Scholarships for students Illinois. Some scholarships specifically open to Illinois students, and others give preference to students in Illinois.

AEF Scholarships
Sponsor: Acorn Equality Fund
Amount: Varies
Closing Date: September 25, 2026
Description: Scholarship is open to students who will retain permanent residence in the AEF service area of downstate Illinois and attend any accredited, post-secondary educational institution. Scholarships are designed to provide academic financial support for gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered students, allies, or the children of gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered parents.

Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest
Sponsor: Regions Financial Corporation
Amount: $8,000.00
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: Contest is open to graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students who are residents of an eligible state (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas). Applicant must submit an essay or video on who has inspired them.

Illinois State Credit Union Scholarship
Sponsor: Illinois State Credit Union
Amount: Up to $2,000
Closing Date: November 30, 2026
Description: Scholarship is open to high school seniors and current college students between the age of 18 and 25 who are residents of the state of Illinois in McLean, Logan, DeWitt, Livingston, Stephenson, Winnebago, or LaSalle County. Applicant must be a member of Illinois State Credit Union in good standing.