Scholarships from specific colleges and universities:
Remember….every college/university has its own scholarships to offer. Contact the admissions office or financial aid office of every school to which you apply. Below are some sample scholarships for various colleges. Go to www.meritaid.com to type in a college and see its scholarship opportunities. This is NOT a complete list of scholarships available.
BLACKBURN COLLEGE (Carlinville, IL)
o Presidential Scholarship – Renewable up to $16,510/year. Must have 3.8 GPA or higher, 30-36 ACT composite.
o Heritage Scholarship – Renewable up to $8,256/year. Must with 2 out of 3 of following criteria: 3.7 GPA or higher in core high school classes, 28-36 ACT composite, ranked in top 10% of high school class
o Gideon Blackburn Scholarship – Renewable up to $6,202/year. Must have 2 out of 3 criteria: 3.61 GPA or higher in core courses, 26-36 ACT composite, ranked top 11-20% of high school class
o Trustee Scholarship – Renewable up to $5,428. Must have 2 of 3 criteria: 3.41-3.6 GPA in core, 24-25 ACT composite, ranked 21-25% in high school class
o William Hudson Scholarship – Renewable up to $2,326. Must have 2 out of 3 criteria: 3.0-3.19 GPA in core courses, 20-21 ACT composite, ranked 31-40% of high school class
o Affordable Access Award - FREE TUITION to students who’s FAFSA indicates that they have $0 Estimated Family Contribution. This is a very rare opportunity! To qualify, students must apply to college by priority date and complete the FAFSA by Feb. 1 (and be admitted to college), participate in the Work Program (10 hours of work per week), and receive full PELL and MAP grants (as a result of their $0 EFC).
BOSTON UNIVERSITY (www.bu.edu)
o Trustee Scholarship – Renewable full-tuition scholarship for students who rank at the top of their classes and who demonstrate exceptional leadership in their school and communities. Students must be nominated to apply. If you are interested in this scholarship, please talk to a teacher or counselor to let them know that you are interested in being nominated. Deadline is December 1, 2015.
CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY (www.csu.edu)
o Renewable Merit Scholarships (automatically awarded with application for admission):
· 3.25 GPA, 29-36 ACT ($12,000/yr)
· 3.0 GPA, 25-28 ACT ($4,000/yr)
· 3.0 GPA, 22-24 ACT ($3,000/yr)
· 2.75 GPA, 20-22 ACT ($1,000/yr)
CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF ART (www.cia.edu/2d3d)
o Art and Design Contest- Enter in 1 of 4 categories: Visual Arts, Design, Integrated Media, and Craft. This is a chance to win cash prizes and a $10,000 scholarship to the Cleveland Institute of Art. Visit www.cia.edu/2d3d. Deadline for entries: Last year entries were due in January.
COE COLLEGE (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
o Williston Jones Full-Tuition Scholarships (Deadline- January 5, 2016):
· The Distinguished Trustee Scholarship - This scholarship is awarded to high academic students with the potential to positively impact the campus.
· The Diversity Leadership Scholarship - Coe believes educational experience is strengthened by the inclusion of strong voices from diverse backgrounds. This scholarship is awarded to students from historically underrepresented populations.
· The Marshall Music Scholarship -Open to students who have the necessary background and motivation to pursue the Bachelor of Music degree.
· The Sustainability Scholarship - This scholarship is awarded to students who show passion and concern for our environment.
o Merit Scholarships – Renewable, range from $12,500-$31,000. Automatic consideration with application to college.
EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (www.eiu.edu/scholarships/merit.php)
o Pemberton Presidential Scholars Award: Full tuition and fees and room and board for 4 yrs. Must have 31+ ACT and cum unweighted GPA 3.75, demonstrate leadership and service, intellectual maturity. Financial need may be considered. Deadline: Jan. 8th .
o Panther Promise Scholarship: $2500 renewable towards tuition. Need-based scholarship for families with incomes ranging from $33,000 to $71,000 per yr. File the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st to be considered.
o Presidential Scholars Award: $11,000 renewable. Minimum eligibility criteria - ACT 30 & 3.5 GPA (or top 10% of class) or ACT 28 & 3.75 GPA (or top 5% of class). Applications are evaluated based on transcripts, extracurricular/volunteer activities, personal essay, and rec letters. Application deadline is January 8th.
o Commitment to Excellence Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships ranging from $2,000-$4,500 each year for up to 8 semesters. Students with 21-36 ACT composites, 3.0 GPA and higher considered.
o Other scholarship opportunities – Visit www.eiu.edu/scholarships.
