DCFS Scholarship Program
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
At 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.
- How much
- 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)
- Who qualifies
- Current or former youth in DCFS care (open case, aged out at 18+, or left care through adoption or guardianship)
- For Illinois community colleges or public universities; four awards reserved for children of veterans.
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- When to apply
- Opens later Annual; application period January 1 – March 31.
- How to apply
- Apply online between January and March 31 (DCFS posts the link each year
- Email DCFS.OfficeofEducationandTransitionServices@illinois.gov for the current application)
- Include three letters of recommendation from non-relatives and a personal essay
- What you'll need
- state application + essay + recommendation
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (dcfs.illinois.gov) and page 2
The details
Awards at least 53 scholarships each year to current and former youth in care, with four set aside for children of veterans. Recipients get tuition and mandatory fee waivers at an Illinois community college or public university for up to five consecutive years. DCFS's 2025 announcement added a monthly grant ($1,577 in 2025) and a medical card. Selection weighs grades and aptitude, activities, three non-relative recommendations and a personal essay.
More money from Illinois
- Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grantup to $8,400 per year (tuition and mandatory fees only)
- AIM HIGH Grant Programvaries by university
- Higher Education License Plate (HELP) Programvaries; tuition and mandatory fees only
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.