Last updated on March 25, 2024

Scholarships in Illinois to Apply to in 2024

The Best Illinois Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines
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SCHOLARSHIPS FEATURED BY:
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30 SCHOLARSHIPS
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  1. Cover image for Mary Alice Kramer Aspiring Nurse Scholarship

    Mary Alice Kramer Aspiring Nurse Scholarship

    Funded by
    Liane Foerder
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of Mary Alice Kramer by supporting students who are following in her footsteps and pursuing nursing.
    Funded by
    Liane Foerder
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of Mary Alice Kramer by supporting students who are following in her footsteps and pursuing nursing.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • Field of Study: Nursing
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • State: Resident of IL
    Amount:$1,200
    Deadline:Apr 30, 2024
    One Click Apply
    1
  2. Cover image for Cindy J. Visser Memorial Nursing Scholarship

    Cindy J. Visser Memorial Nursing Scholarship

    Funded by
    Visser Family
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Cindy J. Visser by supporting students in Illinois who share her desire to help others through nursing.
    Funded by
    Visser Family
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Cindy J. Visser by supporting students in Illinois who share her desire to help others through nursing.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Study: Nursing
    • State: Illinois
    Amount:$2,500
    Deadline:Apr 30, 2024
    One Click Apply
    2
  3. Cover image for Amoah-Koi Scholarship

    Amoah-Koi Scholarship

    Funded by
    Amoah-Koi Family
    This scholarship seeks to honor Daniel Amoah-Koi by supporting students pursuing graduate degrees so they have all the resources they need to thrive.
    Funded by
    Amoah-Koi Family
    This scholarship seeks to honor Daniel Amoah-Koi by supporting students pursuing graduate degrees so they have all the resources they need to thrive.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • State: Illinois
    • Race: Black/African
    • Education Level: Graduate student
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Jun 15, 2024
    One Click Apply
    3
  4. Cover image for Samantha S. Roberts Memorial Scholarship

    Samantha S. Roberts Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Roberts family
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of Samantha S. Roberts by supporting students from the Midwest who are passionate about art.
    Funded by
    Roberts family
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of Samantha S. Roberts by supporting students from the Midwest who are passionate about art.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • State: WI, IL, IA, MI, MN, KS, NE, or OH
    • Field of Study: Art
    Amount:$2,000
    Deadline:Jul 30, 2024
    One Click Apply
    4
  5. Cover image for Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship

    Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship

    Funded by
    Cat Zingano
    This scholarship will be awarded to one high school or undergraduate student who is fighting through their own loss of a close family member, legal guardian or loved one, and is in need of financial support for their education as they move forward.
    Funded by
    Cat Zingano
    This scholarship will be awarded to one high school or undergraduate student who is fighting through their own loss of a close family member, legal guardian or loved one, and is in need of financial support for their education as they move forward.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$10,000
    Deadline:Jul 20, 2024
    One Click Apply
    5
  6. Cover image for Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship

    Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship

    Funded by
    West Family
    This scholarship aims to support college students who face the dual challenges of academic pursuit and familial responsibilities during a difficult time.
    Funded by
    West Family
    This scholarship aims to support college students who face the dual challenges of academic pursuit and familial responsibilities during a difficult time.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Background: Child of a parent with ALS
    • Financial Status: Family facing financial hardship
    • Education Level: Current or prospective college student
    Amount:$14,890
    Deadline:May 31, 2024
    One Click Apply
    6
  7. Cover image for A Heroes Family Scholarship

    A Heroes Family Scholarship

    Funded by
    First Responders Family Foundation
    As one small way to help the families of first responders, the A Heroes Family Scholarship exists to provide financial support for a student who has lost a parent or spouse to an on-duty tragedy of a first responder.
    Funded by
    First Responders Family Foundation
    As one small way to help the families of first responders, the A Heroes Family Scholarship exists to provide financial support for a student who has lost a parent or spouse to an on-duty tragedy of a first responder.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Jun 20, 2024
    One Click Apply
    7
  8. Cover image for First-Generation College Students Scholarship

