Scholarships

A scholarship is a type of “gift aid” that rewards a student for grades, athletics, a unique skill, a special talent, financial needs or even a specific career interest. Scholarships do not typically need to be paid back, though some scholarships have program requirements and/or obligations. Make sure you and your student understand the terms and conditions before accepting any money. The money received may help pay for tuition, books and/or room and board. Scholarship money can come from many different sources, such as the college, the government, or different public or private organizations (such as a workplace, church or not-for-profit group). However, watch for financial aid scams when doing your search.

Have your student start looking for scholarships as soon as the decision to go to college has been made. Start researching as early as sophomore or junior year in high school, or two years before attending college. Also, keep looking for other sources of financial aid—new scholarships are created all the time, so don't stop with one search. Read about the programs listed below to start your search.

Illinois Scholarship Programs
The below links will take you to the program descriptions written for your student in the Student Zone.

• Merit Recognition Scholarship (MRS) Program
• Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program
• Illinois Future Teacher Corps (IFTC) Program (formerly the David A. DeBolt Teacher Shortage Scholarship Program)
• Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program
• Illinois Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver Program
• Nurse Educator Scholarship Program (NESP)
• Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois (Illinois Scholars Program)
• General Assembly Scholarship
• MIA/POW Scholarship
• Department of Rehabilitation Services Education Benefits
• Medical Student Scholarship Program
• Nursing Education Scholarship Program
• Allied Health Care Professional Scholarship Program
• Illinois Dollars for Scholars®

Many other scholarships may be available for your student, as well. The Internet is a great resource for scholarship information and applications. However, be aware of financial aid scams. The list below offers some places to start.

• IllinoisMentor Scholarship Search
• scholarships.com
• fastaid.com
• petersons.com/finaid
• Scholarship Experts

If you do not wish to use the Internet for your search, check out scholarship books in your library’s reference section. When using books, be sure to check the publication dates to make sure the information provided is valid and current. Also, add to your search by contacting the schools your student wishes to attend. They may offer institutional scholarships that cannot be found anywhere else.