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UIUC private scholarships are one type of financial aid that new students can earn when they join the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Just like scholarships in general, these outside scholarships are a form of assistance that does not require repayment.
In fact, when freshmen and transfer students join UIUC, they will be considered recipients of merit-based scholarships. However, not all students may be lucky as these scholarships are awarded on an academic excellence basis.
Nevertheless, they still have the opportunity to apply to other assistance programs. For example, they can apply for University of Illinois scholarships and scholarships available through the federal and state governments.
However, it doesn’t hurt to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Therefore, the UIUC private scholarships are profitable alternatives for students in addition to the existing options. Additionally, the chances of winning one of the UIUC private scholarships are greater because of the many choices offered.
The following is a list of some organizations or companies that offer UIUC private scholarships.
1. American Indian College Fund
The American Indian College Fund supports American Indian and Alaska Native college students seeking technical, undergraduate, and graduate degrees. In particular, the Native American scholarships are available for students who:
- Have U.S. citizenship;
- Are members or descendants of a state or federally recognized tribe;
- Have at least a 2.0-grade point average; and
- Are enrolled as full-time students.
Lastly, for more details about the applications, please click here.
2. American Indian Science and Engineering Society
AISES scholarships help students acquire skills and training that will help them meet the unique STEM needs of the communities.
Although there are several AISES scholarships students can apply for, it’s best to apply for all the scholarships they are only eligible for. Yet, to apply, students must be an AISES member first.
For instance, students can select from the following scholarships which they can undertake to fulfill their qualifications.
- 2021 Leadership Summit Registration Scholarships
- 3M Scholarship
- T. Anderson Scholarship
- Aristocrat/VGT Scholarship
- Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Foundation Scholarship
- Chevron Scholarship
- Energy Scholarship, Mentorship, and Workforce Development Cohort Program
- ExxonMobil Scholarship
- Intel Growing the Legacy Scholarship Program
Furthermore, for more information on UIUC private scholarships available through AISES, please click here.
3. American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
AICPA offers many scholarship opportunities for accounting students at varying points in their academic careers. For starters, here are some of the scholarships that the AICPA is currently providing.
- AICPA Fellowship for Minority Doctoral Students
- William (Bill) Ezzell Scholarship
- Robert Half Student Scholarship
- AICPA Foundation Scholarship for Future CPAs
- John L. Carey Scholarship Award
- AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students
- AWSCPA Scholarship Award
- AICPA Foundation Two-year Transfer Scholarship Award
However, since the requirements of each of these scholarships differ from one another, students should check the exact information directly on the AICPA website. Thus, for additional information about the scholarships above, please click here.
4. Association of American Indian Affairs, Inc.
Fascinatingly, the Association on American Indian Affairs has been providing Native American student scholarships since 1947. Also, it provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduates Native American students who are citizens/members of their Tribal Nation.
In particular, the scholarships are provided to students twice per year until they graduate, as long as they maintain a 2.5 GPA and attend full-time. Moreover, students must fulfill the following requirements to be eligible for them. All in all, students must:
- Be enrolled with their respective Tribe, either federally recognized or non-federally recognized Tribe, from the continental US or Alaska;
- Submit a copy of Tribal enrollment;
- Be enrolled as a full-time student;
- Have a minimum 2.5 out of 4.0 GPA;
- Submit a current class schedule and transcript;
- Attend an accredited institution seeking an Associate’s Degree or higher;
- Provide essays described in the application that show the student’s connection to their Tribal Nation and Indian Country.
Lastly, for more details about the applications, please click here.
5. Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation awarded its first seven scholarships in 1986. Today, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation awards more than fifty scholarships valued up to $15,000 to each selected scholar.
In particular, to apply for the UIUC private scholarships available through the foundation, students must be:
- A citizen of the United States, either native-born or naturalized,
- At least a sophomore applying for their junior year, or a junior applying to receive a scholarship for their senior year,
- Enrolled in one of the participating universities in the scholarship program for both semesters as a full-time student for the ASF-supported academic year, and
- Seeking a STEM degree with intentions to pursue research or advance their field upon completion of their final degrees. Students intending to pursue a practice in professional medicine are not eligible for the scholarship. However, those intending to perform biomedical research are eligible.
Furthermore, for more information on these scholarships, please click here.
6. Elks National Foundation
Since 1931, the Elks National Foundation has helped students recognize their academic dreams. Each year, it awards more than $3 million in college scholarships to at least 800 outstanding, service-minded high school seniors.
