Apply by November 1
First-year priority scholarship date
UIC offers several merit-based scholarships. To be at the top of our list for these offers, first-year applicants should complete their UIC application for admission by November 1, our date for priority consideration. Applicants who submit by the stated deadlines will be automatically considered for the scholarships on this page. There are no additional steps required unless expressly stated on the award page.
Some general guidelines for scholarship consideration:
- Complete your application by the priority date. This allows us to review your application when more funding is available, maximizing your chances for selection.
- If you can, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA application early. Some merit-based programs may consider financial need. Illinois residents who are undocumented or transgendered may submit an Illinois Rise Act Alternative Application to be considered for state aid.
- Test scores are either not part of the consideration process, or, there is a listed alternative requirement for test-optional applicants for the scholarships listed below.
Illinois Resident Scholarship Programs
Please note, the programs listed below highlight some awards administered by the Office of Admissions. This list is not meant to be exhaustive; many colleges and departments consider and review applicants for scholarships independent of the awards listed below.
Chancellor's Fellows Award
The Chancellor's Fellows Award is a four-year merit scholarship awarded to first-year applicants and is based on strong academic performance and demonstrated financial need.
| Deadline for application |
Amount | Residency |
|
First-Year applicants: November 1 (Final) |
$7,500 |
Illinois |
More information (including selection criteria) about the Chancellor's Fellows Award—
President’s Award Program
The President’s Award Program is a four-year merit scholarship awarded to first-year applicants from underrepresented groups and is based on strong academic performance.
| Deadline for application |
Amount | Residency |
|
First-Year applicants: November 1 (Priority), February 1 (Final) |
$5,000 (Scholars) Full tuition and Housing (Honors) |
Illinois |
More information (including selection criteria) about the President's Award Program—
Out of State Scholarship Programs
To be eligible for these awards, applicants are required to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who do not qualify for in-state tuition. Students’ grade point averages, standardized test scores, and major selection are taken into consideration. Please note, that these awards are only applied to students who are assessed non-resident tuition. If you become eligible for in-state tuition for any reason, at any time, this award will not be applied.
UIC Merit Award
The UIC Merit Award is a four-year merit scholarship awarded to non-resident first-year and transfer applicants based on strong academic performance and program selection.
| Deadline for application |
Amount | Residency |
|
First-Year applicants: November 1 (Priority), February 1 (Final) Transfer applicants: April 1 (Final) |
Varies | Out of State (United States) |
Find more information (including selection criteria) about the Merit Tuition Award.
Lake County, Indiana Tuition Award
This four-year award program, administered to new incoming first-year and transfer students who are residents of Lake County, Indiana gives recipients the opportunity to study at UIC for the equivalent of in-state tuition.
| Deadline for application |
Amount | Residency |
|
First-Year applicants: November 1 (Priority), February 1 (Final) Transfer applicants: April 1 (Final) |
Varies, to match in-state tuition |
Out of State (Lake County, Indiana) |
Find more information (including selection criteria) about the Lake County, Indiana Tuition Award.
Tribal Nation Tuition Award
This four-year grant program, administered to new incoming first-year and transfer students who are members of any of the 573 tribal nations recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, gives recipients the opportunity to study at UIC for the equivalent of in-state tuition.
| Deadline for application |
Amount | Residency |
|
First-Year applicants: November 1 (Priority), February 1 (Final) Transfer applicants: April 1 (Final) |
Varies, to match in-state tuition |
Out of State |
Find more information (including selection criteria) about the Tribal Nation Tuition Award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to send in a separate application form for scholarships?
Most UIC scholarships use your application for admission as the basis for scholarship consideration. Some programs may require additional materials, and many require submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, but there is no separate UIC scholarship application for first-year applicants.
When am I informed of a scholarship award?
Scholarships are one of several forms of assistance that may be offered to applicants as part of their financial aid. Scholarships may be included in the award package or may come independently from different sources (the Honors College, a particular college or department, an outside organization, etc.). There is not a single schedule that determines when these awards are announced. Generally, most scholarship notifications will be sent by the end of April. See the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website for more information.
I missed the scholarship priority date. Can I still be considered?
The earlier you apply, the more likely your application is to be reviewed for a scholarship. Some programs like the Chancellor's Fellows require an application by Nov. 1. Other scholarship programs will conduct early reviews of applications, giving applicants more options. Applications that are completed after the priority date will still be considered but may miss out on potential scholarship reviews.
How much can I be awarded through UIC’s scholarships?
Award amounts vary but can go up to four-year coverage of tuition and fees.