Illinois vs North Carolina: Scholarship Climate 2026
Which climate fits best? Illinois offers a higher number of grants but lower average award sizes compared to North Carolina, which has fewer opportunities but larger awards. Applicants should consider their financial needs and the availability of scholarships.
Institution A
Illinois
Institution B
North Carolina
Quick comparison
| Metric | Illinois | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Active scholarships in catalog | 272 | 88 |
| Avg. award (where known) | $1,958 | $2,964 |
| Max indexed award | $18,574 | $10,000 |
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Financial Aid Overview for 2026
In 2026, Illinois presents a diverse scholarship landscape with a total of 238 grants available, averaging around $1,970. The maximum award can reach $18,574, making it an attractive option for many students. The top universities in Illinois, such as Loyola University Chicago, Waubonsee Community College, and Kankakee Community College Foundation, contribute significantly to the scholarship opportunities.
Conversely, North Carolina offers a smaller volume of scholarships, with only 44 grants available. However, the average award size is notably higher at approximately $2,890, with a maximum of $10,000. Key institutions like Foundation For The Carolinas and Chapel Hill Carrboro Public School Foundation lead in providing financial assistance.
Top Scholarship Providers in Illinois
Ranked by number of active scholarships
- 611 grants
- 156 grants
- 122 grants
- 21 grants
- 5 grants
Top Scholarship Providers in North Carolina
Ranked by number of active scholarships
- 23 grants
- 12 grants
- 2 grants
- 2 grants
- 2 grants
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Scholarship climate by state
Illinois
Illinois has a robust scholarship climate with numerous grants available, though the average award size is lower.
North Carolina
North Carolina's scholarship climate is characterized by fewer opportunities but higher average award amounts.
FAQ
What is the average scholarship amount in Illinois?
How many scholarships are available in North Carolina?
Which state offers higher maximum scholarship awards?
What are the top universities for scholarships in Illinois?
Sources and official pages
Official and high-authority pages used to support this State vs State comparison.
- Federal Student Aid (U.S. Department of Education) - government reference
- College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education) - government reference
- NCES College Navigator - government reference
- Illinois and North Carolina scholarship search reference - high-authority reference
More guides around this State vs State comparison
Internal reading paths around scholarship search, application strategy, and essay preparation for students comparing Illinois and North Carolina.
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