Illinois scholarships and state aid
These are restricted to Illinois residents specifically. It's the kind of local award that's easy to miss because it's never on the big national scholarship sites.
Most scholarships on this site have no state restriction at all, so it's worth also browsing the full list regardless of where you live. Know of a local Illinois scholarship, through a school, Rotary club, or church, that isn't listed here? Let us know.
Open scholarships for Illinois residents (2)
- Union Pacific Latino Employee Network (LEN) ScholarshipUp to $5,000
Union Pacific Foundation
High school seniors and undergrads in their first four years of college can get up to $5,000 through this award if they're connected to Union Pacific's Latino Employee Network community. Kids of current Union Pacific employees don't qualify, and you have to live in Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, or Colorado.
Apply by Mar 31, 2027Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - Illinois MAP GrantUp to $8,400
Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Illinois residents with a Student Aid Index of $9,000 or less can get up to $8,400 a year toward tuition and mandatory fees at an eligible Illinois college through this need-based state grant. Funding is limited and goes out first-come, first-served by FAFSA filing date, so filing early matters.
First-come, first-served by FAFSA filing date — file as early as possible each year