    First-Generation College Students Scholarship

    Funded by
    wiseGEEK
    The First-Generation College Students Scholarship is meant to support and encourage these students as they take on the biggest educational milestone thus far in their lives.
    Funded by
    wiseGEEK
    The First-Generation College Students Scholarship is meant to support and encourage these students as they take on the biggest educational milestone thus far in their lives.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Background: First-generation college student
    • Education Level: High school senior or current undergraduate student
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Jul 15, 2024
    One Click Apply
    8
  9. Cover image for Raquel Merlini Pay it Forward Scholarship

    Raquel Merlini Pay it Forward Scholarship

    Funded by
    raquel Merlini
    This scholarship is designed to support one divorced woman or a single mother with an opportunity to pursue the education she deserves.
    Funded by
    raquel Merlini
    This scholarship is designed to support one divorced woman or a single mother with an opportunity to pursue the education she deserves.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Marital Status: Single Mother and/or divorced
    • Pending major: Pursuing or considering pursuing a degree in the medical field
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Jun 24, 2024
    One Click Apply
    9
  10. Cover image for CapCut Meme Master Scholarship

    CapCut Meme Master Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship seeks to celebrate humor and creativity by showcasing your funniest CapCut memes!
    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship seeks to celebrate humor and creativity by showcasing your funniest CapCut memes!
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 4 days left
    One Click Apply
    10
  11. Cover image for "The Summer I Turned Pretty" Fan Scholarship

    "The Summer I Turned Pretty" Fan Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship seeks to support students who feel a strong connection to Belly's journey.
    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship seeks to support students who feel a strong connection to Belly's journey.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 4 days left
    One Click Apply
    11
  12. Cover image for Once Upon a #BookTok Scholarship

    Once Upon a #BookTok Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship aims to support students who love reading and have been impacted by the #BookTok community.
    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship aims to support students who love reading and have been impacted by the #BookTok community.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 4 days left
    One Click Apply
    12
  13. Cover image for Lewis University Launch Your Career Scholarship

    Lewis University Launch Your Career Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship is designed to supply the next generation of Lewis University students with the tools to make an impact and succeed even before setting foot on campus to start their adventure as a Lewis University student.
    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship is designed to supply the next generation of Lewis University students with the tools to make an impact and succeed even before setting foot on campus to start their adventure as a Lewis University student.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Year of high school (if applicable): Senior
    Amount:$1,000
    Winners:1
    Deadline:Apr 01, 2022
    One Click Apply
    13
  14. Cover image for Bob Gana Memorial Scholarship

    Bob Gana Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Debbie Gana
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Bob Gana by supporting the next generation of students who are interested in pursuing careers in the trades.
    Funded by
    Debbie Gana
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Bob Gana by supporting the next generation of students who are interested in pursuing careers in the trades.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior planning to attend trade school
    Amount:$1,000
    Winners:1
    Deadline:Nov 01, 2023
    One Click Apply
    14
  15. Cover image for Jacob Naumann Memorial Scholarship

    Jacob Naumann Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Naumann Family
    This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of Jacob Naumann by supporting students who share his passion for music.
    Funded by
    Naumann Family
    This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of Jacob Naumann by supporting students who share his passion for music.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • State: Illinois or Missouri
    • Field of Interest: Music
    • Education Level: High school junior or senior or undergraduate student
    Amount:$1,000
    Winners:1
    Deadline:Jul 06, 2023
    One Click Apply
    15
  16. Cover image for Creative Arts Scholarship

    Creative Arts Scholarship

    Funded by
    The Studio, LLC
    This scholarship will support high school seniors and undergraduate students from Illinois who will be pursuing a degree in the arts.
    Funded by
    The Studio, LLC
    This scholarship will support high school seniors and undergraduate students from Illinois who will be pursuing a degree in the arts.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • State: Illinois
    • Field: Performing arts: music, dance, theater, etc.
    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate
    Amount:$3,000
    Winners:2
    Deadline:Jul 01, 2023
    One Click Apply
    16
  17. Cover image for Creative Arts Scholarship

