Illinois State University Scholarships
Explore these awards for incoming freshman and transfer students.
Devoted to our own
From scholarships to grants, there are many funding options to make your dream of an Illinois State education a reality. You can see what you qualify for by answering a few quick questions.
Freshman Scholarships
Redbird Academic Scholarship
Domestic freshmen with a cumulative 3.25+ GPA (4.0 scale) will automatically qualify. This scholarship is valued from $1,000 to $5,000 and is renewable for up to three additional years.
Jesse W. Fell Scholarship
Freshmen with a cumulative 3.75+ GPA are invited to apply for this highly competitive award. This scholarship is valued at up to $12,000 per year and is renewable for up to three additional years.
Freshman Scholarships Continued
More options >
Freshman and Transfer Scholarships
Legacy Scholarship
New freshman and transfer students who have a parent or grandparent who attended Illinois State will receive a $500 scholarship each year for up to four years.
Civic Engagement Scholarship
This $1,000 award recognizes freshman and transfer students who are committed to civic engagement and community service.
Transfer Scholarships
Transfer Student Scholarship
New domestic Illinois State students with a minimum 3.5 GPA at another college or university are automatically awarded the Transfer Scholarship. This award is valued at up to $3,000.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
Students who meet the Transfer Student Scholarship criteria and are a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society are invited to apply for this competitive award. This award is valued at $500 per year and renewable for up to two years.
Transfer Scholarships Continued
STAR Scholarship
STAR Scholars attending a City College of Chicago will be considered for this award valued at $5,000 per year and renewable for a second year.
Bird to Bird Scholarship
Up to five transfer students from Heartland Community College will receive an award valued at a minimum of $1,000 annually. Some are renewable for multiple years.
Other Scholarship Opportunities
These are just a few of our scholarships available to incoming freshmen and transfer students.
Invested in those with greatest financial need
For many years, Illinois State has invested heavily in our students with the greatest financial need. We continue to provide nearly $13 million in ISU Access Grants annually to serve students from families in the lowest income levels. Combined with MAP and Pell Grants, these students generally pay little or nothing for tuition and fees. In many cases, the Pell Grant can also cover a portion of students' housing charges.
Apply Today
To apply for any of the scholarships listed that you are eligible for, submit your application for admission to Illinois State University. It's that easy!