Most scholarships are awarded on an annual basis. Usually that means applications are accepted in the fall or spring, winners are notified a few weeks to a few months later, and the actual awards are made the next fall. Unfortunately, because of this timing, if you are trying to cover an outstanding bill you have right now, scholarships are unlikely to help.
Find out how the process works when you receive a scholarship
Scholarships come from a variety of sources. Some are available through Illinois State University. Professional organizations, social clubs, employers, community organizations, and individual donors provide many more.
Each scholarship provider determines when and how they will select the recipient, whether or not the award is renewable year after year, when the money will be awarded, and how it should be used. The more often you are searching and applying for scholarships, the less likely it is you will miss something for which you could have qualified.
Find awards offered from the University.
See which academic departments offer scholarships.
Get support from sources outside the University.
2026-2027 CEFCU Member Appreciation Scholarship - Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFCU) has a long history of assisting its membership in securing adequate financial support for higher education. CEFCU recognizes the benefits to the entire community when opportunities for a college education are within the reach of deserving and talented students. In recognition of CEFCU's commitment to higher education and Illinois State University's ongoing educational excellence, the CECFU Member Appreciation Scholarship has been established.
Application is open January 5, 2026, and the deadline is at 11:59pm on February 6, 2026. This scholarship will be awarded for the 2026-2027 academic year.
2026-2027 Class of 1985 & 1986 - The Class of 1985 Scholarship and the Class of 1986 Scholarship were established by their respective graduating classes to acknowledge students' commitments to the Illinois State University campus and community through leadership and community service involvement in campus and community activities.
Application is open January 5, 2026, and the deadline is at 11:59pm on February 6, 2026. This scholarship will be awarded for the 2026-2027 academic year.
2026-2027 Friends of Donna Mauk Scholarship - The Friends of Donna Mauk Memorial Scholarship was established by Ed Warshaw and friends in May 2009. This scholarship is intended to help students who have lost a parent to cancer or are battling or survived cancer themselves.
Application is open January 5, 2026, and the deadline is at 11:59pm on February 6, 2026. This scholarship will be awarded for the 2026-2027 academic year.
2026-2027 Olamide Adeyooye Scholarship - This fund was established in 2006 to honor Olamide Adeyooye, a senior whose life was tragically ended three months prior to her graduation. Candidates must have demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to campus and/or community service; and completed at least 30 hours of credit at Illinois State University.
Application is open January 5, 2026, and the deadline is at 11:59pm on February 6, 2026. This scholarship will be awarded for the 2026-2027 academic year.
2026-2027 Talkington Family Endowed Scholarship - The Talkington Family Endowed Scholarship was established by Joe E. Talkington in October 2016 to provide financial support to employees working full time or part time at Westminster Village in Bloomington, IL. Joe retired from Illinois State University in June 1991 having served the University with distinction as Department Chairperson and professor in the Department of Technology (formerly the Department of Industrial Technology) for more than 29 years.
Application is open January 5, 2026, and the deadline is at 11:59pm on February 6, 2026. This scholarship will be awarded for the 2026-2027 academic year.Grant for Police or Fire Officers – A state program for individuals who is the spouse or child of an Illinois police or fire officer who was killed or became at least 90 percent disabled in the line of duty. For Full Year consideration, including summer term, apply by October 1, 2025. Apply through the ISAC Student Portal.
Grant for Correctional Officers – A state program for individuals who is the spouse or child of an Illinois correctional officer who was killed or became at least 90 percent disabled in the line of duty. For Full Year consideration, including summer term, apply by October 1, 2025. Apply through the ISAC Student Portal.
Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant – A state program for individuals pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, who are active members of the Illinois National Guard (Army or Air). Apply through the ISAC Student Portal.
Illinois Veterans Grant - A state program or honorably discharged veterans who meet certain service requirements and lived in Illinois for at least six months before entering the service and returned to Illinois within six months of military discharge.
Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship – A state program for children (biological, adoptive, and stepchildren) of an energy worker (parent) who has lost employment due to reduced operation or closure of a fossil fuel power plant or coal mine. For Full-Year consideration, including summer term, apply by October 1, 2025. Apply through the ISAC Student Portal.
Get an explanation of how scholarships work from Federal Student Aid.
See if you qualify for scholarship money by staying in-state.
The Lopez and Navarro Scholarship is intended to provide financial assistance to support undocumented and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students in their dream of receiving a college degree. At this time all available scholarships have been awarded. When additional funds are available, the application will reopen.
The Senior Citizen Courses Act permits senior citizens over 65 to enroll in regularly scheduled credit courses at public higher education institutions without payment of tuition. Learn more about the Act.
Learn more about scholarships and how we can help.