    Creative Arts Scholarship

    Funded by
    The Studio, LLC
    This scholarship will support high school seniors and undergraduate students from Illinois who will be pursuing a degree in the arts.
    Funded by
    The Studio, LLC
    This scholarship will support high school seniors and undergraduate students from Illinois who will be pursuing a degree in the arts.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • State: Illinois
    • Field: Performing arts: music, dance, theater, etc.
    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate
    Amount:$3,000
    Winners:2
    Deadline:Jul 01, 2023
    One Click Apply
    17
  18. Cover image for Most Improved Student Scholarship

    Most Improved Student Scholarship

    Funded by
    Fernando Garcia
    The Most Improved Student Scholarship aims to support high school seniors in Illinois who strive for continuous improvement.
    Funded by
    Fernando Garcia
    The Most Improved Student Scholarship aims to support high school seniors in Illinois who strive for continuous improvement.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school seniors
    • State: Illinois
    • Background: Improvement academically and personally
    Amount:$500
    Winners:1
    Deadline:May 01, 2023
    One Click Apply
    18
  19. Cover image for Rising Scholarship

    Rising Scholarship

    Funded by
    Her Rising Initiative
    This scholarship will support high school women from Illinois.
    Funded by
    Her Rising Initiative
    This scholarship will support high school women from Illinois.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school
    • Gender: Woman
    • State: Illinois
    Amount:$500
    Winners:1
    Deadline:Sep 01, 2022
    One Click Apply
    19
  20. Cover image for Deacon William E. Johnson Sr. Memorial Scholarship

    Deacon William E. Johnson Sr. Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Martin Johnson
    This scholarship seeks to provide tuition assistance to a minority high school senior or undergraduate student in Illinois.
    Funded by
    Martin Johnson
    This scholarship seeks to provide tuition assistance to a minority high school senior or undergraduate student in Illinois.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Financial Status: Low-income
    • Race: BIPOC
    • State: Illinois
    Amount:$1,600
    Winners:3
    Deadline:Apr 26, 2023
    One Click Apply
    20
  21. Cover image for Deacon William E. Johnson Sr. Memorial Scholarship

    Deacon William E. Johnson Sr. Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Martin Johnson
    This scholarship seeks to provide tuition assistance to a minority high school senior or undergraduate student in Illinois.
    Funded by
    Martin Johnson
    This scholarship seeks to provide tuition assistance to a minority high school senior or undergraduate student in Illinois.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Financial Status: Low-income
    • Race: BIPOC
    • State: Illinois
    Amount:$1,600
    Winners:3
    Deadline:Apr 26, 2023
    One Click Apply
    21
  22. Cover image for Deacon William E. Johnson Sr. Memorial Scholarship

    Deacon William E. Johnson Sr. Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Martin Johnson
    This scholarship seeks to provide tuition assistance to a minority high school senior or undergraduate student in Illinois.
    Funded by
    Martin Johnson
    This scholarship seeks to provide tuition assistance to a minority high school senior or undergraduate student in Illinois.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Financial Status: Low-income
    • Race: BIPOC
    • State: Illinois
    Amount:$1,600
    Winners:3
    Deadline:Apr 26, 2023
    One Click Apply
    22
  23. Cover image for Nick Huffman Memorial Scholarship

    Nick Huffman Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Melanie Mccummiskey
    This scholarship will support high school students from Illinois who plan to pursue a career in television/radio communications or creative writing.
    Funded by
    Melanie Mccummiskey
    This scholarship will support high school students from Illinois who plan to pursue a career in television/radio communications or creative writing.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school
    • State: Illinois
    • Career of Interest: Television/radio communications or creative writing
    Amount:$500
    Winners:1
    Deadline:Apr 01, 2023
    One Click Apply
    23
  24. Cover image for Tina and Danny Rodriguez Scholarship

