The Honors College offers a limited number of scholarships for incoming first-year students. All Honors College scholarships are based on merit, while some are also based on need, as determined by FAFSA. These scholarships are awarded to applicants based on the strength of the admissions application and interview. No additional scholarship application must be completed to be considered. Admission to the Honors College does not guarantee a scholarship.
- Full In-State tuition and fees
- Renewable up to four years
- $3,000 yearly
- Renewable up to four years
- Only applicable to tuition
- $8,000 yearly
- Renewable up to four years
- Only applicable to tuition
- $5,000 yearly
- Renewable up to four years
- Only applicable to tuition
The President’s Award Program Honors (PAP-H) is a distinct part of the campus-wide President’s Award Program (PAP). It is the University of Illinois’ most prestigious four-year tuition and housing scholarship given to exemplary incoming first-year Honors College students. Eligibility consideration for the PAP-H scholarship is based on a combination of ACT composite score, class rank, and belonging to one of the following applicant pools: high-achieving newly admitted freshmen from historically underrepresented groups; high-achieving newly admitted students from low-sending Illinois counties (defined as counties sending an average of two or fewer students per academic year to the University of Illinois in the past five year period); or high-achieving newly admitted dependent students whose families are not expected to contribute to the cost of their education as verified through FAFSA and financial aid application processes. Prospective students apply for the award through the regular UIC admissions and Honors College review processes. Once admitted to the university, potentially eligible applicants are nominated by UIC’s Chancellor, then undergo individual review to be considered as President’s Award Program Honors Scholars.
The President’s Award Program Honors Scholarship promotes academic excellence within and beyond the Honors College community, connects students with Honors College Fellows and other premier faculty members, and fosters civic engagement and leadership. The Honors College provides a collaborative and supportive educational environment that allows students to explore issues in depth through small classes and specialized research projects. Living in Honors Housing in the residence halls ensures proximity to UIC’s academic and social support networks and keeps students involved in campus life. Honors College students are known on campus as leaders, innovators, and contributors to the UIC community and beyond. PAP-H Scholarships allow motivated and hard-working Honors College students to make an even greater difference through their research and engaged citizenship.
Each fall and spring the Honors College awards the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, a one-time, one-semester tuition waiver, to new Honors College transfer students. New transfer students to the college who are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the community college honor society and have a minimum of a 3.5 transfer GPA are eligible to apply. This scholarship is competitive and not all eligible students will receive an award. Students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours at UIC. The deadline to apply is typically in November for Spring applicants, and June for Fall applicants. Applications are available through UIC SnAP at uic.academicworks.com and the specific deadline can be found there.
The UIC Transfer Merit Tuition Awards are given on a competitive basis to new transfer students each fall and spring. Applicants must be enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program, have a minimum transfer GPA of 3.25 on a minimum of 45 transfer credits, and be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours in Fall 2017. This scholarship is competitive and not all eligible students will receive an award. The deadline to apply is typically in November for Spring applicants, and June for Fall applicants. Applications are available through UIC SnAP at uic.academicworks.com and the specific deadline can be found there.
The Honors Council, the College executive committee, recognizes outstanding students each year. These awards of $200 are made to students nominated by faculty on the basis of their honors work.
The John Curtis Johnson award is named for former Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Curt Johnson, a longtime friend and supporter of the Honors College. The award of $500 is given each Spring to one Honors College freshman who has excelled in his or her Honors College core. Students are nominated by the Honors Core faculty.
The Honors College offers two scholarships to support students studying abroad: Dean’s Scholarship for Study Abroad and Flaherty Scholarship. The scholarships are available in awards ranging from $500 to $2,500. To be eligible to apply for the scholarships, students must apply to a study abroad program endorsed by the UIC Campus and be a member of the Honors College. A cumulative UIC grade point average of 3.40 upon application for the scholarships is required. Students in programs traveling in the Summer or Fall semester apply for the scholarship in the Spring semester prior to their travels, and students in programs traveling in the Spring semester apply for the scholarship in the Fall semester prior to their travels. The deadline to apply is typically mid-semester. The application is available through UIC SnAP at uic.academicworks.com and the specific deadline can be found there.
Each semester, Honors College students with a UIC GPA of at least 3.5 are eligible to compete for a limited number of tuition waivers offered by the Honors College. Students are awarded these waivers based on a combination of merit and need. The Tuition Waiver application deadline is typically at the end of the prior semester (i.e., Spring 2017 tuition waiver application deadline is in December 2016). The application is available through UIC SnAP at uic.academicworks.com and the specific deadline can be found there.
