Illinois State University Scholarships 2025: Eligibility & Rewards

Studying abroad can be very challenging as well as rewarding for a lot of students. Just as rewarding, it can be very expensive to study abroad. Illinois State University is one of the best universities in the USA for students to pursue their graduate and professional courses. It is one of the most expensive universities in the USA, but they do offer scholarships for students to give them financial support based on their merit and other factors. In this blog, we have listed down some of the best scholarships along with their details, like eligibility criteria and application process.

Illinois State University Scholarships: An Overview 

Illinois State University offers students a wide range of scholarships and grants to make higher education more accessible and affordable. These opportunities recognise academic excellence, leadership, community service, and special circumstances such as public service connections or transfer pathways.

The scholarship programs cater to freshmen, transfer students, and those pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees, ensuring there’s a fit for diverse backgrounds and achievements. Awards vary from merit-based scholarships to state-funded grants, helping students reduce financial burdens while focusing on their studies. Here is a closer look at the scholarships and grants you can apply for:

Scholarship / Grant Name	Key Details	How to Apply & Eligibility
Redbird Academic Scholarship	USD 1,000–5,000 per year; renewable 3 years; for academically-talented domestic freshmen with 3.25+ GPA	Apply by priority deadline; notified by mid-December; maintain 2.75+ GPA and 12+ credit hours for renewal
Jesse W. Fell Scholarship	Up to USD 12,000 per year; renewable 3 years; for top-achieving new freshmen with 3.75+ GPA	Apply by Nov 1; scholarship application by Dec 15; finalists interviewed; automatic enhanced Redbird Scholarship if not selected
International Baccalaureate Scholarship	USD 1,000 one-time; for IB Diploma/Career-related Certificate graduates	Apply by Nov 1; submit IB application by Mar 1; verify credentials by Jul 15
Legacy Scholarship	Up to USD 500 per year; renewable for 3 years; for students with a parent/grandparent who attended ISU	Automatic award for eligible freshmen/transfer students; apply during the preferred filing period
Alumni Association Scholarships	Up to USD 2,000; eligibility varies; awards for students connected to the Redbird family	One application for multiple scholarships; check specific criteria; undergraduate/graduate options
Civic Engagement Scholarship	USD 1,000 per year; renewable; recognises students with 100+ community service hours	Apply by priority deadline; submit scholarship application (Feb 1 freshmen, Mar 15 transfers)
Transfer Student Scholarship	Up to USD 1,500 per year; renewable 1 year; for first-time domestic transfers with 3.5+ GPA	Automatic award; submit transcripts by final deadline; some funded by AIM High Grant
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship	USD 2,000 per year; renewable 1 year; for PTK members with 3.75+ GPA and 24+ college credits	Apply by Jan 15 (Summer/Fall) or Aug 1 (Spring); invited to apply if eligible
STAR Scholarship	USD 5,000 per year; renewable 1 year; for STAR Scholars from City Colleges of Chicago with 3.0+ GPA	Apply to ISU by application deadline; AA/AS degree required
Bird to Bird Scholarship	Minimum USD 1,000; for Heartland Community College fall transfer students in Redbird Promise	Apply during preferred filing period; sign up for Redbird Promise; AA/AS degree required
Grant for Police or Fire Officers	State-funded; for spouses/children of officers killed or ≥90% disabled on duty	Apply via ISAC Student Portal by Oct 1, 2025; full-year award including summer term
Grant for Correctional Officers	State-funded; for spouses/children of officers killed or ≥90% disabled on duty	Apply via ISAC Student Portal by Oct 1, 2025; full-year award including summer term
Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant	State-funded; for active IL National Guard members pursuing undergrad or grad degrees	Apply via the ISAC Student Portal; the award depends on continued service
Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Scholarship	State-funded; for children of energy workers affected by plant or coal mine closures	Apply via ISAC Student Portal by Oct 1, 2025; full-year award including summer term

Explore: Popular Scholarships for USA September Intake

1. Redbird Academic Scholarship

The Redbird Academic Scholarship recognises high-achieving domestic freshmen at Illinois State University. Awards range from USD 1,000 to USD 5,000 annually, with renewal available for up to three additional years. Eligibility is based on academic performance, specifically a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale, and applicants must meet the university’s priority admission deadline. 