    Tina and Danny Rodriguez Scholarship

    Funded by
    Randell Wittenberg
    In memory of Tina and Danny Rodriguez, this scholarship will support one student who is looking to pursue a career in law enforcement, fire safety, EMS, or 911 services and whose goal it is to serve the public through their work.
    Funded by
    Randell Wittenberg
    In memory of Tina and Danny Rodriguez, this scholarship will support one student who is looking to pursue a career in law enforcement, fire safety, EMS, or 911 services and whose goal it is to serve the public through their work.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Desired Degree: Law Enforcement, Fire Safety, EMS, 911 Services
    • Location: Illinois
    Amount:$523
    Winners:1
    Deadline:Feb 02, 2022
    One Click Apply
    24
  25. Cover image for HomeCare.com Nursing Scholarship

    HomeCare.com Nursing Scholarship

    Funded by
    CareSave
    This scholarship is designed to provide equitable opportunities for prospective Black nurses to excel in their studies and pending career.
    Funded by
    CareSave
    This scholarship is designed to provide equitable opportunities for prospective Black nurses to excel in their studies and pending career.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Major of interest: Nursing/ADN
    • State: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois, New York, Michigan, Georgia, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, Arizona, or Alabama
    Amount:$8,000
    Deadline:Jul 01, 2021
    One Click Apply
    25
  26. Cover image for West Pullman Scholarship

    West Pullman Scholarship

    Funded by
    Friends & Family
    This scholarship aims to support students who are passionate about English, Theater or Film as they pursue higher education.
    Funded by
    Friends & Family
    This scholarship aims to support students who are passionate about English, Theater or Film as they pursue higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • State: IL
    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Race: Black
    • Field of Study: English, Theater or Film (playwriting preferred)
    Amount:$4,985
    Winners:1
    Deadline:Aug 27, 2023
    One Click Apply
    26
  27. Cover image for Nabi Nicole Grant Memorial Scholarship

    Nabi Nicole Grant Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Tandy Green
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Nabi Nicole by supporting other women who share her faith and ambition.
    Funded by
    Tandy Green
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Nabi Nicole by supporting other women who share her faith and ambition.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Race: African American
    • Gender: Female-identifying
    • Field of Study: Theology or Religious Studies
    • Education Level: Any
    Amount:$2,000
    Winners:2
    Deadline:Nov 04, 2023
    One Click Apply
    27
  28. Cover image for Nabi Nicole Grant Memorial Scholarship

    Nabi Nicole Grant Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Tandy Green
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Nabi Nicole by supporting other women who share her faith and ambition.
    Funded by
    Tandy Green
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Nabi Nicole by supporting other women who share her faith and ambition.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Race: African American
    • Gender: Female-identifying
    • Field of Study: Theology or Religious Studies
    • Education Level: Any
    Amount:$2,000
    Winners:2
    Deadline:Nov 04, 2023
    One Click Apply
    28
  29. Cover image for Adam T. Hallberg Mental Illness Study Scholarship

    Adam T. Hallberg Mental Illness Study Scholarship

    Funded by
    Erika Hallberg
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Adam T. Hallberg by supporting students who are pursuing higher education in the mental health field.
    Funded by
    Erika Hallberg
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Adam T. Hallberg by supporting students who are pursuing higher education in the mental health field.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    • State: Iowa or Illinois
    • Background: Volunteer or internship experience in the mental health field
    • Field of Study: Mental health services
    Amount:$1,000
    Winners:2
    Deadline:Dec 09, 2023
    One Click Apply
    29
  30. Cover image for Adam T. Hallberg Mental Illness Study Scholarship

    Adam T. Hallberg Mental Illness Study Scholarship

    Funded by
    Erika Hallberg
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Adam T. Hallberg by supporting students who are pursuing higher education in the mental health field.
    Funded by
    Erika Hallberg
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Adam T. Hallberg by supporting students who are pursuing higher education in the mental health field.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    • State: Iowa or Illinois
    • Background: Volunteer or internship experience in the mental health field
    • Field of Study: Mental health services
    Amount:$1,000
    Winners:2
    Deadline:Dec 09, 2023
    One Click Apply
    30

About scholarships in Illinois

Illinois is home to many students looking for higher education opportunities. With prestigious institutions for those who demonstrate academic achievement as well as larger and more accepting institutions, Illinois offers many different options for college students. 