In particular, Elks National Foundation’s scholarship programs are for undergraduate study only. Furthermore, a student may not receive more than one ENF scholarship award or grant in any one academic year.
And, for additional information about the scholarships above, please click here.
7. Gates Millennium Scholars
The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program was established in 1999 to provide outstanding African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline area of interest.
In fact, it was funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. For more details about the program, please click here.
8. George M. Pullman Educational Foundation
The George M. Pullman Educational Foundation supports the dreams and aspirations of outstanding graduating high school seniors with several financial aids, for instance:
- Merit-based scholarships,
- Need-based scholarships, and
- Continuing educational support.
Furthermore, grants are available for students pursuing their bachelor’s degree at the college or university of their choice. In fact, the foundation has supported its scholars with more than $33 million in scholarships since 1950.
Furthermore, for more information on these scholarships, please click here.
9. Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation
The Truman Foundation is the nation’s official living memorial to the country’s thirty-third president and the presidential monument to public service. Most importantly, created by Congress in 1975, the foundation was President Truman’s idea.
In particular, the Truman Foundation is a place that nurtures and supports future generations who answer the call to public service leadership.
However, the hallmark of the foundation’s work is the Truman Scholarship. Generally, it is the premier graduate fellowship in the U.S. for those pursuing careers as public service leaders. And, for additional information about the UICC private scholarships available through the Truman Foundation, please click here.
10. Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Every year, HSF selects around 10,000 outstanding students as HSF Scholars from abroad and a talented pool of applicants. Specifically, HSF Scholars have access to a full range of invaluable Scholar Support Services, including:
- Career services,
- Mentorship,
- Leadership development,
- Knowledge building, and
- Wellness training.
Most importantly, HSF awards more than $30 million in scholarships annually. And, depending upon available funds, HSF Scholars may also be eligible to receive a scholarship, which ranges from $500-$5,000. For more details about the program, please click here.
11. Illinois Sheriffs’ Association
Each year, the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association offers special scholarships to dependents of military and law enforcement communities. In fact, the association believes that these scholarships demonstrate honor to the families of those who serve the country and communities.
Particularly, those eligible to apply for the scholarship include dependents of Law Enforcement Officers who are either active duty, retired, or those killed in the line of duty death. Furthermore, also eligible are dependents of active duty Military, Military Reserve, National Guard or of those killed in action.
Yet, for more information on Illinois Sheriffs’ Association’s scholarships, please click here.
12. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
The Cooke College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial needs. In fact, to be eligible, applicants must be students who seek to attend and graduate from four-year colleges and universities.
This highly competitive scholarship includes:
- Up to $40,000 per year to attend a four-year accredited undergraduate school,
- Ability to pursue any area of study,
- Personal advising about selecting a college and navigating financial aid, and
- Multifaceted advising about how to transition to college and maximize the student experience.
And, for additional information about the UICC private scholarships available through the foundation, please click here.
13. Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans
Every year, the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans supports thirty New Americans, immigrants, or the children of immigrants who are pursuing graduate school in the United States.
In particular, each Fellowship supports one to two years of graduate study in any field and in any advanced degree-granting program in the U.S. Furthermore, each award is for up to a total of $90,000.
Nevertheless, full eligibility requirements can be found here.
14. Ron Brown Scholar Program
The Ron Brown Scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program. Specifically, the program advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans.
Furthermore, RBSP competitively awards Ron Brown Scholars four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors. Basically, the students must demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship.
Most importantly, applicants for the Ron Brown Scholarship must be graduating high school seniors at the time of their application. All in all, for more information on the Ron Brown Scholarship, please click here.
15. Steven Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund
Since Mrs. Phillips awarded the first scholarships in 1991, over $67 million in awards has been given to more than 4,300 students who attended colleges all across the country.
In fact, in 2020, the Phillips Scholarship Fund awarded 151 new scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $17,000 annually. Moreover, this year, the Phillips Scholarship Fund has awarded over $3 million to students to assist them with their college bills.
In particular, prospective applicants must be permanent residents of New England but may attend college anywhere in the U.S. Thus, high school seniors entering college and returning college students attending accredited U.S. colleges or universities full-time are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
In short, awards are limited to students in undergraduate study and to those seeking their first bachelor’s degree. Lastly, full eligibility requirements can be found here.