To continue receiving the scholarship, students must maintain full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours) and a minimum GPA of 2.75 each semester.

Redbird Academic Scholarship	Details of Scholarship
Eligibility	Domestic freshmen with a strong academic record
Award Amount	USD 1,000 – USD 5,000 per year
GPA Requirement	Minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
Application Process	Apply to Illinois State University by the priority deadline
Notification	Mid-December, following priority application
Renewal Criteria	Maintain continuous enrollment (12+ credit hours) and 2.75+ cumulative GPA
Maximum Renewal Period	Up to three additional years

2. Jesse W. Fell Scholarship

The Jesse W. Fell Scholarship is Illinois State University’s most prestigious award for incoming freshmen, offering up to USD 12,000 per year, renewable for up to four years, totalling USD 48,000. Eligibility requires a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher. Students who apply for admission by the priority deadline (November 1) will be invited to submit a scholarship application by December 15. 

Finalists participate in an interview, and winners are announced in early spring. Applicants not selected automatically receive an enhanced Redbird Academic Scholarship, though both awards cannot be held simultaneously.

Jesse W. Fell Scholarship	Details of Jesse W. Fell Scholarship
Eligibility	Incoming freshmen with outstanding academic performance
Award Amount	USD 12,000 per year (up to USD 48,000 total)
GPA Requirement	Minimum 3.75 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
Application Deadline	Apply to the University by November 1; submit the scholarship application by December 15
Selection Process	Finalists participate in an interview; winners are announced in the early spring
Renewal Criteria	Renewable for up to three additional years
Alternate Award	Non-selected finalists receive an enhanced Redbird Academic Scholarship

3. International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarship

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarship provides a one-time award of USD 1,000 to academically accomplished incoming freshmen. Eligible students must have completed the IB Diploma Programme or IB Career-related Certificate Programme and applied for admission by the priority deadline of November 1. 

Scholarship applicants must submit their IB Scholarship Application by March 1 and verify their academic credentials by July 15 to receive the award.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarship	Details of Scholarship
Eligibility	New freshmen completing IB Diploma or IB Career-related Certificate
Award Amount	USD 1,000 (one-time)
Application Deadline	Apply to University by November 1; IB Scholarship Application by March 1
Verification	Academic credentials verified by July 15
Renewal	One-time award

Explore: Undergraduate Scholarships in the USA

4. Legacy Scholarship

The Legacy Scholarship honours Illinois State University’s alumni heritage by offering up to USD 500 per year to eligible incoming freshmen and transfer students. Renewal is available for up to three additional undergraduate years. Students qualify if they have a parent or grandparent who attended ISU and apply during the university’s preferred admission period. 

No separate application is required, and awards are distributed on a rolling basis, subject to available funds. Additional opportunities may be available through Alumni Association scholarships for students with family connections to ISU.

Feature of Legacy Scholarship	Details of Scholarship
Eligibility	New freshmen or transfer students with a parent/grandparent who attended ISU
Award Amount	Up to USD 500 per year
Renewal	Renewable for up to three additional undergraduate years
Application Process	No separate application required; apply during the preferred admission period
Selection	Awards are notified on a rolling basis; distributed as funds are available
Additional Opportunities	Illinois State University Alumni Association offers related scholarships

5. Alumni Association Scholarships

The Illinois State University Alumni Association offers a range of scholarships to students connected to the Redbird family. Awards, which can total up to USD 2,000 (except the Andrew Purnell Jr. Scholarship), are made possible through alumni contributions. Undergraduate students may apply for scholarships administered by the Black Colleagues Association, while graduate students are eligible for select awards such as the Judge Russell DeBow Scholarship, Theta Delta Commemorative Public Service Scholarship, and others. 