Unfortunately, college costs are rapidly rising, making it difficult for low-income or middle-class students to afford their costs. As a result, many undergraduate students and graduates now rely on student loans to finance their education.

In the US alone, 45 million borrowers are paying off student loans and collectively owe $1.71 trillion. Illinois is no exception, with many students struggling to pay their tuition and other educational expenses without taking out debt. Though student loans allow lower-income students to pursue their goals, they can also be difficult to pay off, especially if one takes out private loans with high interest rates. 

Student debt can also make it difficult to pursue other life goals, like buying homes, saving for retirement, starting businesses, or even having children. As a result, it can be critical for students with financial need to seek out financial aid other than loans. This aid can include education scholarship opportunities, federal grants, or aid directly from one's college. Keep reading to find exclusive scholarships for students in Illinois.

Illinois students and student debt

Colleges in Illinois

Illinois colleges have an average acceptance rate of 58.01%. Illinois has some prestigious and highly selective options like the University of Chicago, with a 7.31% acceptance rate. The University of Chicago ranks sixth out of national universities and has 6,989 current undergraduate students. 

Northwestern University is another prestigious college in Illinois, ranking ninth out of national universities with 8,194 undergraduate students.

Students looking for a larger and less competitive college experience can consider schools such as the University of Illinois-Chicago. Students who want a smaller college experience can also find great options in Illinois, such as Eureka College with just 511 undergraduate students.

The graduation rate of Illinois students is 65.18%, with women having a higher graduation rate than men, 67.39%compared to 62.55%. 

Illinois college demographics

Illinois colleges have a total of 693,740 students, 411,509 of whom are female as compared to just 282,231 men. 536,769of the college students in Illinois are undergraduates and 156,971 are graduates. Of all college students in Illinois, 350,917take fully online classes and another 149,814 take some online courses. As a result, just 193,009 students in Illinois take fully in-person classes.

340,594 Illinois college students are white but there's also a significant Hispanic population in college, with 133,274Hispanic students. Additionally, there are 83,378 Black students, 51,153 Asian students, and 20,402 mixed-race students in Illinois colleges.

College costs in Illinois

The average cost of living is $14,306 for on-campus students and $13,680 for off-campus students. Tuition for in-state students costs an average of $5,475, resulting in living costs being the highest expense for many students. In-state graduate students pay a higher average tuition rate of $12,394.

Out-of-state students pay an average of $40,868 if living on campus and $40,242 if living off campus. For out-of-state students, tuition alone costs an average of $21,070 for undergraduate students and $19,921 for graduate students.

While 66.72% of undergraduate students receive financial aid, the average aid amount is just $8,578, leaving a high remaining cost. 

Student debt in Illinois

Illinois students, like other students around the country, struggle to pay the astronomical costs of higher education out of pocket. As a result, 57% of Illinois graduates have student debt and 10% have private student loans. The average student debt in Illinois is $28,552, placing Illinois roughly in the middle of average student debt by state and below the national average of $37,693.

The best scholarships for Illinois students

When it comes to applying for scholarships, it can be difficult to decide where to start. Each type of scholarship has different advantages and drawbacks but state-based Scholarships in Illinois can be great opportunities. Since fewer students will be eligible to apply for local scholarships, your chance of winning will be higher!

Deacon William E. Johnson Sr. Memorial Scholarship

This $2,775 scholarship was created in memory of Deacon William E. Johnson Sr. and seeks to support low-income BIPOC students. High school seniors and undergraduate students who are studying in Illinois can apply for this scholarship by writing about someone who impacted their education journey and their plans for helping their community. 

Three winners will be selected and the scholarship closes on April 26th, so don't wait!

Tina and Danny Rodriguez Scholarship

In memory of Tina and Danny Rodriguez, this $523 scholarship will award a high school student in Illinois who is interested in a career in law enforcement, fire safety, EMS, or 911 services. 

