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, students should complete their UIC application for admission by November 1, our date for priority consideration for first-year applicants.

Submitting by this date allows us to review your application earlier, and if you apply under the Early Action plan, we will contact you by December about our admission decision. It also prioritizes your application for consideration for many of our scholarship programs.

Please also submit your FAFSA application early. Some merit-based programs may still consider financial need.

The programs listed below highlight just the major awards available at UIC. This list is not meant to be exhaustive.

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Major scholarship programs

Chancellor’s Fellows Program

High achieving students who will graduate from an Illinois high school can be eligible for a renewable $10,000 award under this scholarship program. 

The program is open to Illinois residents who are also U.S. citizens, or eligible non citizens, whose families have a household income less than six times the federal poverty rate (see FAQ below for details). Other eligibility requirements exist: 

  • Must be first-time college students 
  • Must have a minimum unweighted high school GPA of 3.8 at the time of application
  • Must have a minimum SAT score of 1360 or ACT score of 30 at the time of application
  • Students must complete a UIC application for admission and FAFSA form by Nov. 1 to be considered

High school valedictorians at high schools who rank are also eligible, regardless of test score. Please see the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships website for full eligibility requirements. You may also review the Chancellor's Fellows Frequency Ask Questions guide below.

President’s Award Program

Outstanding Illinois students from underrepresented groups may qualify for the President's Award Program. High school records and performance, standardized test scores and other materials determine a student’s eligibility. Qualifying underrepresented students are defined as those that fall under one or more of these categories:

  • From ethnic groups historically underrepresented in higher education.
  • From a county with low representation in the university system. 
  • From a family not expected to contribute to their student’s education (must be verified with a FAFSA report). 

Lake County, Indiana Tuition Award

This grant 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. Applicants are evaluated for the award during the admissions process.

Tribal Nation Tuition Award

This 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. Applicants are evaluated for the award during the admissions process. 

Honors College Scholarships

The Honors College offers a full range of scholarships for incoming first-year and transfer students. Scholarships are awarded based on the competitiveness of a student’s admissions application and the strength of their interview, an additional requirement for the college. (Supplemental Honors College application is required).

Departmental Awards

College- and program-specific awards are also available. These opportunities are offered after a student’s application for admission has been reviewed. Examples include:

Business Scholars

UIC Business Scholars may receive scholarships based on unmet need. Students must apply to UIC, select a major within the UIC College of Business Administration, and complete the supplemental honors college application to be considered.

Other awards

Several departments and colleges offer scholarships upon review of the application.

UIC Merit Award

This is a renewable award for high-achieving nonresident applicants. To be eligible, applicants are required to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who do not qualify for in-state tuition. Students’ grade point average, standardized test scores, and major selection are taken into consideration.

Scholarship Priority Date FAQs

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 award. 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 Fellowship require an application by November 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. 

 

Chancellor's Fellows Program FAQ

Is the award guaranteed?

The award is guaranteed to applicants who meet the stated criteria. It is also renewable for eight consecutive, full-time fall or spring semesters. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average or higher, as well as the need criteria each year.

Does the scholarship cover the costs of room and board, travel or other expenses?

The scholarship can be distributed against any remaining billable university expenses including tuition, fees, tuition differentials, and campus housing after state and federal gift aid has been exhausted. 

How can I determine whether I meet the financial thresholds?

Applicant's total family household income, as reported on thier 2020-2021 FAFSA application, cannot exceed six times the federal poverty guidelines to be eligible. 
The federal poverty guidelines are posted on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services webpage. The guidelines are flexible based on the size of a family household. 

 

Is FAFSA submission required?

Yes, the FAFSA is required in order to determine financial eligibility. We encourage all family households to submit a FAFSA, by November 1, regardless of eligibility for other forms of aid.

What is an eligible noncitizen?

As a FAFSA submission is required, applicants must meet the FAFSA definition of an eligible non-citizen. 

Do I need to apply by November 1 to be considered for this program?

In order to be eligible for the award applicants must apply by November 1. They must also submit their FAFSA by November 1. Applicants do not necessarily need to apply to the Early Action program. 

I meet some, but not all of the requirements, can I still be considered?

Applicants must meet all of the stated academic and financial guidelines, including deadlines, to be considered. 

I am an Illinois resident, but did not graduate from an Illinois high school. Can I be considered?

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must graduate from an Illinois high school.