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY (www.govst.edu/scholarships)
o Presidential Scholarships - Full tuition, fees, and $750 towards books. Open to students with 3.75 unweighted GPA. Complete admissions app by early action deadline Nov. 15. Complete Presidential Scholarship app by Jan. 12th. Complete FAFSA by Feb. 15th.
o Other scholarships available for merit, need, and ethnicity (e.g., Latino Scholarship)
ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY (www.illinoisstate.edu/scholarships)
Illinois State awards highly competitive, merit-based scholarships to new students with exceptional academic talent. Qualified students who submit all required admissions materials during the preferred application filing period will be invited to apply.
o Presidential Scholarship: Merit-based scholarship. All applicants are automatically considered when they apply before November 15th. Must have at least a 30 ACT and 3.5+ GPA. Average applicant has 33 ACT and 4.0+ GPA ($11,000/year renewable). A separate scholarship application must be submitted by Monday, January 8, 2016 if student is deemed eligible.
o University Scholarship: Merit-based scholarship for academically-talented, new freshman students from traditionally underrepresented groups or first generation college students who have overcome hardship in achieving their academic goals.University Scholars receive a $6,000 annual award, renewable for up to four years, for a potential value of $24,000.All applicants are automatically considered when they apply before November 15th. If eligible, a separate scholarship application must be submitted by January 8, 2016. Students must have minimum of 25 ACT and 3.4+ GPA. Those who received award in the past had average of 27 ACT, 3.85 GPA.
o Redbird Academic Scholarship: Merit-based scholarship. All applicants are automatically considered when they apply before November 15th. Must have 25 ACT and 3.4+ GPA. Students who earned scholarship had average of 26 ACT, 3.8 GPA ($1,000 to $4000/year renewable).
o Other scholarship opportunities – Visit IllinoisState.edu/Scholarships.
MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - MANKATO(Scholarship Finder- mnsu.academicworks.com)
o In-State Tuition Scholarships - Open to high school students in top 15% of class and have one of the following: ACT Composite of 25+, PSAT Selection Index 150+, SAT Total 1130+. Renewable.
NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA (Sarasota, Florida)
o Presidential Scholarship – Every out-of-state student enrolling in Fall 2016 and meeting the criteria will be awarded a $15,000 per year scholarship. Criteria: Required admission materials are on file by April 15th, admitted to New College for Fall 2016, must be a US citizen, US Permanent Resident Alien, or eligible non-citizen, and you must submit your $200 enrollment deposit no later than May 1st.
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (www.neiu.edu/scholarships)
o Presidential Scholarship -covers full in-state tuition, fees, and books. Students with a composite ACT of 27+ and 3.35+ cum GPA are eligible to apply. Deadline: December 15th.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (www.niu.edu/scholarships)
See all the scholarships available by using the scholarship finder on the website above. Apply EARLY for merit-based scholarships. May require an interview.
DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT FALL 2015 MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS - PLEASE CHECK WEBSITE! USE SCHOLARSHIPFINDER TO MATCH YOU TO VARIOUS SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES. LAST YEAR, THESE WERE THE FOLLOWING PROVIDED:
o Presidential Scholarship – 33+ ACT, 3.75+ cum GPA, full tuition, fees, room and board.
o NIU Scholars – See chart - approx. 28 ACT, 3.75 GPA, $7,000/year
o Northern Academic Scholarship – See chart - approx. 25 ACT, 3.0 GPA, $4000/year
o Centennial Scholarship – See chart - approx. 22-24 ACT, 3.0 GPA, $3,000/year for 2 years
o Red and Black Award – 19-21 ACT, 3.0 GPA, $3,000 for one year
o Huskie Legacy Award – $1,000 for new freshmen who are children of an NIU alumnus
o Northern Pact Scholarship – based on community service and dedication to Northern Pact principles, separate application required. $4,000 for 2 years.
o Federal Army ROTC Scholarships – covers either tuition and fees or room and board, and includes an annual book allowance. Students receive a tax-free monthly stipend ($300-500/mo). Minimum 19 ACT composite, 2.5+ GPA.
ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
o Quest Whole Person Scholarship – recognizes students committed to achieving excellence academically, physically and spiritually. Awards range in value up to $20,000 per year. If you are interested, please let Mrs. Grygiel (in room 234) know that you are interested in being nominated for this opportunity.
REGENCY BEAUTY INSTITUTE (scholarship@ regency.edu)
o Scholarships available – Four winners will earn $5,000 each to attend Regency Beauty Institute by doing a makeover! Please visit regency.edu/GoCosmo, or facebook.com/Regency Beauty, or Instagram.com/RegnecyGoCosmo.
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY (www.robertmorris.edu)
o Faculty Scholars Awards - Eligible students who have a 2.5+ GPA and at least 28 ACT may earn a full-tuition scholarship. Students with a GPA of 2.5+ and a 24-27 ACT may qualify for up to $7,000 per academic year. Students with a GPA of 3.0+ and at least a 22-23 ACT may earn $6,000/year. First come, first served basis.
o For more scholarship opportunities, visit www.robertmorris.edu/scholarships.
ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE (Rockford, Illinois)
o Rock Valley College Foundation offers a variety of scholarships (program-based, merit-based, and need-based). Go to www.rockvalleycollege.edu, hover over Admissions and Aid, then click on Scholarships under Financial Aid heading. You will find information about the scholarships. Must register for classes by June 3, 2016 for full consideration, must complete RVC financial aid file by May 16th to be eligible for need-based scholarships, must submit official transcript to Registration and Records by May 16th to be considered for merit-based scholarships.
o Application opens April 1st and runs through May 16th. Scholarship application takes approximately 15 minutes and requires a paragraph regarding student goals. No long essays or letters of rec needed. Awards vary.
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY-CARBONDALE (http://scholarships.siuc.edu)
o Chancellor’s Scholarship- min. 28 ACT, student who demonstrates leadership will be invited to apply for this scholarship which covers in-state tuition, fees, room/board for 4 years. Apply by December 1, 2015 to be considered. Valued at $92,000.
o Dean’s Scholars – Minimum 24 ACT, $4,000-$6,000/year, renewable. Valued at $16,000-$24,000.
o University Excellence Scholars – min. 28 ACT. Covers in-state tuition for 4 years. Deadline is December 1, 2015. Valued at $34,000.
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY AT EDWARDSVILLE (siue.academicworks.com)
o Competitive merit-based scholarships range from $8,000 to full tuition. Students with ACT scores of 23 or higher and 3.0+ GPA are considered. Apply by December 1, 2015.
o Meridian Scholarship – min. 27 ACT, covers full tuition, room/board, and fees. Apply by December 1, 2015. Submit supplemental profile at www.siue.edu/meridian.
o e-Guarantee (limited funding) - Amounts vary. After completing the FAFSA, SIUE will assist families with filling remaining unmet financial need. Minimum 19 ACT, $0 EFC and family income levels at or below federal poverty guidelines.
ST. AMBROSE UNIVERSITY (www.sau.edu/admissions)
o Trustees Scholar - Awards $18,000 per yr. Min. 3.8 GPA and 28+ ACT. Will be invited to Scholarship Day on Nov. 7 and will be eligible to compete for additional scholarships including one of three full-tuition remission scholarships.
o Academic Scholarship - Awards $13,000 to 16,000 per yr. Based on GPA and ACT.
o University Grant - Awards $10,000 per yr. Based on GPA and ACT.
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (www.uic.edu)
o To be considered for most aid, students must complete the UIC admission application and the FAFSA. Scholarship priority deadline is December 1st.
· Honors Scholars Awards - Value: $3,000-$8,000/yr. Must apply to the Honors College to compete for the award
· Access to Excellence Grant - Value: varies based on need. Students who qualify for the MAP Grant and Pell Grant may receive additional support from UIC to meet the gap between need and cost of attendance.
· Presidential Award Program - Scholars - Open to Illinois residents who have demonstrated academic excellence and are a)from a historically underrepresented group b) low sending county to UIC, or c) family is not expected to contribute to cost of education verified through financial aid process.
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS SPRINGFIELD (www.uis.edu)
o Lincoln Merit Scholarships - automatically considered with application for admission for students with a minimum 21 ACT and 3.0 GPA (ranging from $2,500-$10,000). Apply early.
o President's Award Program - Open to students from historically underrepresented groups and groups that have been difficult to enroll at UIS. Must have 25 ACT or higher ($5,000/yr renewable). Apply early.
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS – URBANA/CHAMPAIGN
o For a list of all scholarships, visit http://admissions.illinois.edu/Invest/scholarships.
o Fred S. Bailey Scholarship Program – Awards $3,000 (one time) to incoming freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who show academic excellence, financial need, and who are committed to service, spirituality, and social and environmental justice. Visit www.universityymca.org/bailey. Application deadline: February 7, 2016.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN – ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN
o Geisinger Scholarship Program – Awards $20,000 per year, renewable. Full value over eight semesters is $80,000. Open to non-Michigan residents from selected geographic areas who are planning to attend the University of Michigan, College of Engineering. Visit http://scholarships.engin.umich.edu/new-students/. Application deadline: January 14, 2016.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI (MIZZOU) - Apply to University of Missouri by December 1, 2015, then go to scholarships.missouri.edu to apply for scholarships by December 15, 2015:
o Mark Twain Nonresident - 30-36 ACT and top 25%-50% ($10,000-8,500/yr.); 27-29 ACT and top 25%-50% ($5,000-7,000/yr). Deadline: December 15, 2016.
o Mizzou Heritage - Out-of-state fee waiver for students with 27 ACT and top 25% of class, and biological, adoptive, or stepparent who graduated from the University of Missouri. Deadline: December 15, 2016.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA - CEDAR FALLS, IOWA
o Bright Scholars of Iowa - Full tuition and fees, room & board and books (renewable) Must rank in top 10% of graduating class or ACT composite of 28 or above, commitment to learning and community service, demonstration of success in face of adversity, must qualify for Pell Grant, priority to a child for whom neither parent has earned a 4 yr college degree. Deadline: January 15, 2016.