Illinois scholarships and grants
Every program the state of Illinois runs for students, checked against its official page. For a list matched to you, answer a few questions.
Hide service scholarships (9) These pay for school in exchange for working in a job or place afterward.
Open to most students
Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant
up to $8,400 per year (tuition and mandatory fees only)Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Open nowIllinois's main need-based grant: up to $8,400 a year toward tuition and mandatory fees at approved Illinois colleges.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school, trade school students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
School Social Work Scholarship
tuition and mandatory fees (capped at the most expensive comparable Illinois public-university program)Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Open now · due October 31, 2026Service scholarshipThe catch: Work as a school social worker in Illinois 2 years per year of aid, starting within a year of finishing, or it becomes a loan with interest.
Tuition and mandatory fees for MSW holders earning an Illinois school social work endorsement, in exchange for working in Illinois schools.
- What it takes: state application
- For grad students
- For social work students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Optometric Education Scholarship Program (OESP)
the lesser of $5,000 or tuition and mandatory fees per yearIllinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Due March 1, 2027Service scholarshipThe catch: Practice optometry in Illinois one year per year of aid, starting within a year of finishing, or it becomes a loan.
Up to $5,000 a year toward tuition and fees for Illinois optometry students who agree to practice in Illinois.
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA
- For grad students
- For optometry students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
AIM HIGH Grant Program
varies by universityIllinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) / Illinois public universities
Check datesState-funded grant for full-time undergrads at Illinois's 12 public universities, run by each university with its own award amounts and criteria.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads, transfer students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Higher Education License Plate (HELP) Program
varies; tuition and mandatory fees onlyIllinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Check datesNeed-based grants funded by collegiate license plate sales, for undergrads at Illinois colleges that have a special plate.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Nursing Education Scholarship (NES)
up to $9,238 or $18,856 per year (2026-27), depending on programIllinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Opens laterService scholarshipThe catch: Work as a nurse in Illinois within 12 months of graduating, for as many years as you got aid, or repay it with 7% interest.
Up to $9,238 or $18,856 a year (by program type) for high-need Illinois nursing students who agree to work as nurses in Illinois.
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
- For nursing students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Usual timing: Annual application window typically March 1 – April 30 (2026-27 extended to May 31, 2026); awards made in September.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Illinois Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver (SETTW) Program
tuition and mandatory fees waived (up to 4 years)Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Opens laterService scholarshipThe catch: Teach special education in Illinois, or the waived amount becomes a loan with interest; the length is on the official page.
Waives tuition and mandatory fees at Illinois public universities for up to 4 years for students seeking a first special education teaching license.
- What it takes: state application
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads, grad students
- For special education students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Usual timing: Annual priority date March 1 before the academic year; notices of eligibility by July 1. Later applications considered only if waivers remain.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Podiatric Medicine Scholarship Program
full tuition, matriculation fees and a living stipend (up to 4 years)Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Center for Rural Health
Opens laterService scholarshipThe catch: Practice full time in an Illinois shortage area one year per year of aid, or repay three times the annual award per year of school.
Full tuition, fees and a living stipend for Illinois podiatric medicine students who agree to practice in an Illinois shortage area.
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA + transcript + essay
- For grad students
- For podiatric medicine students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Usual timing: Annual window; 2026: May 15 – June 30, recipients announced in July.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program
up to the total cost of attendance (minus MAP grant)Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Opens laterService scholarshipThe catch: Teach in an Illinois district with high teacher vacancies, or the award becomes a loan with interest; the length is on the official page.
Up to full cost of attendance for future teachers from high-poverty, high-vacancy Illinois districts who commit to teach in an Illinois shortage district.
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, transfer students
- Needs a 2.5+ GPA
- For education, teaching students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Usual timing: Annual priority date in mid-September (2026-27: September 18, 2026); later applications considered only if funds remain.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
For specific students
Military families, foster youth, certain careers and more. Each card says who qualifies.
Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship
up to $7,500 per academic yearIllinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Open nowService scholarshipThe catch: Keep working, or return to work, in Illinois early childhood care and education; the length and repayment terms are on the official page.
Up to $7,500 a year for early childhood workers earning an early childhood education associate's, certificate or bachelor's degree at an Illinois college.
- Who it's for: Current or former early childhood worker (teacher, assistant teacher, director, family childcare provider or assistant) in a licensed or license-exempt facility; Gateways to Opportunity Registry member
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA + membership
- For undergrads, adults going back to school
- For early childhood education students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois
up to $2,500/yr (years 1–2) and up to $5,000/yr (years 3–5) in state tuition assistance; Golden Apple cites up to $23,000 totalGolden Apple Foundation / Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Open now · due December 1, 2026Service scholarshipThe catch: Teach full time 5 years in an Illinois school of need, starting within 2 years of finishing, or it becomes a loan with interest.
State-funded tuition help (up to $2,500 a year early on, $5,000 later) plus teacher training for future teachers who commit to 5 years in an Illinois school of need.
