JB Pritzker, Governor, State of Illinois

Other State-Sponsored Programs

The State of Illinois also sponsors/administers financial aid programs through other state departments and agencies.

Allied Health Care Professional Scholarship Program

This scholarship provides up to $7,500, for up to two years, to students studying to be nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and certified nurse midwives.  Financial need is a factor.  Recipients must fulfill an obligation to practice full time in a designated shortage area as an allied health care professional in Illinois for one year for each year of scholarship funding received.

The application deadline is June 30th for each upcoming year and is administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Rural Health; contact Bronwyn Jones-Leach at 217.782.1624 for more information.

Medical Student Scholarship Program

This program provides tuition, mandatory fees, and a monthly stipend of $950 per month to students enrolled at approved medical schools in Illinois.  The recipient agrees to work in an identified physician-shortage area in Illinois for one year for each year of assistance received through this program.
 
Eligible applicants must:

  • be enrolled in a allopathic or osteopathic medical school in Illinois;
  • be an Illinois resident;
  • have financial need; and
  • be committed to primary care.

Application deadline is May 15 for each upcoming academic year and is administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health; inquiries should be directed to the Center for Rural Health at 217.782.1624.

MIA/POW Scholarship

This scholarship, which is not based on financial need, provides tuition and certain fees for dependents of persons who were Illinois residents at the time they entered active duty, and have been declared to be prisoners of war, missing in action, died as the result of a service connected disability, or disabled with a 100% disability as a result of a service connected cause as recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs or U.S. Department of Defense.  The scholarship may be used at public colleges and universities in Illinois.

It is administered by the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs; contact Tracy Kimmel 217. 782.3564 for more information.

Nursing Education Scholarship Program

This program provides assistance to students who are pursuing a certificate in practical nursing, an associate degree in nursing, a hospital-based diploma in nursing, or a baccalaureate degree in nursing.  Scholarships are awarded from one to four years to qualified students with the greatest financial need.

Undergraduate recipients must begin full- or part-time employment as a licensed practical or registered nurse in Illinois within six months of graduating, and remain employed for a period equivalent to the educational time supported by the scholarship. Recipients pursuing a graduate degree in nursing, must teach as a nursing educator one year for each year of the scholarship funding received. Students who terminate studies or fail to become employed will be required to repay the full scholarship amount, plus 7% interest.

The application cycle is from March 1st through April 30th prior to the beginning of the academic year for which the scholarship is being requested.  This program is administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health.