Scholarships
Since 1990, ACI has provided over $4 million in financial aid to over 2,000 students through Illinois’ only statewide, non-governmental scholarship program. As the growth in the population of 18-24-year-olds is primarily among low-income families, the need for ACI's Scholarship Program increases with each passing year.
Associated College of Illinois member colleges and universities are leading the way in welcoming low-income students to achieve their academic goals. Since 2000, our private, mission-driven institutions have collectively increased enrollment of Pell-eligible students by 32%. With your help, the Associated Colleges of Illinois can continue to open the doors to a rewarding, private higher education for many more low-income students. ACI’s 22 member colleges and universities are especially qualified to nurture each student because they:
- embody characteristics the Pell Institute now identifies with “high graduation rate” institutions such as low student/faculty ratios, teacher accessibility, full-time faculty, shared values, residential life and a focus on student retention
- are more affordable than public institutions
- provide financial aid as high as 80% to those enrolled
- outpace both Illinois public institutions and the national average for six-year graduation rates.
Contact Jerry Fuller for more information about providing a named scholarship for ACI college students.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (312) 516-2523.
ACI Success Story
"I have never been more focused on my studies, and my future goals have never been clearer."
When Jonathan began his studies at Elmhurst College, he was still a little unsure about choosing a major and what his career path would be. In time, Jonathan decided on a physical education major, with a goal of becoming a recreation administrator. But family circumstances nearly spelled the end of his college career. His father died, and his mother, a retired educator, was having trouble making ends meet.
ACI’s Scholarship Program made the difference for Jonathan. With help from an ACI scholarship, Jonathan was able to remain in school and pursue his goals. “With my dad’s passing, I have never been more focused on my studies, and my future goals have never been clearer,” says Jonathan, now a senior at Elmhurst. “In fulfilling my goals for the future, I hope to make everyone proud who helped me reach them.”
