Presidential Scholarship of Excellence for Incoming Freshmen

Competitive academic scholarship awarded to incoming freshmen who demonstrate superior intellectual distinction, leadership potential, and community engagement.

Official university details ↗Research checked, not sponsored

Application checklist & requirements

These requirements reflect published university guidelines available at the last review. Review official department guidelines before submission.

Academic degree / Prerequisites: Unweighted high school GPA >= 3.8
English language proficiency: Exempt
Standardized testing (GRE/GMAT): Exempt
Thesis / Research statement: Honors application essay and extracurricular resume
Recommendation letters: Two academic recommendations

How much will it cost? How much funding is available?

Financial support / stipend: $12,000 annual merit award ($48,000 over four years) plus admission to Honors Program
Application fee: $0
Tuition / joining costs: Applied directly toward tuition charges

Dates and verification

Application deadline: December 1, 2026 (Priority Honors Deadline)
Last source review: 2026-10-16

Official university details ↗Illinois State guide ↗Mentorship ↗Ask us — free ↗

Important verification note

Facts reflect official Illinois State University documentation reviewed 2026-10-16. Admissions, funding allocations, and eligibility thresholds are evaluated by the university.

Reviewed 2026-10-16 · Editorial standards · Report an issue