State Scholar Program Overview

The State Scholar Program publicly and personally identifies graduating high school seniors who possess superior academic potential. Students from nearly every high school in Illinois compete in the program. State Scholars can be found on the campuses of nearly 200 public and private institutions of higher education in Illinois. The combination of exemplary college entrance examination scores and record high school achievement indicate an especially high potential for success in college. To be honored as a State Scholar in Illinois is an outstanding accomplishment that will be a highlight of the recipient’s academic record.

Each student designated as a State Scholar receives a congratulatory letter, a Certificate of Achievement and statewide recognition in the news media.

Announcement of Illinois State Scholars is made available online in early December. The online listing displays each State Scholar alphabetically by high school, within the school's Illinois county. A link to the online listing is located on the State Scholar Finalists page within this section.

Mailing labels of State Scholars' names are available from ISAC, at cost, to Illinois colleges, universities and associations of Illinois colleges. Requestors of labels shall provide written assurance to ISAC that the labels will not be resold or released to others in any manner. After the deadline to appeal a student's status passes, order forms will be available for State Scholar finalist listings and/or mailing labels.