Scholarships
ECC Scholarship applications are accepted year-round, with the first round of awards beginning in April. These scholarships, designed for community college students, can help cover various educational expenses, including tuition, books, child care, school supplies, and transportation, depending on each scholarship’s criteria. Recipients remain eligible to receive other forms of financial aid in addition to an ECC scholarship to advance their educational goals.
What types of student scholarships does ECC offer?
Scholarships are open to all eligible students. The Elgin Community College Foundation is committed to creating equitable access to educational opportunity by considering each applicant as an individual. Scholarship criteria may recognize financial need, first-generation status, educational or economic barriers, life experiences, community service, and other circumstances that have shaped a student’s educational journey. Our goal is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to pursue their education and achieve their full potential.
Eligibility Requirements
- Scholarship applications are incomplete until you have submitted all required documents, including one letter of support. A letter of support can come from a current or former teacher, a work and/or volunteer supervisor, a coach, a faith leader, a counselor, or a mentor. These are all great resources for letters of support.
- All scholarship recipients must have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or greater. Some Foundation Scholarships require a higher cumulative GPA. New students to ECC will not have a GPA recorded with the College, so no minimum GPA is required for your first semester receiving the scholarship*.
- Home-schooled students submit ACT® scores for evaluation.
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is required for some, but not all, ECC Foundation scholarships.
- Additional requirements depend on the scholarship's structure.
*New students will be required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater after their first semester attending ECC to remain eligible for scholarships they may be selected for.
Application Process
- Online applications are strongly preferred.
- You may apply for an ECC Foundation Scholarship and a District 509 Board of Trustees Scholarship.
- Applications are screened for a potential match to every available foundation scholarship, and you may receive more than one.
- Each student who completes the application process will be notified of the results via the email address provided on the application.
2026-2027 ECC Foundation Scholarship Application
Students may submit one application package per school year. Applications will remain active for the entire calendar year.
Seigle Scholar Program
Funded by a $500,000 gift, this program offers full scholarships and mentoring, supporting eligible students’ academic and personal growth.
Presidential Fund Matching Scholarship
Established in 2009, the Ralph and Edith Apple Fund supports student educational expenses, honoring Edith Apple’s library service and dedication.
Financial Aid
Elgin Community College provides grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study for full- and part-time students, with documents submitted online, by mail, fax, or in person.
Meet the Foundation
Our Foundation team is here to help you navigate the scholarship process and answer any questions about your application or eligibility. Get to know the people behind these scholarships: