Merit-Based Scholarships
The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) administers merit-based scholarships available to University of Illinois students.
If you have questions or need additional assistance in regard to the merit-based scholarships listed below, please don’t hesitate to contact OSFA at (217) 333-0100 or by email at finaid@illinois.edu. Walk-in assistance is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Native American Scholarship - Peoria Tribe Scholarship
Requirements: This scholarship is available to any undergraduate level student who is a member of the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, connected historically with the state of Illinois. To be considered for this scholarship, a student must have a processed 2025-2026 FAFSA. Application for this scholarship is required.
Amount: The scholarship will cover the remaining cost of tuition, campus fees, and the food and housing allowance not covered by other federal, state, institutional, and private awards including the Federal Pell Grant and the State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant.
Renewable: Varies.
Number: Variable.
Native American Scholarship - Tribal Nations Scholarship for Non-Illinois Residents
Requirements: This scholarship is available to any undergraduate or graduate level student who is not a resident of the state of Illinois and is a member of any of the Tribal Nations federally recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. To be considered for this scholarship, a student must have a processed 2025-2026 FAFSA. Application for this scholarship is required.
Amount: The scholarship will cover the difference between non-resident and resident tuition at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Renewable: Varies.
Number: Variable.
National Native Scholarship Providers (NNSPs)
The following organizations are collectively known as National Native Scholarship Providers:
- American Indian College Fund
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society
- Cobell Scholarship
- Native Forward Scholars Fund
National Native Scholarship Providers (NNSPs) offer a range of support services to American Indian and Alaska Native college students, including financial assistance such as scholarships and grants, academic enrichment resources, and support for mental wellness and career development. Some scholarships may cover tuition, fees, textbooks, and related educational expenses, while others provide stipends to assist with living costs.
In most cases, applicants must be enrolled members of a federally or state-recognized Tribe. As eligibility requirements and award criteria vary across scholarships, it is essential for students to carefully review the specific guidelines for each opportunity.
In addition to exploring scholarship opportunities administered by NNSPs, students are encouraged to consult their respective Tribal Education Departments to ascertain the forms of financial assistance for which they may be eligible.