Scholarships at City Colleges of Chicago

The Star Plus Transfer Scholarship provides selected Star Scholars with $5,000 over two years ($2,500 per year) as they transfer from City Colleges of Chicago to a four-year Star transfer partner institution to complete a bachelor's degree. Star Scholars already received tuition-free coverage at City Colleges after graduating Chicago high school with strong grades. The Plus award helps high-achieving transfer students focus on academic success at partner universities rather than financing their bachelor's degree. Recipients are chosen from Star Scholars transitioning to City Colleges' four-year transfer partners. The program is administered through the City Colleges of Chicago Foundation Star Plus Scholarship Fund.

Kennedy-King Scholars is a merit-based scholarship at City Colleges of Chicago that awards $2,000 to qualified Kennedy-King College students. The renewable award is administered by the City Colleges of Chicago Foundation through the AcademicWorks general scholarship application. Students sign in with City Colleges credentials, complete the general application with a short essay, and are automatically considered if they meet scholarship criteria matched to their college, program, and financial profile. Fall foundation applications are due September 28 and spring applications March 14 for the 2026-27 academic year. Undocumented students may apply using the RISE Act alternative financial aid application.

The Thomas A. Mikula Scholarship for Health Sciences, established in fall 2025, honors a longtime Truman College health sciences educator and Kathy Osterman Public Service Award recipient. Two City Colleges students per year—one in fall and one in spring—each receive $1,500 per semester while studying health sciences. The fund continues Mikula's legacy supporting knowledgeable, creative, and compassionate student advising in health programs. Students are automatically considered through the City Colleges Foundation general scholarship application on AcademicWorks after signing in with City Colleges credentials. The application deadline is May 11, 2026 for the current cycle.

The Olive-Harvey College Scholarship provides financial assistance to deserving students based on scholastic merit and/or financial need while enrolled at Olive-Harvey College. Funds defray tuition, fees, or books and in rare cases may match a student payment up to $250 toward a prior balance. Awards are up to $1,000 per semester. Eligible applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and good standing, must be a Chicago resident eligible for in-district tuition, hold a high school diploma or GED, and enroll in at least six credit hours in any associate degree or vocational certificate program. A 3.5 GPA is required for scholarship renewal. Apply through the City Colleges Foundation AcademicWorks portal.

Graduates of Chicago Public Schools and partner high schools may qualify for the Chicago Star Scholarship, a last-dollar tuition-and-books waiver at City Colleges of Chicago. Eligible students may use the benefit for up to three years starting the fall semester after high school graduation. Students need a 3.0 GPA, must complete financial aid paperwork, and enroll in a degree or certificate program for more than one semester. The application deadline is the last day of registration for the upcoming 16-week credit term. Award value varies based on remaining tuition and book costs after other aid.

This Harold Washington College scholarship covers tuition, lab fees, and registration for fall and spring semesters for up to twelve credit hours per term. New applicants need a high school GPA of 3.0 or above or a GED score of 2600 or higher; current City Colleges students need a 3.0 cumulative GPA earned at City Colleges. Recipients must be Chicago residents, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, enrolled in at least six credit hours, working toward a first bachelor's degree, and have a completed FAFSA file. The application packet requires an essay, letter of recommendation, and proof of citizenship. Deadlines are July 31 for fall and November 15 for spring.

The Timuel D. Black Jr. Scholarship and Fellowship honors the late City Colleges professor and Chicago civil-rights leader by supporting emerging community leaders enrolled at City Colleges. Selected fellows receive tuition assistance for two semesters after financial aid is applied, a $1,000 living-expense stipend, textbook support, and CTA Ventra cards, plus monthly workshops, mentoring, community trips, and a civil-rights study trip to Alabama. Applicants must be enrolled in at least six credit hours and committed to both fall and spring semesters in the fellowship year, with interest in civil rights, community activism, and changemaking. The process includes an online application, recommendation, and panel interview. Application closes June 5, 2026.

The Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship helps current or former early childhood educators in Illinois earn additional credentials or degrees at City Colleges of Chicago. The award covers remaining tuition and fees after other scholarships and grants, and qualifying recipients may receive a cost-of-attendance stipend. Applicants must be members of the incumbent early childhood workforce who have worked with children birth through age five in settings such as family child care, center-based care, Preschool for All, or Head Start, and must commit to continuing or returning to direct early childhood service in Illinois after completing their program. City Colleges lists ECACE among scholarship supports for child development students.

This United Center Health Science and Career Programs Scholarship supports Malcolm X College students pursuing Health Sciences and Career Programs certificates or associate degrees who are ineligible for FAFSA or other federal grant-based aid. Awards based on financial need may cover up to tuition costs remaining after other aid, subject to available departmental funds each semester. Applicants need a cumulative City Colleges GPA of 2.5 or higher and must be in good academic standing. The scholarship serves students who do not receive full tuition coverage through other financial aid, grants, scholarships, or third-party awards. The application deadline is May 15, 2026.