Known as the “Land of Lincoln” as well as the “Prairie State”, Illinois is a state rich with American history. The state is home to 119 colleges and universities. If you are attending or plan to attend school in Illinois, then take a look at these scholarships:
Back 2 School Illinois Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: TBD for 2021 (More info in December)
To encourage college-bound seniors, this scholarship foundation offers financial aid to outstanding Illinois students. Students who show leadership both in school and the community will receive higher consideration.
Eligible students must: be an Illinois resident, must be a college-bound high school senior, complete the application.
Illinois Hospital Research & Educational Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 15, 2020
For students currently studying in the medical field, the Illinois Health and Hospital Association sponsors the Illinois Hospital Research & Educational Foundation Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship goes towards first-year students in a medically-related field.
To qualify: students must have Illinois residency, have at least a 3.5 GPA, and currently enrolled in their first year of school.
Elmhurst Garden Club Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: May 1, 2020
For students interested in majoring in horticulture, botany, environmental studies, biology, or related fields, this one is for you. This scholarship awards students who care about conservation and landscape design.
In order to apply, students must: submit an official transcript, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, submit two letters of recommendation, and write a cover letter discussing their interest in a field-related career or involvement in a related community activity.
Engineering Student Incentive Award for High School Seniors
Amount: $1000, $1200, $1400
Deadline: April 1, 2020
The Chicago Engineers’ Foundation awards Chicago-area students who are entering a program of study in the field of engineering. If the student maintains satisfactory grades, the CEF will continue to award financial aid in increasing increments.
Eligible students must: be a graduating high school senior with strong ties to Chicago, be accepted into an accredited engineering program, meet the academic criteria outlined in the online application form.
Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois
Amount: $2500, $5000
Deadline: April 3, 2020
For those students who desire to become teachers, this is an opportunity to explore. If accepted into the program, scholars will receive $2,500 per year for their freshman and sophomore years and $5,000 per junior and senior years. In total, Golden Apple scholars can be awarded up to $23,000 for their involvement.
To be eligible, a student must: be a US citizen and resident of Illinois, have an ACT score of at least 22, maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher, submit school transcripts, pursue a career in teaching.
The Silas Purnell Illinois Incentive For Access Program
Amount: Up to $1,000
Deadline: Varies
This program is for students entering their freshman year of higher education, who require financial aid. The program aims to increase college access, reduce student loan debt, and help students pay for their education.
To be eligible, students must: be a resident of Illinois, be enrolled as a freshman in an ISAC-approved institution, be enrolled at least half-time, demonstrate financial need, make satisfactory improvement throughout the academic career.
Illinois Medical Student Scholarship Program
Amount: $950 per month
Deadline: May 15 (annually)
This program awards medical students–particularly those with connections to areas where healthcare is scarce– with financial aid help as a stipend of $950 per month to cover tuition, living costs, and other fees.
In order to apply, a student must: be an Illinois resident, enrolled in an allopathic or osteopathic medical school located in Illinois, demonstrate financial need, pursue a field related to the majors outlined on their website.
And of course, individual schools have their own scholarships for students attending their institution, so check those out as well!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
6.97%-15.03%* Variable
5.99%-14.00%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
6.37% - 16.70% Variable
4.50% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.98% - 16.70% Variable
4.07% - 15.66% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.07% - 11.31% Variable
4.39% - 10.39% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
|
|
6.22% - 16.08% Variable
4.09% - 15.66% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
6.54% - 11.08% Variable
3.95% - 8.01% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 18.26% Variable
4.11% - 15.90% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
4.98% - 12.79% Variable
8.42% - 13.01% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
