Hey! I'm a junior in Illinois thinking ahead about college. I'm curious about what scholarships and grants are available to college students in my state. Any advice or recommendations for where to start my search would be awesome.
Sure thing! There are quite a few scholarships and grants specifically for students in Illinois.
Let's start with state-funded programs. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) administers several scholarships and grant programs:
- Monetary Award Program (MAP): This need-based grant does not need to be repaid; it aims to assist Illinois residents with the cost of attending an approved Illinois postsecondary institution.
- Illinois Commitment: If you're considering University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, this program covers tuition and fees for in-state students from families earning $67,100 or less.
As far as private scholarships go, check out the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois program, which aims to prepare students for teaching careers in schools of need across Illinois. Another such scholarship is the Illinois Conservation Foundation Scholarships for students interested in the conservation and natural resources industry.
If you're a student with special circumstances, there may be even more offerings for you. For instance, the Illinois Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver (SETTW) Program provides tuition waivers for undergraduate or graduate students pursuing careers in special education.
Once you've looked into state and field-specific scholarships, start checking out scholarships offered directly from the colleges you're interested in, as many schools will have merit or need-based scholarships for in-state students.
In terms of how to find these opportunities, there are a few online resources. You might consider creating a profile on Appily, which can help match you to scholarships you're eligible for based on your academic and personal information. Also, your high school's guidance office likely has resources and college prep guides that can help you identify local and state scholarships, so don't forget to leverage these resources.
Remember, applying for scholarships is a numbers game. The more you apply to, the better your chances of receiving some financial aid. Start early, stay organized, and keep track of deadlines!
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