HomeCare.com Nursing Scholarship

This $8,000 will support four high school students in Illinois who are interested in pursuing careers in nursing. Eligible students can apply by writing a short essay about their inspiration for pursuing nursing and how they'll help the public through their practice.

Additional scholarships that students in Illinois should consider 

State-based scholarships like the ones above are a great way to begin your scholarship search, but there are plenty of other scholarships you should consider. Non-local scholarships that are open to students regardless of location can also be worthwhile opportunities. Narrow scholarships with many eligibility requirements can be especially rewarding since you will be up against less competition!

Scholarships for high school students in Illinois

High school is often less demanding than college, so it can be a great idea to begin searching for college scholarships while still in high school. Any scholarships that you win will be held for you until you begin college, so don't wait to start applying! The following scholarships are a great way to get started.

  1. Paige's Promise Scholarship
  2. Robert Wechman Mental Health Scholarship
  3. CollegeXpress No-Essay Scholarship

Scholarships for high school freshmen in Illinois

High school freshmen often don't know that they can start applying for scholarships. Additionally, many freshmen haven't started thinking seriously about college and their financial plans, so many don't bother to apply for scholarships. By applying early, you can give yourself extra time to earn college funding, making it easier to afford college when you finally start. Check out the following scholarships that you can apply for as a high school freshman.

  1. WiseGeek Lifelong Learners No-Essay Grant
  2. Haiti Rising Christlike Scholarship
  3. Andrew Perez Mental Illness/Suicidal Awareness Education Scholarship

Scholarships for high school sophomores in Illinois

Like freshmen, many high school sophomores don't take the time to apply for scholarships. Junior and senior year are often more busy and stressful, between college visits, college applications, AP classes, and standardized tests. Sophomore year can therefore be an excellent time to apply for scholarships like the ones below.

  1. Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
  2. Morning Brew Tech & Business News Scholarship
  3. Bold Dream Big Scholarship

Scholarships for high school juniors in Illinois

Though junior year may be busy as you consider your college plan and start working on your applications and on ACT or SAT prep, it can still be worthwhile to apply for scholarships. Some high school scholarships are exclusively open to upperclassmen, so consider taking advantage of those opportunities. You can get started with the following scholarships:

  1. Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship
  2. Scorenavigator Financial Literacy Scholarship
  3. Future of Aviation Scholarship

Scholarships for high school seniors in Illinois

High school seniors can benefit from the many scholarships that are only open to high school senior students. Some undergraduate scholarships are also open to high school students who are graduating seniors, resulting in many opportunities for Illinois residents preparing to attend college. 

  1. Graduate Debt-Free Scholarship
  2. Eleven Scholarship
  3. Melaninwhitecoats Podcast Annual Scholarship
  4. JoLynn Blanton Memorial Scholarship

Illinois college scholarships for current college students

Current college students, including college freshmen, upperclassmen, and even graduate students can still benefit from scholarships. It can be difficult to attend school if you're not from a wealthy family and federal financial aid often doesn't go far enough in financing students' pursuits of higher education. 

These college scholarships will support outstanding students working on undergraduate or graduate degrees. If you're a current college student, consider the following scholarships to reduce your tuition costs at an accredited college or vocational school. 

  1. Tony Alviani Memorial Scholarship
  2. Sentant Interdisciplinary Technology Scholarship
  3. CollegeXpress Graduate No-Essay Scholarship
  4. Hasanovic American Dream Scholarship

Scholarships for graduate students in Illinois

Many graduate students think it's too late to find scholarships. However, there are plenty of scholarship opportunities that are available to those pursuing advanced degrees. Additionally, many students pursuing graduate programs have student loans from their undergraduate years, making them eligible for many debt-reduction scholarships.

  1. @ESPDaniella Debt Grant
  2. Military Student Debt Grant
  3. Lost Dreams Awaken Scholarship

Scholarships for moms in Illinois

Mothers, fathers, and other guardians often are discouraged from pursuing a college or university education due to the responsibilities and time constraints that come from raising children. Additionally, children can be expensive, making financial assistance even more essential for students who are moms.

