Local Students. Extraordinary Opportunity.

Illinois Wesleyan University is proud to partner with the Illinois Wesleyan Associates—a group of local business leaders, community members, and IWU alumni—to invest in the future of McLean County students.

Students from the high school graduating Class of 2027 who meet the eligibility requirements and are admitted to Illinois Wesleyan University will receive a minimum total scholarship package of $40,000 per year through a combination of the McLean County Scholarship and other IWU scholarships.

Many students qualify for scholarship packages that exceed this guarantee based on their academic achievements and other qualifications.

This scholarship guarantee is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.

How to Apply

There is no separate scholarship application.

1. Apply for admission to Illinois Wesleyan University.
2. Submit all required admission materials.
3. Be admitted to IWU.

Eligible students are automatically considered for the McLean County Scholarship Guarantee.

Eligibility Requirements

Students eligible for the McLean County Scholarship Guarantee must:

• Be admitted to Illinois Wesleyan University without academic restrictions.
• Be a resident of McLean County, or be a senior graduating in the Class of 2027 from a McLean County school.

Transfer students who meet the above criteria may also qualify for the McLean County Scholarship. Contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for this scholarship?

You only need to apply for admission to Illinois Wesleyan University. Once you are admitted and meet the eligibility requirements, you are automatically considered for the scholarship. No additional application or paperwork is required.

What if I graduated from a McLean County high school before 2027?

The scholarship guarantee is primarily intended for students graduating in the Class of 2027. However, transfer students may be considered. Please contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss your eligibility.

What does “admitted without restrictions” mean?

Most admitted students meet this requirement. In rare cases, a student may be admitted with academic conditions designed to support their transition to college-level coursework. Students admitted without these conditions are considered admitted without restrictions.

Who can I contact with questions?

The Financial Aid Office is happy to help.
Email: iwufaid@iwu.edu
Phone: (309) 556-3096

 

Investing in Local Students

The Illinois Wesleyan Associates established this scholarship to support talented students from McLean County and strengthen the future of our community.

Through their generosity, local students have access to an exceptional Illinois Wesleyan education while receiving significant scholarship support. Their commitment reflects a shared belief in the value of an IWU education and the impact these students will have on the communities they serve.

Scholarship and Grant Information

 

 

"IWU is preparing me to learn to build connections, thrive in a workplace environment, and helping me develop my adaptability in different contexts. It's giving me more skills than I can count on two hands. There is a place for you somewhere at IWU. The connections you’ll make at IWU will last a lifetime.

I received a great amount of scholarships and grants that I am so grateful for. Compared to other universities, it was cheaper to go to IWU, so this weighed my decision a lot."

Katie Poehlman, Class of '26
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Normal, IL