The Honors College Dean’s Emergency Fund is intended to help meet the financial needs (tuition, fees, books, housing) of Honors College students who encounter an emergency situation or one-time, unusual, or unforeseen expenses during their degree program that prevent them from continuing their studies at UIC. Situations that might trigger such an emergency need include, but are not limited to, such events as:
- Medical, dental, or mental health emergencies
- Major accidents and events such as fire and natural disasters
- Home foreclosure or other loss of a domicile
- Unexpected loss of income
Students who find themselves in such situations should apply for funds, generally up to $2,000, from the Dean’s Emergency Fund by submitting an application and supporting documentation. Please note that funds from the Dean’s Emergency fund do not replace regular scholarship dollars, and students are encouraged to apply for all other possible sources of money. Funds are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Preference will be given to juniors and seniors. Students can only receive funding through the Dean’s Emergency Fund for two semesters during their Honors College career. The Dean’s Emergency Fund Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with no particular deadline.
The Sally and Kevin Desouza Family Scholarship is awarded each Spring to a full-time student in the Honors College pursuing a degree in the College of Business Administration. The recipient shall demonstrate high academic achievement, and shall be actively involved in the campus community in ways that make a contribution to the quality of campus life. International students are strongly encouraged to apply. Eligible students must possess valid visas, be permanent residents, or be U.S. citizens. The application deadline is typically mid-to-late March each year. The application is available through UIC SnAP at uic.academicworks.com and the specific deadline can be found there.
The Sister Dorothy Drobis Award is awarded each Spring to an outstanding junior or senior majoring in education who intends to teach in an urban environment. Preference will be given to minority candidates. Applicants must also be a member of the Honors College. The award is based on academic excellence and leadership, and the winner receives a $1000 cash prize. The Drobis Award is made each year in recognition of Sister Dorothy Drobis and her long career in elementary education in Chicago. The application deadline is typically mid-to-late March each year. The application is available through UIC SnAP at uic.academicworks.com and the specific deadline can be found there.
The Mark A. Wyatt Memorial Scholarship is awarded each Spring to an outstanding junior majoring in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry or Neuroscience and planning to go to medical school. The award is based on academic excellence, research, and leadership. Preference is given to continuing students (not graduating) who have demonstrated leadership and a passion for research The Wyatt Scholarship is a memorial to Mark Wyatt, a pre-med Biological Sciences and Honors College junior who exemplified academic excellence and leadership. After his death in 1990, his fellow students led the effort to establish this scholarship in his name. The application deadline is typically early March each year. The application is available through UIC SnAP at uic.academicworks.com and the specific deadline can be found there.
The Honors College research grants are given each semester to support excellent undergraduate research by Honors College students, including, but not limited to, Honors Capstone projects. Applications typically open at the start of each semester and the deadline to apply is within the first 5 weeks of the semester.
Fundable Activities/Expenses:
- Students may request money to fund research expenditures for current or planned research projects, whether scientific or humanities srudies. These awards are especially appropriate for supporting Honors Capstone activities, but can support other types of undergraduate research as well. Priority will be given to proposals requesting funds for materials used in research. Student stipends will not be supported.
- No individual award will exceed $1,000 and most will be less. Decisions regarding the number and dollar amount of individual awards shall be guided by the principle of encouraging high quality research for the largest number of undergraduates. Previous research awards received from the Honors College will also be taken into account.
- Each research proposal will be evaluated on the following criteria: (a) significance and importance of the project; (b) demonstrated understanding of research protocol; and (c) reasonableness of the proposed budget. Further guidelines for preparing the research proposal can be found here.
* Note: All applications require students to upload a budget form in UIC SnAP. Please download the budget form here. Applications are not considered complete without this budget form uploaded with the application. Letters of recommendation are also required and must be submitted by the deadline. The application is available through UIC SnAP at uic.academicworks.com and the specific deadline can be found there.
The Honors College offers undergraduate grants-in-aid for travel to professional meetings for presentations/participation including, but not limited to, Honors Capstone projects.Applications typically open at the start of each semester and the deadline to apply is within first 5 weeks of the semester.
Fundable Activities/Expenses:
- Each Fall and Spring semester students may request money to fund travel to attend and/or present their research at professional meetings (e.g., registration, flight, hotel) and presentation materials (e.g., poster preparation costs).
- No individual award will exceed $500 and most will be less. The maximum allowable cost for posters is $75.00. Decisions regarding the number and dollar amount of individual awards shall be guided by the principle of encouraging the largest number of undergraduates to benefit from such participation. Priority will be given to students presenting their own original work, but students attending conferences, meetings or events without presenting a paper, or traveling to do research in their area of study, may also apply for funding. Previous travel awards received from the Honors College will also be taken into account.