  1. REVIVAL Scholarship
  2. It Takes An Aggie Village Scholarship
  3. Saroya Byrd Legacy Scholarship

Scholarships for single moms in Illinois

Being a parent already makes college more difficult, but being a single parent is even harder. As a result, many scholarships are geared specifically toward single moms who need tuition assistance in order to attend college. The following scholarships are a great place for single moms to start when seeking out financial assistance.

  1. Janey Mae Memorial Scholarship
  2. Law Family Single Parent Scholarship
  3. Larry Darnell Green Scholarship

Scholarships for first-generation college students in Illinois

First-generation students often have a tough time navigating the world of higher education. It can be difficult to find financial aid as many first-generation students don't know where to look due to a lack of family guidance. 

Additionally, first-generation students often come from lower-income households since their parents don't have formal education. The following scholarships can help level the playing field by helping first-generation students reduce their financial need.

  1. Minority/Women in STEM Scholarship
  2. Diversity in Law Scholarship
  3. McCutcheon | Nikitin First-Generation Scholarship
  4. Abby's First-Generation College Student Scholarship

Scholarships for Latino students in Illinois

Hispanic and Latino students can benefit from many ethnicity-based scholarships, such as the ones below. The following Hispanic American scholarships will have a smaller eligible applicant pool, making it more likely that you'll win!

  1. Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship
  2. Hispanic Empowerment No-Essay Scholarship
  3. Snap Finance "Funding the Future" Scholarship

Frequently asked questions about scholarships in Illinois

How to apply for scholarships in Illinois

Applying for scholarships on Bold.org is fast, free, and easy! To get started, click on any of the scholarships above and make your profile. In order to find the best scholarship matches, make sure to completely fill out your profile so that it's detailed, unique, and accurate. 

Once your profile is created, you can browse through the hundreds of scholarship opportunities and you can bookmark any that interest you. To find more specific scholarships, consider using the filter features which allow you to browse by category, education level, deadline, or date added. You can also filter by type to find no-essay scholarships if you're short on time. Additionally, you can even filter by amount to find different value scholarships, ranging from $500 to full-tuition scholarships.

Once you've found a scholarship that's a good match, read the description to check the eligibility criteria that applicants must meet. If you're among the qualified students, all you need to do is follow the prompts! Most scholarships require a short essay or other written submission, which you can paste into the box at the bottom of the page. Other scholarships may require a file upload or a link submission either in place of an essay or in addition to an essay. 

Once you've put in all of your application materials, just click submit to officially enter the scholarship! 

When can I start applying?

On Bold.org, you can start applying for scholarships as soon as you're in high school and at least fourteen years old. By starting early, you'll give yourself as much time as possible to seek out scholarship awards, which will make it easier to pay for college when the time comes. 

Many students begin applying as high school seniors so they can find funding before enrolling in a college. However, plenty of college students, including graduate students, are just beginning to apply. It's never too late or too early to earn college scholarships, so start your search whenever it feels right to you. 

Even if you're an adult who has graduated and started working, you may still qualify for scholarships. Though most scholarships are only open to current students, recent graduates who have student loans are eligible for some opportunities.

Do I have to have a certain GPA to apply?

While applicants must display academic excellence or academic achievement to apply for certain scholarships, most scholarships don't have a minimum GPA required to apply. If you do exhibit academic potential, you can consider academic merit scholarships, such as those that require a minimum cumulative GPA.

If you excel in another area, consider other types of scholarships. For example, an arts scholarship or an award for students who play high school sports can benefit from athletic or artistic scholarships. Additionally, minority students, those who demonstrate financial need, or applicants who are building leadership skills can all find corresponding scholarships that match up to their demographics and backgrounds, regardless of cumulative GPA.

Are scholarships taxable in Illinois?

Scholarship money is sent straight to the accredited Illinois college of the winner and is applied directly toward educational costs, including tuition expenses, fees, and book costs. Additionally, recent graduates who win scholarships apply the money directly to their student debt. Since scholarship money goes directly towards educational expenses, it does not count as taxable income as long as the total amount received does not exceed one's educational costs.