Scholarships and Financial Aid

International students are generally not eligible for the same kinds of financial aid that American students are eligible for; however, there are some scholarships and other programs available for international students at Illinois State.

Undergraduate students:

Presidential Scholarship

This is a $44,000 total award ($11,000 per year renewable for up to four years) for new freshmen. Students who are eligible for the Honor's Program and have at least a 30 ACT (1340 SAT) will be invited to apply. Learn more about the Presidential Scholarship. In order to be eligible, international freshman students must have an official ACT or SAT score.

University Scholarship

This is a minimum $24,000 award (minimum $6,000 per year renewable for up to four years) for new freshmen from traditionally underrepresented groups, or first generation college students who have overcome hardship in achieving their academic goals. Minimum credentials required to be invited to apply are an ACT score of at least 25 (1150 SAT) and a cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.4 on a 4.0 scale. Learn more about the University Scholarship. In order to be eligible, international freshman students must have an official ACT or SAT score.

Redbird Academic Scholarship

This is an award ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 per year, renewable for up to four years, for new freshmen. Minimum credentials for consideration are an ACT score of at least 25 (1150 SAT) and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.4 on a 4.0 scale. Learn more about the Redbird Academic Scholarship. In order to be eligible, international freshman students must have an official ACT or SAT score.

Transfer Student Scholarship

Transfer Student Scholarship is a highly competitive and prestigious award for transfer students attending Illinois State University. The awards are valued at $2,000 per year for two years for a total value of $4,000. The awards are based on academic merit rather than on financial need. Students are invited to apply and must have at least a 3.5 college GPA or higher and 30 credit hours completed at the time of enrollment.