GEAR UP Scholarship
Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
College scholarship for students who took part in an Illinois GEAR UP program in high school; amounts vary and are paid over two years.
- How much
- varies each year (lifetime amount set by ISAC based on funding and number of eligible students)
- Who qualifies
- Participant in an Illinois GEAR UP program in high school
- Took part in GEAR UP for the entire senior year or at least 50% of the program; high school diploma or equivalent; under 22 at first use; undergraduate at an approved Illinois college.
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- When to apply
- Apply any time Automatic; GEAR UP coordinators submit participants to ISAC at the end of each school year.
- How to apply
- No separate application: GEAR UP coordinators send eligible students' information to ISAC at the end of senior year, and ISAC notifies recipients
- Keep your contact info and college plans updated with ISAC
- Filing the FAFSA is encouraged but not required
- What you'll need
- school nomination
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (isac.org)
The details
Students who took part in an Illinois GEAR UP program for their whole senior year or at least 50% of the program get a lifetime scholarship amount for any approved Illinois college. It's usually split into two yearly awards (about half in the first year). It covers tuition, fees, books, supplies, required equipment and other approved costs, fall and spring only. It can be used part-time or full-time in any field of study. You have up to six years after high school to use it, but must first use it before age 22.
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.