- Each proposal will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
- the merit of the proposal’s likely impact on the student’s scholarly and/or professional development; and
- reasonableness of the proposed budget.
- Please note that this is not a cash award; instead, the award will be used to reimburse the recipient for allowable expenses incurred. Recipients should keep all appropriate receipts and documentation to be used for reimbursement.
*Note: All applications require students to upload a budget form in UIC SnAP. Please download the budget form here. Applications are not considered complete without this budget form uploaded with the application. Letters of recommendation are also required and must be submitted by the deadline. The application is available through UIC SnAP at uic.academicworks.com and the specific deadline can be found there.
Through the generosity of donors, the UIC Honors College is able to provide its students the opportunity to apply for Student Engagement Grants. These financial awards support enriching educational experiences that complement students’ educational programs. Grants will typically be less than $500; students may request higher amounts with a defensible rationale for doing so. Projects to be funded by the Honors College Student Engagement Grant will usually involve community service or on- or off-campus service or leadership activities. More information about projects eligible for the grants and a grant application can be found here.
The Donald and Leah Riddle Prize is awarded each year at Commencement to an outstanding graduating senior regardless of major field. The award is based on academic excellence and leadership. The winner receives a bronze medallion and a $1,000 cash prize. The Riddle Prize is made each year in recognition of the former UIC Chancellor Donald Riddle and his wife Leah and honors the Riddles’ contribution to the campus. The application deadline is typically late March/early April each year. The application is available through UIC SnAP at uic.academicworks.com and the specific deadline can be found there.
Many individual colleges recognize outstanding undergraduates in their discipline through various scholarships and awards. Colleges typically offer scholarships and awards in the Spring semester.
Many individual departments recognize outstanding undergraduates in their discipline through various scholarships and awards. Some departments announce their award winners during convocation ceremonies.
The Office of Scholarships assists current UIC undergraduate and professional students in searching and applying for campus scholarships opportunities. This office can also assist with external opportunities for undergraduate and professional tuition and housing scholarships, but nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships are managed by the Office of External Fellowships.
Recognition of an outstanding senior by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois including $1000 award.
- Students must be nominated and can self-nominate during their senior year.
- Deadline: Early October
- Website https://thelincolnacademyofillinois.org/students-2/
For freshmen, sophomores and juniors enrolled at UIC, scholarships ranging from $500-$5000.
- Deadline: late Spring.
- Website: http://www.uic.edu/depts/oaa/scholar/resources.htm
For UIC students with at least 12-40 hours, ranging from $1000 to $5000 toward continued undergraduate study.
- Deadline: March
- Website: https://scholarships.uic.edu/
For sophomores, juniors and graduate students in any major, $2000 for undergraduates, or $5000 for graduates toward continuing studies.
- Deadline: March
- Website: http://vcsa.uic.edu/scholarships/dr-martin-scholarship/
A wide range of scholarship opportunities are available to Honors College student, including external scholarships and fellowships. The Office of External Fellowships (formerly known as the Office of Special Scholarship Programs (OSSP)) assists current UIC undergraduate and professional school students in searching and applying for nationally competitive scholarships, fellowships and external scholarship awards.
Deadlines for the awards run throughout the academic year. Preparing a competitive application requires students to begin well in advance of the deadline. In particular, the Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell, Fulbright and Gates Cambridge have early fall deadlines and preparation to apply should begin the previous spring. While the financial assistance offered by these scholarships is the most obvious reward, the process of applying also offers great benefits such as helping candidates develop as thinkers, writers and speakers in ways that are advantageous to their professional and personal development and building strong ties with faculty and staff who support your application.
For overseas summer intensive study of critical languages abroad. Funding includes airfare and housing. Locations of summer programs vary.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizen; undergraduates, professional and graduate students.
- Deadline: November
- Website: http://www.clscholarship.org/
For Pell grant recipients who are planning study abroad, up to $2500-$8000 in support of study abroad for summer, fall, spring or full year.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizen; undergraduates.
- Deadlines: Early October and Early March
- Website: https://www.iie.org/gilman
For students with research experience and intent on research careers in math, science or engineering, $7500 toward remaining undergraduate years.
- Requires UIC nomination
- Eligibility: U.S. citizen, permanent resident; sophomores & juniors
- Deadline for UIC nomination: Mid-November
- Website: https://goldwater.scholarsapply.org/
For Hispanic students; one main award and several smaller ones.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizen, permanent resident; undergraduate and graduate students.