Applicants must submit one application per student. Some scholarships have restrictions, such as receiving only one award per academic year or preference for membership in African American student organisations for current students.

Features of Alumni Association Scholarships	Details of Alumni Association Scholarships
Eligibility	Undergraduate students with Redbird family connections; select scholarships open to graduates
Award Amount	Up to USD 2,000 (except Andrew Purnell Jr. Scholarship)
Application Process	One application per student
Selection Criteria	Review individual scholarship criteria; some restrict multiple awards per academic year
Preference	Current students may receive preference if involved in African American student organisations
Administering Body	Illinois State University Alumni Association; some awards managed by Black Colleagues Association

6. Civic Engagement Scholarship

The Civic Engagement Scholarship rewards incoming freshmen and transfer students at Illinois State University who demonstrate a strong commitment to civic engagement. The award provides USD 1,000 per year, renewable throughout undergraduate studies. Eligible students must have completed 100+ community service hours since high school and be admitted for summer or fall terms. Scholarship applications are submitted by February 1 for freshmen and March 15 for transfers, with winners announced in early spring. Renewal depends on continuous full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours), with freshmen eligible for up to three additional years and transfers for one additional year.

Feature of Civic Engagement Scholarship	Details of Scholarship
Eligibility	Incoming freshmen and transfer students are committed to community service
Award Amount	USD 1,000 per year
Service Requirement	Minimum 100 community service hours since high school
Application Deadline	February 1 for freshmen; March 15 for transfers
Selection Process	Apply to the University by the priority deadline; winners announced in early spring
Renewal Criteria	Continuous enrollment with 12+ credit hours; freshmen renewable up to three years, transfers one year
Admission Requirement	Must be admitted for the summer or fall term

Also Read: Scholarships for Master’s in Agriculture in the USA

7. Transfer Student Scholarship

The Transfer Student Scholarship at Illinois State University provides up to USD 1,500 per year, renewable for one additional undergraduate year, recognising academic excellence among first-time domestic transfer students. 

Eligibility requires a minimum cumulative transfer GPA of 3.5, and official transcripts must be submitted by the final document deadline. No separate application is needed; awards are distributed on a rolling basis as funds allow. Some scholarships are partially funded through the AIM High Grant Program. Renewal requires continuous full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours) and a minimum GPA of 2.75.

Features of the Transfer Student Scholarship	Details of Transfer Student Scholarship
Eligibility	First-time domestic transfer students based on academic merit
Award Amount	USD 1,500 per year (up to USD 3,000 total)
GPA Requirement	Minimum 3.5 cumulative transfer GPA
Application Process	Automatic award; submit official transcripts by final document deadline
Selection	No separate application required; rolling notification
Funding	Some awards funded by AIM High Grant Program
Renewal Criteria	Continuous enrollment with 12+ credit hours; maintain 2.75+ cumulative GPA
Maximum Renewal Period	One additional undergraduate year

8. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship

The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship recognises outstanding new transfer students who are members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honour Society. Awards provide up to USD 2,000 per year, renewable for one additional year, for a total of USD 4,000. Eligible students must have completed at least 24 college credit hours, maintain a cumulative transfer GPA of 3.75 or higher, and apply by the university’s priority deadlines. 

Scholarship invitations are sent after admission, and recipients are notified via email. Renewal requires full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours) and a minimum GPA of 2.75. Some funding may come from the AIM High Grant Program.

