The Land of Lincoln offers financial aid opportunities to Illinois residents including grants and scholarship programs.
File FAFSA®
The first step to an affordable college education is filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA®. This financial aid application determines student eligibility for federal student loans, grants (including the Pell grant), work-study programs, and scholarships.
Apply for Illinois State Financial Aid
Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program
This scholarship offers up to $5,000 per year for candidates who qualify and are looking to teach in a minority school. To receive this award you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- Resident of Illinois
- Be a minority student of either African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American or Native American origin
- Enrolled in at least half-time status
- GPA of at least 2.5
Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois
For those that are academically talented and in pursuit of a teaching career, this scholarship offers up to $2,500 for freshmen and sophomore students and up to $5,000 for juniors and seniors. Here are the criteria to meet:
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- Resident of Illinois
- Enroll in a participating school
- Maintain a GPA of higher than 2.5
- Agree to all terms and agreements of the Golden Apple Scholar Foundation
To apply, all students must file the FAFSA®, award amounts are determined by the student’s college or university. Students must make sure they renew their scholarship each year, for a maximum of 4 years in awards.
Find more information on Illinois state financial aid.
Have more questions about Illinois state financial aid or the FAFSA®? We’re here for you. You can reach the Frank financial aid experts via email at support@withfrank.org or text us at (347) 690-7886.
Good luck!