Illinois Promise is a scholarship awarded to newly admitted students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign who have the greatest amount of financial need.
The Scholarship
Illinois Promise is designed to cover a student’s cost of attendance including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies. The award includes a combination of grants and other aid, a limited amount of student loans, and an opportunity to earn income through employment on campus. The I-Promise aid package supports fall and spring term enrollment only. The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) is responsible for administering the four-year financial award package including determining eligibility and disbursing aid.
Beyond Financial Support
Support for I-Promise Scholars also involves much more than the financial award. Scholars join a diverse community of students who benefit from uniquely tailored resources and programs throughout their time on campus. Scholar Support Programs (SSP) in the Campus Center for Advising and Academic Services (CCAAS) provides holistic engagement, outreach and programming for all I-Promise recipients regardless of current-term aid eligibility.
“Once an I-Promise Scholar, always an I-Promise Scholar.”
The Pillars of the Promise
We often describe our comprehensive support program as being guided by four key principles, or pillars: academics, community, generosity, and gratitude.
The University fosters academics by creating a rigorous yet supportive environment where Illinois Promise Scholars push their intellectual boundaries and expand their perspectives.
We cultivate community by connecting Scholars with their peers, enriching campus experiences through mutual support and involvement.
We embrace the generosity of our program’s donors and supporters from across campus who offer resources and services designed to create a landscape of student success.
And, we express our gratitude and appreciation by making the most of our Illinois experiences– by giving back and paying it forward to current Scholars and those yet to come.
Together, these four pillars form the foundation of the Illinois Promise experience. They not only support our Scholars throughout their time on campus, but also shape who they become beyond graduation. Grounded in these values, Illinois Promise empowers students to thrive, give back, and carry forward the spirit of the program in all they do.