Scholarships

Illinois State University students take advantage of a wide range of scholarship opportunities, both on campus and within their communities. Our ScholarshipFinder can help you match your academic interests and credentials with scholarships for which you may qualify, including those specifically available to incoming freshmen.

Illinois State awards highly competitive, merit-based scholarships to new students with exceptional academic talent. Qualified students who apply for admission and submit all required admissions documents during the preferred application filing period (September 1 - November 15) will be invited to apply for these scholarships.

The Presidential Scholarship

This is a $32,000 award ($8,000 per year renewable for up to four years) for new freshmen. Recent recipients have had an ACT score of 32 and a cumulative high school GPA of 4.0 (or above) on a 4.0 scale. Learn more about the Presidential Scholarship.

The University Scholarship

This is a $20,000 award ($5,000 per year renewable for up to four years) for new freshmen from traditionally underrepresented groups, or first generation college students who have overcome hardship in achieving their academic goals. Recent recipients have had an ACT score of 27 and a cumulative high school GPA of 3.9 on a 4.0 scale. Learn more about the University Scholarship.

Redbird Academic Scholarship

This is an award valued at up to $4,000 per year, renewable for up to four years, for new freshmen. Recent recipients have had an average ACT score of 26 and a cumulative high school GPA of 3.8 on a 4.0 scale. Learn more about the Redbird Academic Scholarship.

Explore other scholarship opportunities!

Additional scholarship information can be found by visiting the Scholarship Resource Office or contacting them by phone at (309) 438-2740. This office can assist you in seeking out a variety of private scholarship opportunities and provide tips for conducting a scholarship search.

Your 2012-2013 Budget

The chart below gives you a good idea of what it will cost to live and learn at Illinois State next year. These estimates are based on a student who takes 15 credit hours each semester and lives on campus.

Books, supplies, and other expenses are not paid directly to the University. Other expenses include average costs for transportation, clothing, personal items, and recreation.

Tuition and fees*

$13,080

Room and board

$9,726

Books and supplies

$1,150

Other expenses

$3,017

Estimated cost of attendance

$26,973

Tuition and fees for out-of-state students are $20,887.

For most students, tuition rates remain the same for four years.