Scholarship FAQs

How do I apply for merit-based scholarships?

For incoming first-year students: your application to the University is used as your application for merit-based scholarships. There is no separate application. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on high academic achievement and potential for success. Incoming first-year students are considered for all scholarships for which they are eligible at the time they are admitted.

For continuing students: Apply for merit- and need-based scholarships

How are merit-based scholarships awarded?

The evaluation process includes a holistic review of quantitative criteria such as high school GPA and rigor of high school classes, as well as other factors such as access to academic resources, leadership, service, etc. The application essays are an important part of the evaluation process and help us determine qualitative factors. The holistic review allows us to match students with scholarships that may have specific criteria from the donor(s) who provide the funds.

How many merit-based scholarships are awarded?

Funds vary from year to year, but 1,000+ scholarships were awarded in 2019-20 totaling more than $5,000,000. The Admissions Office and specific departments make additional awards.

My high school GPA is not 4.0. Am I still eligible for a merit-based scholarship?

Absolutely! The Grainger College of Engineering and all units administering scholarships awarded more than 1,000 scholarships to a variety of students.

I am out-of-state; am I eligible for a scholarship from Illinois?

Yes! Most units offer scholarships to non-Illinois residents.

I am an international student; am I eligible for a scholarship from Illinois?

The college currently has limited first-year scholarships for international students. But all students may apply for continuing students' scholarships in the spring of their first year.

I have been admitted to an engineering program, but not in The Grainger College of Engineering; am I eligible for a scholarship?

Yes! The college has a few funds to allocate to any engineering major (and includes Agricultural and Biological Engineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering).

What about need-based scholarships?

Families are greatly encouraged to fill out the FAFSA as early as possible to be considered for all financial packages they qualify for. The number of financial packages may vary each year, depending on funds.

How am I notified if I receive a scholarship?

You will be notified via email if you received a scholarship from The Grainger College of Engineering and/or department. Additionally, you may be notified of scholarships by letter from our Office of Financial Student Aid.

I have received one scholarship offer; does that mean that is all I qualify for?

Not necessarily! Students may qualify for more than one scholarship and not have been notified in the first letter. As much as we try to package our merit-based scholarships in one offer, and coordinate with all units, some of the scholarships will get awarded later.

When will I be notified if I receive a scholarship?

Merit-based scholarships from The Grainger College of Engineering and departments are sent via email in the last week of March or the first week of April. A few scholarship offers will be made via email in mid-January (for Early Admitted students). Need-based scholarship offers are sent Mid-March through April.

Can I know if I have a chance at getting a merit-based scholarship before mid-February?

A few scholarship offers will be made via email in mid-January (for Early Admitted students).

If I do not receive a merit-based scholarship, what are my options?

Make sure to apply for need-based scholarships by working with the Office of Student Financial Aid and filling out the FAFSA if you believe you may qualify. Also, The Grainger College of Engineering has additional merit-based funds to award scholarships to continuing students. You can apply for those at the beginning of your second semester. There are external scholarships as well, and companies regularly advertise their scholarship opportunities with our students. Additionally, most of our students work with Engineering Career Services and apply for summer internships. More than 450 companies come to campus twice a semester to recruit our students, either for internships, co-ops, or jobs.