Illinois Scholarships
A college education is not only a valuable asset but also increases the job prospects of the recipient. Hence planning for college education is essential since obtaining a college degree is extremely expensive. The state of Illinois provides many scholarships and grants to students to help fund their college education.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission was established in 1957. It has since been a valuable asset for students residing in the state of Illinois.
Monetary Award Program
The Monetary Award Program awarded by ISAC provides undergraduate students scholarships that cover the tuition fees, books expenses and other college related expenses. The Monetary Award Program disburses almost $380 million every year to undergraduate students who demonstrate a financial need in their FAFSA forms. The eligible students must be residents of the state of Illinois and should have graduated from a high school in Illinois. The other requirements include consistent GPA of 2.5 or higher, extra-curricular activities and leadership skills. The eligible students must be willing to enroll themselves in institutions of higher learning in the state of Illinois.
Merit Recognition Scholarship
The Merit Recognition Scholarship awards scholarships to students with exceptional academic records. The scholarship amount and number of chosen applicants vary every year and are based on the budget allocated to the scholarship program. Usually the scholarship program awards up to$1,000 to every student every year. Students do not have to apply for this scholarship separately.
They are automatically considered if they meet the following criteria: 1) consistent academic performance of being ranked in the top percentile of the respective high school class, 2) SAT, ACT or Prairie State Achievement Exam scores in the top five percent and 3) strong involvement in extra-curricular activities.
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship
The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship awards $1,500 to chosen students residing in the state of Illinois. The award is renewable up to three years and the chosen applicant must be enrolled in a full-time course in any state college or university. For further information, please visit: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/iduesbyrd/index.html
The Illinois Dollars for Scholars Organization
The Illinois Dollars for Scholars organization helps students fund their college education by partnering wealthy donors and corporations willing to sponsor with high schools. The program helps students receive financial aid to further the financial aid received from the respective institutions.
Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program
The Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program awards up to $5,000 every year to chosen applicants who are pursuing a teaching program at any state supported college or university. The chosen applicant will have to teach under the Illinois public school system after graduation. This scholarship is open to minority students of Native American, Hispanic, Asian or Black ethnicity.
The Golden Apple Scholars Program
The Golden Apple Scholars Program awards scholarships to the brightest students who wish to pursue a career in teaching and educating the next generation. The program is open to all high school students and the award covers tuition fees in any state college or university. The chosen applicant on graduation has to teach for 5 years in the state of Illinois.
The state of Illinois offers scholarships and grants to suit every need that a student wanting to pursue college education might have.
