Teachers of Illinois Scholarship is a state award for students preparing for teacher licensure or further education who have an academic connection to high-need public school districts. It can provide up to $7,500 per year for tuition and mandatory fees, for up to eight semesters or twelve quarters, subject to annual funding. In return, recipients sign a commitment to teach in an Illinois district meeting shortage criteria; failure to fulfill the agreement can convert the award to a loan.
Published eligibility centers on having attended a public district during K–12 with designated need and teacher-vacancy indicators, enrolling in an approved preparation program, and maintaining academic progress. Students file the ISAC application and FAFSA each year; the college must certify information before the commission can consider the award. For 2026–27, ISAC set a September 2026 priority date and says late applications may be considered only if funding remains.
This program differs from the former Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship: ISAC says that award is no longer available and was replaced by Teachers of Illinois under different rules. The agency also maintains a court-related notice affecting state assistance for certain undocumented students in 2026–27; confirm the live legal guidance before applying. Read the promissory note, verify the approved school, and ask how the service obligation is calculated if you change programs or cannot secure an eligible teaching job.
Before accepting aid, confirm in writing who decides eligibility, which costs are covered, how renewal works, and which deadline applies to your cohort. Compare the award with the net cost at your school.
Read the aid-program profile and the FAFSA guide; your institution’s aid office can verify your individual case.
Teachers of Illinois Scholarship: reglas y aplicación 2026–27 — Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
Elegibilidad del programa Teachers of Illinois — Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
Actualización de ISAC para solicitantes del curso 2026–27 — Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
Information checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Dates and funding can change by cycle; confirm current terms with the agency and your school’s financial-aid office before enrolling.
Confirm the active cycle, aid already applied, and final balance before committing to tuition or housing.
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Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program
Teachers of Illinois Scholarship is a state award for students preparing for teacher licensure or further education who have an academic connection to high-need public school districts. It can provide up to $7,500 per year for tuition and mandatory fees, for up to eight semesters or twelve quarters, subject to annual funding. In return, recipients sign a commitment to teach in an Illinois district meeting shortage criteria; failure to fulfill the agreement can convert the awa
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.