I'm considering applying to the University of Illinois and need to know more about scholarship options. Are there specific scholarships for in-state students? Also, how competitive are they, and what are the requirements?
The University of Illinois offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for admitted students.
One notable scholarship is the Illinois Commitment program, which can be beneficial if you are an in-state student. This program covers the cost of tuition and fees for in-state students from families earning less than $67,100 annually. It's automatically offered to eligible students, and there isn't a separate application.
For those not qualifying for Illinois Commitment or who come from higher income families, the university offers numerous merit-based scholarships, both within specific colleges and departments and university-wide. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, service, and talent.
Among those, "President's Award Program" is a significant merit-based scholarship which values diversity and leadership. It's geared towards underrepresented students, including first-generation college students and students from low-income families.
In general, these scholarships are quite competitive, given the large number of high-achieving students who apply to the University of Illinois. While exact requirements vary by scholarship, strong academic performance, significant involvement in extracurricular activities, demonstrated leadership, and in some cases, financial need are typically prioritized.
Lastly, keep your eyes on college/departmental scholarships. For example, if you're aiming for the Gies College of Business, they offer multiple scholarships for their admitted students, which typically require an additional application.
Most scholarship programs require an application, and deadlines can vary, so be sure to take a look at the University of Illinois' financial aid website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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