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. For best consideration for these awards, apply for admission and submit all required admissions documents during the preferred application filing period (September 1 - November 15).

The Presidential Scholarship

This is a $44,000 award ($11,000 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 $24,000 award ($6,000 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 3.85 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.

Expenses for 2012-2013

The estimates below are calculated based on a student who takes 15 credit hours each semester, lives on campus with a roommate, and selects the seven-day unlimited meal plan. Books, supplies, transportation, clothing, recreation, and other expenses are not paid directly to the University, but should be considered as you are budgeting.

Tuition and fees*

$13,009

Room and board

$9,624

Total

$22,633

* For most students, tuition rates remain the same for four years. Tuition and fees for out-of-state students are $20,450. However, students from neighboring states (Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri, Kentucky) and some academically talented students (as determined by the University) are eligible for a rate of tuition equal to students who live in Illinois, a savings of $8,000 per year.