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Federal and State Scholarships and Grants

Federal and state grants and scholarships are both forms of aid that don't require repayment.

Typically, grants are based on financial need, while scholarships are awarded in recognition of achievements.

Jump to grant and scholarship types:

Federal and State Grants

Federal Pell Grant

  • Summary: The largest federal grant program, the Federal Pell Grant is designed to assist students from low-income families. These grants are awarded to degree-seeking undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's or graduate degree.
  • Eligibility: Eligibility is based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on the FAFSA (which must range between $0 and $6,206), cost of attendance, enrollment status, and quarters of attendance.
  • Award Range: $692 - $6,895 for full-time enrollment.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

  • Summary: The SEOG supplements financial aid beyond the Federal Pell Grant.
  • Eligibility: Pell-eligible students who demonstrate high need are considered for this assistance if they are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.
  • Award range: $100 - $4,000, based on student need and availability of funding.

Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP)

  • Summary: State-administered grant program for Illinois residents.
  • Eligibility: Students must be Illinois residents who: (1) are enrolled at least half-time at an approved Illinois postsecondary institution, (2) complete their FAFSA by the state's deadline (3) demonstrate financial need, (4) meet other Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) criteria.
  • Award range: Maximum of $7,200 for full-time enrollment.

Illinois residents who are unable to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (qualifying undocumented and transgender students) will need to complete the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid to determine MAP eligibility. For additional information about this program, please visit the Illinois Student Assistance Commission website.

Program and eligibility requirements outlined here are subject to revision based on federal, state and institutional changes to regulations and policies.

State Scholarships

Below is a description of a scholarship available for Illinois students. Please note that this scholarship requires a separate application outside of Northwestern's regulation financial aid application process. More details and links are provided.

Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois

The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program encourages academically talented Illinois students to pursue teaching careers, especially at high-need schools by providing tuition assistance (tuition, fees and room and board or commuter allowance) at one of the participating colleges. You may qualify for up to $2,500 as a freshman or sophomore, and up to $5,000 as a junior or senior.

As part of the application process, you must agree to teach, on a full-time basis, for a period of not less than five years at nonprofit Illinois public, private or parochial preschool, or an Illinois public elementary or secondary school considered a School of Need. You must begin teaching within two years of the completion of your degree or certificate program for which the assistance was awarded. If the teaching commitment is not fulfilled, the award will convert to a loan, which must be repaid, with interest.

For more information, please visit the Illinois Student Assistance Commission's website.

Program and eligibility requirements outlined here are subject to revision based on federal, state and institutional changes to regulations and policies.