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Scholarships

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Scholarships

´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University (WIU) scholarships are designed to reduce financial barriers, support you in achieving your goals, and unleash your full potential. An affordable, high-quality education is well within reach through ´ºÓêÖ±²¥â€™s merit-based, need-based, and departmental scholarships for students from all backgrounds.

What is a Scholarship?

A scholarship is a type of financial aid award that you do not have to pay back. ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University scholarship opportunities are awarded for both merit (based on your grades and/or extracurriculars) and need (based on your and your family’s finances). WIU awards $26 million in scholarships and awards annually.

The ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Way

The revolutionary ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Way covers all tuition costs and mandatory fees for eligible incoming students. This distinctive approach ensures that no financial barriers stand between you and an excellent education. Find out if you qualify to follow the ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Way!

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Find Scholarships to Fund Your Education

Scholarships at ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University can save you thousands of dollars on both the up-front and long-term costs of your education. Explore our 2026-2027 need- and merit-based scholarships for freshmen, transfer, and graduate students.

Scholarships for Freshmen

President's Scholarship: 100% of tuition and more

A separate scholarship application is required. Earn a merit-based award that covers 100% of your tuition, fees, room, and meal plan.

AIM HIGH ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Commitment Scholarships: up to $6,000

Automatic awards up to $6,000 or $4,000 per year based only on your HS GPA

Alumni Legacy Scholarships: Up to $1,000

Awards up to $1,000 per year to children and grandchildren of WIU graduates

Local Leatherneck Housing Scholarships: Up to $3,000

Awards up to $3,000 for housing if your hometown is near Macomb

Scholarships for Transfer Students

Transfer Commitment Scholarships: Up to $3,000

Automatic awards up to $1,000, $2,000 or $3,000 per year based on your college GPA

Alumni Legacy Scholarships: Up to $1,000

Awards up to $1,000 per year to children and grandchildren of WIU graduates

Local Leatherneck Housing Scholarships: Up to $3,000

Awards up to $3,000 for housing if your hometown is near Macomb

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships: Up to $1,000

Awards up to $1,000 to members of Phi Theta Kappa

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Departmental Scholarships

Apply for scholarships that are specifically designed for your goals and interests. WIU’s departments and programs offer unique scholarships that you may be eligible for! Separate applications may be required.

#12
Best Bang for the Buck Midwestern Schools

$26 Million
in Scholarships & Awards ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ly

84%
of Students Receive Financial Aid

How to Apply for Scholarships at WIU

It’s easy to apply for scholarships at WIU! If you are an incoming freshman or new transfer student, we will automatically consider you for university-wide need- and merit-based scholarships. You don’t need to file a separate scholarship application, except for the President's Scholarship and departmental scholarships.

Follow These Steps for Automatic Scholarship Consideration

  1. Submit your WIU application

Follow These Steps for Presidential and Departmental Scholarship Applications:

  1. Submit your WIU application
  2. Once you have been accepted, apply for foundation and department scholarships through the
  3. Provide supporting documents if applicable (essays, letters of recommendation)
  4. Meet deadlines

If you are a current WIU student, you can complete the to be considered for new scholarships in the next round of funding.

Scholarship Deadlines & Important Dates

  • Apply to WIU by December 15th for full scholarship consideration.
  • Apply by March 1st for New Freshmen Scholarships, Departmental Scholarships and Current Student Scholarships.
  • If you are transferring to WIU, apply by May 1st to be considered for WIU New Transfer Scholarships.

Need Help with Understanding Your Scholarship Options?

Get in touch with our helpful team in the Scholarship Office at sc-office@wiu.edu.

Tuition Rates & Cost Estimator

Tuition is only one component of your overall cost, which includes other fees and can be lowered by scholarships and other forms of financial aid—that’s where our handy Cost Estimator can help you understand how affordable a WIU education really is!

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female student smiling while holding large printed rocky head logo

“Cost did play a factor in my decision. ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ was not only offering the most, but they also offered me other ways to get scholarships.â€

Tatiana Oscar, Social Work

Take Your Next Steps to Invest in Your Future

When you start your WIU application, you’re opening the door to scholarship eligibility and a more affordable education. From departmental scholarships to our full-tuition ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Way award, ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University scholarships exist to support you here and well into your career!

Other Resources for Scholarships