Illinois identity graphic

Scholarships

Freshman Scholarships

Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based scholarships are awarded to students based on financial need. In order to be considered for need-based scholarships students will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For more information regarding need-based aid consult the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students based on high academic achievement. These scholarships are awarded by individual colleges and departments (see below). In order to be considered for merit-based scholarships students simply need to complete the application for undergraduate admission. Eligible students will be contacted directly by the individual colleges and departments administering these awards. For additional information about non-UIUC monetary awards for academic achievement (e.g., national and independently-administered awards), visit the University of Illinois Office of Student Financial Aid Web site. Several online search services are available at no cost from this site.

Scholarship Listings

Guide to understanding the scholarship listings

Requirements: Students must meet these standards to be considered for the scholarship. Unfortunately, as our scholarships are very competitive, not every student meeting the requirements will receive the scholarship, but they will be considered.
Amount: This is the total value of the award. Many scholarships are a one-time award but some scholarships will be distributed over a number of years, and if so, the specifications will be found under “renewable.” The amount listed is for one recipient, unless otherwise stated.
Renewable: If a student can receive the scholarship again, after their freshman year, the requirements will be stated here. In addition, if the amount of the award will be distributed throughout a number of years, specifications will be listed under this category. Should there be no information, it has not yet been determined.
Number: This specifies the number of scholarships given each year. Should there be no information, the number of recipients has not been determined and could vary from year to year.