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. Our ScholarshipFinder can also help you find awards within the 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.
Search for scholarships using keywords.
See which academic departments offer scholarships.
Get support from sources outside the University.
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.
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.