Priority Scholarship Date

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 Dec. 1, our date for priority consideration for first-year applicants. Applicants who submit by the stated deadlines will be automatically considered for the scholarships on this page. There are no additional steps required, unless specifically stated on the award entry.  

Some general guidelines for scholarship consideration:

• Complete your application by the priority date, or as early as possible after 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 during the current Fall 2021 application round are either not part of the consideration process, or, there is a listed alternative requirement for test-optional applicants for the scholarships listed below. 

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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. 

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. 

Other Requirements

• US domestic residents who will be assessed the nonresident tuition rate
• Only students who are assessed the out-of-state, nonresident tuition rate are eligible for this award. If you become eligible for in-state tuition for any reason, at any time, this award will not be applied.

Academic considerations

• Grade point average
• Declaration of a major in application 

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.

Other Requirements

• 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 an Illinois 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). 

Academic considerations

• All application materials are considered

Learn more
https://aes.uic.edu/programs/presidents-award-program.html

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.

Other Requirements

• Graduation from a high school in Lake County, Indiana

Academic considerations

• General admission requirements

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. 

Other Requirements

• Submission of evidence of tribal affiliation

Academic considerations

• General admission requirements

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 Dec. 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.