Scholarship Opportunities at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Students seeking financial assistance to pursue their academic goals at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have a variety of scholarship options available. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, offer support to students with financial needs, and encourage diversity and inclusion.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Mercrit-based scholarships at UIUC are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and high standardized test scores. The Illinois Commitment Program and Chancellors Scholars Program are two prominent examples of such scholarships. These scholarships not only provide financial support but also emphasize the university's commitment to academic excellence.
Need-Based Scholarships
For students who require financial assistance due to their economic circumstances, UIUC offers need-based scholarships. These scholarships often require students to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The university also provides additional resources to help students navigate the financial aid process and maximize their financial assistance.
Departmental Scholarships
Specific colleges and departments within the university often provide scholarships based on major or field of study. For instance, the ECE Scholars Program within the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department offers scholarships to support students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships are accompanied by various academic and extracurricular requirements to ensure they align with the department's goals.
Diversity Scholarships
UIUC is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment. As such, it offers diversity scholarships aimed at supporting underrepresented groups in higher education. The Illinois Diversity Scholarship is one such program designed to provide financial assistance to students who represent a variety of backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. These scholarships not only provide financial support but also help to create a more inclusive and equitable community.
External Scholarships
Many students also receive scholarships from external organizations, which can be applied to their tuition at UIUC. These external scholarships are often awarded by non-profit organizations, professional associations, or community groups. Some examples include the National Science Foundation Internships and National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowships. These external scholarships can significantly enhance a student's financial situation and academic experience.
Personal Experiences at UIUC
Beyond the institution's scholarship offerings, personal experiences of former students can shed light on the types of financial assistance available. For example, a former student entered the Doctor of Musical Arts program in 1973 as a University Fellow, which covered tuition fees and provided a small monthly stipend in exchange for taking a full graduate course load. This fellowship was renewed for the second year, based on the student's academic record during previous college years. Many students also received small scholarships during their undergraduate years, ranging from a few hundred dollars to significant amounts like $9,000 for their senior year, supported by a research assistantship after graduation.
Another former student, who started undergraduate studies in the mid-90s, received a few small scholarships based on high standardized test scores, totaling a few hundred dollars. For graduate studies, they received the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship, which paid for the first several years of graduate school. This was followed by a research assistantship, further supporting their academic journey.
If you're looking for the most up-to-date and relevant information, it's recommended to consult the university's official financial aid website or contact the financial aid office directly.