- Deadline for general scholarship: December 15
- Website: https://www.hsf.net/scholarship
For students considering careers in international affairs. Providing summer learning experiences in Washington DC.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens; Pickering: junior status; Rangel: undergraduate.
- Deadline: Early February/Late January.
- Website: https://www.rangelprogram.org/summer-enrichment-program/
For students seeking funds to support a low-pay or no-pay public service internship or project. The award is typically $1500.
- Eligibility: no citizenship requirements; undergraduate or graduate.
- Deadline: March 15
- Website: http://jwsaxefund.org/
For juniors intent on careers in public service at a leadership level, $30,000 toward graduate or professional school study.
- Requires UIC nomination.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens; juniors in their third year.
- Deadline for UIC nomination: Late-October
- Website: https://www.truman.gov/
For students planning careers related to environmental issues, $5000 toward remaining undergraduate years.
- Requires UIC nomination.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizen, permanent resident; sophomores or juniors.
- Deadline for UIC nomination: Early February
- Website: https://www.udall.gov/ourprograms/scholarship/scholarship.aspx
For students interested in a global affairs research internship at the Carnegie Institute.
- Requires UIC nomination.
- Eligibility: Must be eligible to work in U.S.; seniors or recent graduates.
- Deadline for UIC nomination: Early December
- Website: https://carnegieendowment.org/about/?fa=jrFellows
For underrepresented students pursuing the PhD graduate funding for up to 3 years.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA holders; seniors or recent graduates.
- Deadline: Mid-November
- Website: http://sites.nationalacademies.org/pga/fordfellowships/
For students in all majors, the opportunity to teach English or do research abroad after receiving your bachelor’s degree. Research or study in over 140 countries; Teaching English in over 65 countries. Applying through UIC requires evaluation process.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizen; senior, graduate or alumni.
- UIC deadline: early September
- Website: https://www.iie.org/en/Why-IIE/History/IIE-and-Fulbright-Program
For students planning graduate study in the in the sciences, math, engineering and most social sciences. Funding for 3 years of graduate study.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; seniors or not beyond 1st year of graduate study.
- Deadline: Early November
- Website: http://www.nsfgrfp.org/
For an outstanding Phi Kappa Phi member nominated by the UIC chapter; $5000 toward graduate/professional study.
- Requires UIC Phi Kappa Phi nomination.
- Eligibility: member of Phi Kappa Phi; seniors.
- UIC deadline: Mid-March
- Website: https://www.phikappaphi.org/grants-awards/fellowship
For seniors or graduates planning graduate study toward a career in the Foreign Service. Includes summer internships in embassies.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens; seniors or recent graduates.
- Deadline: Mid-January.
- Website: https://www.twc.edu/thomas-r-pickering-foreign-affairs-fellowship-program
For “new Americans”, immigrants or children of immigrants, two years of funding for graduate/professional studies.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent residents; seniors and 1st and 2nd year graduate/professional students.
- Deadline: Early November
- Website: https://www.pdsoros.org/
For outstanding students with a 3.7 gpa or higher, research, service, leadership and vision for making a difference; offers graduate study at Cambridge University for 1-4 years. UIC starts to prepare candidates in the spring for fall deadlines.
- Eligibility: Any country but the United Kingdom (different deadline for non-U.S. citizens; seniors or recent graduates.
- UIC Deadline: Mid-April
- Website: https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/
For outstanding students with a 3.7 gpa or higher, research, service, leadership and vision for making a difference; offers graduate study at any British university for 1-2 years. UIC starts to prepare candidates in the spring for fall deadlines.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens; seniors or recent graduates.
- UIC Deadline: Mid-April
- Website: http://www.marshallscholarship.org/
For outstanding students with a 3.7 gpa or higher, research, service, leadership and vision for making a difference; offers graduate study at any of the 9 universities in Ireland for one year. UIC starts to prepare candidates in the spring for fall deadlines.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens; seniors or recent graduates.
- UIC Deadline: Mid-April
- Website: https://www.us-irelandalliance.org/mitchellscholarship
For outstanding students with a 3.7 gpa or higher, research, service, leadership and vision for making a difference; offers graduate study at Oxford University for 1-2 years. UIC starts to prepare candidates in the spring for fall deadlines.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens; seniors or recent graduates (other countries also have Rhodes offerings).
- UIC Deadline: Mid-April
- Website: http://www.rhodesscholar.org/
OEF Contact Information
- (312)355-3380
- oef@uic.edu