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)

Presidential Scholarship – Renewable up to $16,500/year. Must have 3.8+ GPA in core courses, #1 in class, ACT 30+/SAT 1400+ composite.

Heritage Scholarship – Renewable up to $9,500/year. Must with 2 out of 3 of following criteria: 3.7 GPA or higher in core high school classes, ACT 28+/SAT 1320+ composite, ranked in top 10% of high school class

Gideon Blackburn Scholarship – Renewable up to $6,500/year. Must have 2 out of 3 criteria: 3.6 GPA or higher in core courses, ACT 26+/SAT 1260+ composite, ranked top 20% of high school class

Trustee Scholarship – Renewable up to $5,500/year. Must have 2 of 3 criteria: 3.40+ GPA in core, ACT 24+/SAT 1180+ composite, ranked top 25% in high school class

Alumni Scholarship – Renewable up to $5000/year. Must have 2 of 3 criteria: 3.20+ GPA in core classes, ACT 22+/1100+ SAT Composite, ranked top 30% of class.

William Hudson Scholarship – Renewable up to $2,500. Must have 2 out of 3 criteria: 3.0+ GPA in core courses, ACT 20+/SAT 1030+ composite, ranked top 40% of high school class

Founders Scholarship – Renewable up to $2,000. 2.5+ GPA in core courses, ACT 18+/SAT 950+, ranked in top 50% of class.

Affordable Access Award - FREE TUITION to students with a FAFSA that 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)

Trustee Scholarship – Renewable full-tuition plus mandatory fees scholarship for students who rank at the top of their classes and who demonstrate exceptional leadership in their school and communities. There will be 20 students chosen. If you are interested in this scholarship, you must submit your application for admission and two Trustee Scholarship essays by Dec. 1. Application instructions are available online at bu.edu/admissions/trustee. Deadline is December 1, 2017.

CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF ART (www.cia.edu/2d3d)

Art and Design Contest- Enter in 1 of 4 categories: Visual Arts, Design, Digital Arts, 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: TBD (It has been in January in previous years).

COE COLLEGE (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

o  Williston Jones Scholarships- Several full- and partial-tuition scholarships will be awarded. Scholarship finalists will be invited to interview or audition on campus for these 4 awards:

·  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, creating sustainable practices and reducing our carbon footprint on the world.

o  Trustee Scholarships – Renewable, up to $31,500. Automatic consideration with application to college.

EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (www.eiu.edu/scholarships/merit.php)

o  Pemberton Presidential Scholars Award (FULL RIDE): Full tuition and fees and room and board for 4 yrs. Must have at least 31 ACT or 1420 SAT and minimum cum unweighted GPA 3.75, demonstrate leadership and service, intellectual maturity. Financial need may be considered. Deadline: Jan. 12th.

o  Panther Promise Scholarship: $2,500 renewable towards tuition. Need-based scholarship for families with incomes ranging from $30,000 to $73,000 per yr. File the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1st to be considered.

o  Presidential Scholars Award: $11,000/year renewable. Minimum eligibility criteria – SAT 1390/ACT 30 & 3.5 GPA (or top 10% of class) or SAT 1310/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 12th.

o  Honors Award: $3,000 renewable. Same eligibility requirements of the Presidential Scholars Award. Students who are not chosen for the Presidential may receive this award in addition to the Commitment to Excellence Award, provided they enroll in the Pine Honors College.

o  Commitment to Excellence Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships ranging from $2,000-$4,500 each year for up to 8 semesters. Students with at least 21 ACT /1060 SAT composite, minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA.

o  Other scholarship opportunities – Visit www.eiu.edu/scholarships.

GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY (www.govst.edu/scholarships)

o  Presidential Scholarships - Full tuition, fees, and $500 towards books and $1,000 meal plan per semester (renewable). Ideal candidates: minimum 3.75 unweighted GPA, complete GSU application by Nov. 1, complete Presidential Scholarship application by December 1, and complete FAFSA in October.

o  Provost’s Scholarship – $2,500 toward tuition, fees, housing, and books (renewable). Ideal candidates: minimum of 3.75 unweighted GPA, complete GSU application by Nov. 1, complete Presidential Scholarship application by December 1, and complete FAFSA in October.

o  Dean’s Scholarship – $1,750 toward tuition, fees, housing, and books (renewable). Ideal candidates: 3.75 or higher unweighted GPA, complete GSU application by Nov. 1, complete Presidential Scholarship application by December 1, and complete FAFSA in October.

o  Other Merit-Based Scholarships: Awards vary depending on academic profile and available funds. To be eligible, students should apply by February 1.

o  Other Need-Based Scholarships: Visit govst.edu/scholarships, for more information.

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 1390 SAT/30 ACT and 3.5 GPA. Average applicant has 33 ACT and 4.0 GPA ($11,000/year renewable).

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 minimum of $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. Students must have minimum of 1200 SAT/ 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 minimum of 1200 SAT/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

MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY ()

o  Leading Scholar Award – Awards full out-of-state tuition, renewable for 4 years. Open to students who do not live in Michigan but who have leadership skills and outstanding achievement (minimum of 3.3 GPA, 1140 SAT or 23 ACT) Visit the website for scholarship details, application directions, the essay response assignment, and the link to apply. Apply for admission to Michigan Tech--it's free! Students must have a completed application on file by October 15 to be considered for this scholarship. Submit completed scholarship materials by October 15.

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - MANKATO (www.mnsu.edu)

o  In-State Tuition Scholarships - Open to high school students who have any of the following: In top 15% of class, at least a 3.8 GPA, ACT Composite of 25 or SAT Total 1220 or higher. Renewable.

NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (www.neiu.edu/scholarships)

o  Presidential Scholarship -covers full in-state tuition, fees, and books. Students with a composite ACT of at least 27 or SAT of at least 1220, with minimum of 3.35 cum GPA are eligible to apply. Apply early! Final Deadline: February 15.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (go.niu.edu/scholarship_finder)

See all the scholarships available by using the scholarship finder on the website above. Apply by November 15th to the University and you will be automatically considered for merit scholarships. May require an interview.

o  Presidential Scholarship – Full tuition, fees, room and board. Must have a minimum of 33 ACT or 1500 SAT, 3.75 cum GPA. Must apply to NIU by November 15th.

o  NIU Scholars – See Merit Award Chart on website - approx. 28 ACT, 3.75 GPA, $7,000/year.

o  Northern Academic Scholarship - See Merit Award Chart - $4000/year

o  Centennial Scholarship – See Merit Award Chart - $3,000/year

NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY (www.nmu.edu/presidentialscholars)

o  Presidential Scholars Competition- Must have at least a 24 ACT/1160 SAT and minimum of 3.5 GPA. Sign up to compete at www.nmu.edu/presidentialscholars. Competition Dates: October 29-30 (Register by October 13) or November 12-13 (Register by October 27). Students must register for the competition ANDapply for admissionand submit transcripts and test scores prior to the competition deadlines so eligibility can be determined.

·  Full tuition, fees, room & board/year (10 awarded)

·  Full tuition/year (10 awarded)

·  $2,000/year (60 awarded)

·  $1,000/year (140 awarded)

NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY (www.nwmissouri.edu/finaid/)

o  President's Scholarship - Awards $8,000/year. Eligible students have at least a 27 ACT, 3.75 GPA, accepted for admission by January 25th, and must attend Northwest's Distinguished Scholars' Day.

o  Bearcat Advantage - Awards approx. $6,564 (100% waiver of out-of-state tuition). Eligible students have a minimum of 21 ACT or 1060 SAT, 3. 0 GPA or higher, and are non-Missouri resident. See chart on website.

o  Green & White Advantage - Awards approx. $3,282(50% waiver-of-out of state tuition). Eligible students have a minimum of 19 ACT or 980 SAT and a 2.75 GPA or higher, are non-Missouri resident. See chart on website.

o  Other Admissions-Based Freshman Scholarships - Awards range from $1,000-$4,000 for students with at least a 19 ACT and a minimum of 2.75 GPA.

ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY (www.robertmorris.edu)

o  Faculty Scholars Awards - Eligible students who have at least a 2.5 GPA and 1320 SAT may earn up to $18,000/yr. Students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and at least 1180-1310 SAT may qualify for up to $7,500 per academic year. Students with a GPA of at least a 3.0 and/or 1120-1170 SAT may earn $6,000/year. First come, first served basis.

o  For more scholarship opportunities, visit www.robertmorris.edu/scholarships.

ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY

o  Competitive Scholarships – First year students compete for top-level scholarships by completing the scholarship application by January 19th. Applicant must be admitted to RU by January 12th, have a resume listing the school/community organizations and activities, special honors (dates received), work experience (number of hours/week, position, and duties), and official transcript showing Fall 2017 semester grades (may be sent separately after grades are posted).

o  Charles & Dianna Colman Scholarship – Awards up to full tuition. Must have GPA of 3.75 or higher, min. 30 ACT/1400 SAT, and live and take meals on campus.

o  Trustee Scholarship – Awards up to 75% of tuition. Must have GPA of 3.5 or higher, min. 27 ACT/1290 SAT, and live and take meals on campus.

o  Pfeffer Scholarship – Awards up to 100% tuition. Open to a first year female student majoring in science or math who intends to pursue a course of study that would lead her to a career in medicine or medical research. Speak to an admission counselor for additional details.

o  Dean’s Scholarship – Awards up to 50% tuition to first year students with exceptional academics. Full-time students need only apply and be admitted to RU.

o  Academic Excellence Scholarships and Founders, Recognition, and Regent Awards - Awards range up to $14,000. Full-time students need only apply and be admitted to RU.

ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE (Rockford, Illinois)

o  Rock Valley College Foundation offers a variety of scholarships (program-based, merit-based, and need-based). Over $290,000 scholarships awarded last year! Go to www.rockvalleycollege.edu/scholarships. Application typically opens early April and runs through the middle of May.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY-CARBONDALE (http://scholarships.siuc.edu)

o  Chancellor’s Scholarship- min. 28 ACT or 1310 SAT, student who demonstrates leadership will be invited to apply for this scholarship which covers in-state tuition, fees, room/board for 4 years. Apply to SIU by November 1st to be considered. Scholars program application due by Dec. 1st. Valued at $98,000.

o  Dean’s Scholars – Minimum 24 ACT or 1160 SAT and 3.5 GPA. Awards $4,000-$6,000/year, renewable. Apply to SIU by November 1st to be considered. Valued at $16,000-$24,000.

o  University Excellence Scholars – min. 28 ACT or 1310 SAT. Awards $9,500/yr for 4 years. Apply to SIU by November 1st. Valued at $34,000.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY AT EDWARDSVILLE (siue.academicworks.com)

o  Competitive merit-based scholarships - up to $16,000 over 4 years. Students with ACT scores of 23 or higher or 1130 SAT and min. 3.0 GPA are considered. Apply by December 1, 2017.

o  Meridian Scholarship – min. 27 ACT or 1280 SAT, covers full tuition, room/board, and fees. Apply by December 1, 2017. Submit supplemental profile at www.siue.edu/meridian. Average profile for selected students is 30 ACT or 1390 SAT, 3.9 GPA.

o  SIUE Grant - Amounts vary up to $4,000. After completing the FAFSA, SIUE will assist families with filling remaining unmet financial need. Preferential consideration for students who complete the SIUE application by Dec. 1, 2017 and file the FAFSA as close to Oct. 1st as possible.

ST. AMBROSE UNIVERSITY (www.sau.edu/admissions)

o  Ambrose Scholar - For first year, on-campus residents only. Must have straight A’s on high school transcript and a minimum 30 ACT score. Applicants who meet Ambrose Scholar criteria will be invited to compete for a full tuition scholarship.