Foundation Scholarship Opportunities

Applications are accepted year-round, but the first round of scholarship awards is made starting in April. Scholarships may cover various expenses and may include tuition, books, childcare, school supplies, and even transportation, depending on the specific description of each scholarship. You may still apply for and receive other forms of financial aid even if you receive an ECC scholarship.

Apply now

What types of scholarships does ECC offer?


At ECC, scholarships are abundant and made available to everyone who qualifies. Here’s just a short list of offerings. See eligibility requirements.

General Scholarships

  • Adult students over the age of 26
  • Black/African American students
  • Community service
  • Demonstrate the value of embracing diversity
  • ESL, undocumented, or students
  • Females teaching science
  • Female students
  • First in the family to go to college
  • Forensics
  • Full- or part-time students
  • Graduates of U46, Elgin High School, Larkin High School, St. Edwards Catholic High School
  • Hispanic origin
  • Honors course tuition waiver
  • Illinois High School Equivalency Students
  • International students
  • Residents of District 509, Hampshire, Elgin, St. Charles, South Elgin, and other area communities
  • Single parents
  • Students 24 and older Students that want to become U.S. citizens or who are here with a Visa
  • Students with disabilities
  • Studying abroad/Spanish-language immersion
  • Tuition waiver for ESL students
  • Veterans or their dependents
  • Young musicians

Academic and Leadership Excellence Scholarships

These scholarships require a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

  • Intention to transfer for a Bachelor's degree completion
  • Attending college part-time, degree-seeking, residents of District 509
  • Members of a college club or service organization

Career Areas of Study Scholarships

  • Art and Visual Arts
  • Automotive
  • Business
  • Career Tech
  • Computer-aided design
  • Criminal Justice
  • Culinary Arts
  • Dental Assistant
  • Electronics
  • EMT
  • Engineering
  • Fire Science
  • Health Professions
  • Human Resources
  • HVAR
  • Industrial Manufacturing Tech
  • IST/Maintenance Tech
  • Marketing
  • Massage
  • Math
  • Music
  • Nursing
  • Paralegal
  • Pre-med
  • Radiography
  • Science
  • Teaching
  • Welding