Illinois State University (out-of-state)

The AIM HIGH Scholarship is funded by the State of Illinois Aspirational Institutional Match Helping Illinois Grow Higher Education (AIM HIGH) Grant Pilot Program. This program is designed to encourage Illinois students to attend an in-state university, improve college affordability, and reduce student loan debt. Illinois State University will provide up to $2,000 per year to first time in college students meeting academic and financial criteria, contingent on the availability of appropriated funds. Fall 2023 Academic and Financial Criteria -Is a resident of the state of Illinois and attended an Illinois high school -Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen or meet the “undocumented student” criteria of the RISE Act -Is enrolled for the first time at Illinois State University -Is a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program -Have not yet received a bachelor’s degree (the equivalent of 135 semester credit hours) -Not be incarcerated -Not be in default on any student loan, nor owe a refund on any state or federal grant -Have a grade point average of 4.0 or higher -Has filed a 2023-24 FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (preference will be given to those who file the FAFSA or RISE Act/Alternative Application by January 1, 2023) and demonstrated need with household income no greater than six times the poverty guidelines as outlined in the chart below. 2021 income is used to determine 2023-2024 eligiblity