- Who it's for: Selected as a Golden Apple Scholar by the Golden Apple Foundation
- What it takes: essay + recommendation + transcript + interview
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads, transfer students
- Needs a 2.5+ GPA
- For education, teaching students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
DCFS Tuition and Fee Waiver for Youth in Care
tuition and fees remaining after Pell and MAP (up to 5 years)Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
Open now · due January 15, 2027Illinois community colleges and public universities waive remaining tuition and fees for up to 5 years for current and former youth in care.
- Who it's for: Current or former youth in DCFS care
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA
- For students starting college, undergrads
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship Program
tuition and fees (capped at in-district/in-state rates) for one calendar yearIllinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Open now · due March 1, 2027Pays one calendar year of tuition and fees at an Illinois public university or community college for children of workers laid off from closing power plants or coal mines.
- Who it's for: Child or stepchild of an energy worker laid off due to a fossil fuel power plant or coal mine reduction/closure on or after Sept 15, 2016
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Grant Program for Dependents of Correctional Officers
tuition and mandatory fees (full at public colleges; capped at the public-college equivalent at private colleges)Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Open now · due March 1, 2027Tuition and mandatory fees at Illinois colleges for the spouse or children of an Illinois Department of Corrections officer killed or disabled in the line of duty.
- Who it's for: Spouse or child of an Illinois Department of Corrections officer killed or at least 90% disabled in the line of duty
- What it takes: state application
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school, trade school students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Grant Program for Dependents of Police or Fire Officers
tuition and mandatory fees (full at public colleges; capped at the public-college equivalent at private colleges)Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Open now · due March 1, 2027Tuition and mandatory fees at Illinois colleges for the spouse or children of an Illinois police or fire officer killed or disabled in the line of duty.
- Who it's for: Spouse or child of an Illinois police or fire officer killed or at least 90% disabled in the line of duty
- What it takes: state application
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school, trade school students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Grant Program for Exonerees and Their Dependents
tuition and mandatory fees (fall and spring), plus high school equivalency test costsIllinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Open nowTuition and mandatory fees at approved Illinois colleges, plus high school equivalency costs, for people exonerated in Illinois and their designated dependents.
- Who it's for: Exonerated person (gubernatorial pardon on grounds of innocence or circuit-court certificate of innocence) or their designated dependent
- What it takes: state application
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant Program
eligible tuition and certain fees at Illinois public colleges (4 years of full-time study; 6 years with 10+ years of service)Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Open nowPays tuition and certain fees at Illinois public colleges for Illinois National Guard members with at least one year of service.
- Who it's for: Illinois National Guard member (enlisted or officer) with at least one full year of service
- What it takes: state application
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents Scholarship
full tuition and mandatory fees at Illinois public colleges (4 years / 120 points)Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA)
Apply any timeFull tuition and mandatory fees at Illinois public colleges for 4 years for spouses and children of Illinois veterans who were MIA, POW, killed, or 100% service-connected disabled.
- Who it's for: Spouse, child, stepchild or ward of a veteran who was MIA, a POW, died of a service-connected cause, or is rated 100% permanently and totally disabled (including unemployability) by the USDVA
- What it takes: state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
GEAR UP Scholarship
varies each year (lifetime amount set by ISAC based on funding and number of eligible students)Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Apply any timeCollege scholarship for students who took part in an Illinois GEAR UP program in high school; amounts vary and are paid over two years.
- Who it's for: Participant in an Illinois GEAR UP program in high school
- What it takes: school nomination
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship Program
a percentage of tuition, set by a sliding scale on your incomeIllinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), administered by INCCRRA
Apply any timeService scholarshipThe catch: Keep working in Illinois early care and education afterward; the length and repayment terms are on the official page.
Pays a share of tuition, on a sliding scale by income, for Illinois child care and preschool workers taking early childhood courses or degrees.
- Who it's for: Employed in an Illinois Child Care Licensed program or Early Childhood Block Grant Preschool for All program in an eligible role
- What it takes: state application + transcript + membership
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
- For early childhood education, child development students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or Illinois resident
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) Program
tuition and mandatory fees at Illinois public colleges (4 years of full-time study)Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Apply any timePays tuition and mandatory fees at Illinois public colleges for eligible Illinois veterans, for up to 4 years of full-time study.
- Who it's for: U.S. Armed Forces veteran or honorably serving member (incl. Illinois National Guard/Reserve with federal active duty)
- What it takes: state application
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
DCFS Scholarship Program
tuition and mandatory fee waiver at Illinois public colleges for up to 5 years, plus a monthly grant ($1,577/month in the 2025 announcement)Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
Opens laterAt least 53 competitive awards a year: up to 5 years of tuition and fee waivers at Illinois public colleges, plus a monthly grant, for current and former youth in care.
- Who it's for: Current or former youth in DCFS care (open case, aged out at 18+, or left care through adoption or guardianship)
- What it takes: state application + essay + recommendation
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- Usual timing: Annual; application period January 1 – March 31.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.