,000 |
| TOI Scholarship | $2,000 |
| IAW Helen Henert Agricultural Education Scholarship | $1,500 |
| ICTM Scholarships | $1,500 |
| American Transmission Co. Scholarship | $1,125 |
| InspirASIAN Scholarships | $1,000 |
| IACAC Transfer Scholarship | $1,000 |
| Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Scholarship | $1,000 |
| NAWIC Quad City Chapter #50 Scholarships | $1,000 |
Illinois scholarships for high school seniors
Scholarships are incredibly important for high school seniors in Illinois as they provide much-needed financial assistance to pursue higher education. Without scholarships, many students would be unable to attend college due to the high cost of tuition and living expenses. Scholarships also provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their academic achievements and leadership abilities. By earning a scholarship, students can prove to potential employers and graduate schools that they possess the skills and abilities needed for success.
High school seniors in Illinois have access to a wide range of scholarship opportunities. From need-based awards to merit scholarships, there are plenty of ways for students to get the financial help they need for college. The state also offers several grants and other forms of assistance that can be used toward tuition and other educational expenses. For those looking to make their college dreams come true, an Illinois scholarship could be just what they’re looking for. With so many options available, it’s important for high school seniors in Illinois to research all the possibilities before applying.
Full-ride scholarships in Illinois 2023
Illinois is a great place to pursue higher education with plenty of full-ride scholarships available. These scholarships can cover tuition, books, housing, and other educational expenses for eligible students. Whether you are looking for an undergraduate or graduate degree, there are many different types of full-ride scholarships that could be the perfect fit for you. With such generous support from the state, it’s no wonder that so many Illinoisans choose to stay in their home state when pursuing higher education.
Here are a few full-ride scholarships you can use to study in Illinois.
The Exelon HBCU Corporate Scholars Program awards $25,000 to students.
The Western Golf Association offers the Evans Scholars Program worth up to $60,000.
The Breakthrough Prize Foundation awards $50,000 through the Breakthrough Junior Challenge.
Students can compete to win up to $100,000 with the Paradigm Challenge.
Exelon awards a full-ride scholarship through the Exelon HBCU Corporate Scholars Program.
Students can be awarded a full-ride scholarship from McDonald's with the McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship.
Bennington College awards the Young Writers Awards worth up to $60,000.
Tips for winning Illinois scholarships
1. Start looking early: Don’t wait until the last minute to start looking for scholarships in Illinois. Many organizations have deadlines that are months before the school year even starts, so it pays to begin your search as soon as possible. Make sure you research, apply and submit all necessary documents on time in order to maximize your chances of winning scholarships.
2. Network: Many of the scholarship opportunities in Illinois come through networking and contacts, so make sure you take full advantage of your connections. Utilize family members, friends, contacts from any organizations or clubs you are part of, and even faculty members at your school to learn about different scholarship options in the area.
3. Seek out local scholarships: Many organizations in Illinois offer scholarships specifically for local students, so make sure to research your options. Look up businesses and community groups in the area, as they often have scholarship programs available. You can also check with your school’s guidance office or college counseling department to see if they know of any opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for scholarships in Illinois?
You can typically apply for scholarships through the institution or organization offering them. Most scholarship applications will require you to submit proof of academic success, as well as financial need and other criteria stated by the scholarship sponsoring organization.
What are some common types of scholarships available in Illinois?
Common types of scholarships available in Illinois include academic merit-based awards, athletic awards, service-related grants, need-based aid, and more. Each type has its own eligibility requirements so it is important to review them before submitting your application.
Are there any resources available to help students find local scholarships in Illinois?
Yes! Students studying in Illinois can visit their school’s financial aid office as well as check online sources such as Scholaroo for information on local scholarship opportunities. Private foundations may offer additional ways to fund college expenses such as tuition waivers or discounted tuition costs that can be investigated further with the help of a guidance counselor or admissions officer at school.
Are there any special requirements to receive a scholarship in Illinois?
Special requirements vary depending on the type of scholarship and organization offering it. Generally speaking, most scholarships will require applicants to meet certain academic thresholds or demonstrate financial need. Other criteria may include community service hours or extracurricular activities.
Are there any scholarships for education majors in Illinois?
Yes, there are scholarships available. Head to our education scholarships in Illinois page or check out our list of education scholarships for more opportunities.