AIM HIGH Scholarship

The AIM HIGH Scholarship, funded by the State of Illinois, provides merit-based awards to undergraduate students. This grant program is designed to encourage Illinois students to attend an in-state university, improve college affordability, and reduce student loan debt. For consideration, the FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid should be completed by our preferred filing date. There is not a separate application for the AIM HIGH Scholarship. 

For Fall 2026, Illinois State University will provide up to $2,000 per year to first time in college students who meet all the following criteria: 

• Is a resident of the state of Illinois and attended an Illinois high school.
• Is a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen or meet the “undocumented student” criteria of the RISE Act.
• Is a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program.
• Is enrolled for the first time at Illinois State University.
• Cannot be incarcerated.
• Cannot be in default on any student loan nor owe a refund or repayment on any State or federal grant or scholarship.
• File a 2026-27 FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid and demonstrate need with household income no greater than eight times the poverty guidelines as outlined in the chart below. 2024 income is used to determine 2026-2027 eligibility.
• Priority is given to those who file the FAFSA or Alternative Application by November 15, 2025.
• Priority is given to students with a grade point average of 4.0 or higher.