Illinois vs North Dakota: Scholarship Climate 2026
Which climate fits best? Illinois offers a broader range of scholarships with higher total opportunities, making it suitable for applicants seeking diverse funding options. North Dakota, while having a higher average award size, has significantly fewer opportunities, which may appeal to those targeting specific niche scholarships.
Institution A
Illinois
Institution B
North Dakota
Quick comparison
| Metric | Illinois | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Active scholarships in catalog | 272 | 13 |
| Avg. award (where known) | $1,958 | $3,722 |
| Max indexed award | $18,574 | $15,000 |
Financial Aid Overview for 2026
In 2026, Illinois presents a more vibrant scholarship landscape compared to North Dakota. With a total of 280 grants available, Illinois has an average award size of approximately $1,937, reaching a maximum of $18,574. The state's top universities, such as Loyola University Chicago, lead in the number of grants awarded, providing ample opportunities for students.
Conversely, North Dakota offers a more limited selection of scholarships, with only 13 grants available. The average award size in North Dakota is around $3,722, with a maximum of $15,000. The scholarship landscape here is characterized by specialized grants from organizations like AgCountry Farm Credit Services and the North Dakota Petroleum Council.
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 Dakota
Ranked by number of active scholarships
- 1 grant
- 1 grant
- 1 grant
- 1 grant
- 1 grant
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Scholarship climate by state
Illinois
Illinois has a robust scholarship climate with numerous opportunities and a diverse range of funding sources, making it ideal for applicants seeking various financial aid options.
North Dakota
North Dakota's scholarship climate is more restrictive, with fewer opportunities but higher average awards, appealing to those who qualify for niche scholarships.
FAQ
What is the average scholarship amount in Illinois?
How many grants are available in North Dakota?
Which university in Illinois has the most scholarships?
What is the maximum scholarship amount in North Dakota?
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 Dakota 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 Dakota.
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