Features of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship	Details of Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
Scholarship Name	Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
Eligibility	New transfer students who are PTK members with strong academic records
Award Amount	USD 2,000 per year (up to USD 4,000 total)
GPA Requirement	Minimum 3.75 cumulative transfer GPA
Credit Hours Requirement	Minimum 24 college credit hours completed
Application Deadlines	Summer/Fall: January 15; Spring: August 1
Selection Process	Invitations sent to eligible applicants; winners notified via email
Funding	Some awards funded by AIM High Grant Program
Renewal Criteria	Continuous enrollment with 12+ credit hours; maintain 2.75+ cumulative GPA
Maximum Renewal Period	One additional undergraduate year

9. STAR Scholarship

The STAR Scholarship at Illinois State University offers a total of USD 10,000 (USD 5,000 per year), renewable for one additional undergraduate year, to eligible STAR Scholar transfer students from City Colleges of Chicago. Candidates must have completed an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science, maintain a cumulative transfer GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be active STAR Scholar participants. Eligible colleges include Harold Washington, Truman, Kennedy-King, Malcolm X, Olive-Harvey, Richard J. Daley, and Wilbur Wright. Summer and fall awardees are notified by mid-May, while spring awardees are notified by mid-November.

Features of STAR Scholarship	Details of STAR Scholarship
Scholarship Name	STAR Scholarship
Eligibility	Transfer students from City Colleges of Chicago who are STAR Scholar participants
Award Amount	USD 5,000 per year (USD 10,000 total)
GPA Requirement	Minimum 3.0 cumulative transfer GPA
Degree Requirement	Completion of an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree
Eligible Schools	Harold Washington, Truman, Kennedy-King, Malcolm X, Olive-Harvey, Richard J. Daley, Wilbur Wright
Application Process	Completion of an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science
Selection Notification	Summer/Fall: mid-May; Spring: mid-November
Renewal Criteria	Renewable for one additional undergraduate year

10. Bird to Bird Scholarship

The Bird to Bird Scholarship provides a minimum award of USD 1,000 to incoming fall transfer students from Heartland Community College who participate in the Redbird Promise program. Eligible students must have completed an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science, maintain a cumulative transfer GPA of 2.4 or higher, and apply to Illinois State University during the preferred filing period. Award notifications are sent by mid-May, and no separate application is required beyond enrollment in the Redbird Promise program.

Features of Bird to Bird Scholarship	Details of Bird to Bird Scholarship
Scholarship Name	Bird to Bird Scholarship
Eligibility	Incoming fall transfer students from Heartland Community College are enrolled in Redbird Promise
Award Amount	Minimum USD 1,000
GPA Requirement	Minimum 2.4 cumulative transfer GPA
Degree Requirement	Completion of an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree
Program Requirement	Must sign up for Redbird Promise
Application Process	Apply to the university during preferred filing period
Selection Notification	Mid-May

Illinois State University State-funded Scholarships and Grants

Illinois offers several helpful scholarships and grants to support students and families connected to public service or affected by special circumstances. If your parent or spouse was a police, fire, or correctional officer who was killed or seriously disabled on duty, you may qualify for financial assistance. Active Illinois National Guard members going to college can also get support. Plus, if your parent worked at a fossil fuel plant or coal mine and lost their job, the Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship could help you. These programs are designed to make college more affordable and accessible.

Illinois State University State-funded Scholarships	Eligibility of Scholarships	Application Deadline	Application Process
Grant for Police or Fire Officers	Spouse or child of an Illinois police or fire officer killed or ≥90% disabled in line of duty	October 1, 2025	Apply through the ISAC Student Portal
Grant for Correctional Officers	Spouse or child of an Illinois correctional officer killed or ≥90% disabled in line of duty	October 1, 2025	Apply through the ISAC Student Portal
Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant	Apply through the ISAC Student Portal	Not specified	Apply through the ISAC Student Portal
Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship	Child of an energy worker who lost employment due to fossil fuel plant or coal mine closure	October 1, 2025	Child of an energy worker who lost employment due to a fossil fuel plant or coal mine closure

Illinois State University is an American university with a global reach, attracting students and faculty from around the world. With over 165 undergraduate majors, more than 90 master’s degree sequences, 10 doctoral programs, pathway programs, and Academic English preparation, ISU provides a wide range of academic opportunities to suit every student’s goals. Combined with a variety of scholarships and grants, the university ensures that students can pursue a quality education while minimising financial challenges, making it an ideal choice for both domestic and international learners.

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