Illinois vs Pennsylvania: Scholarship Climate 2026
Which climate fits best? Illinois offers a larger number of scholarships with a lower average award size, making it suitable for applicants seeking more opportunities. Pennsylvania, with higher average awards, may appeal to those looking for substantial funding.
Institution A
Illinois
Institution B
Pennsylvania
Quick comparison
| Metric | Illinois | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Active scholarships in catalog | 272 | 125 |
| Avg. award (where known) | $1,958 | $3,131 |
| Max indexed award | $18,574 | $40,000 |
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Financial Aid Overview for 2026
In 2026, the scholarship landscape presents distinct opportunities in Illinois and Pennsylvania. Illinois boasts a total of 238 grants with an average award size of approximately $1,970, while Pennsylvania offers 101 grants with a higher average award of around $3,000. This indicates that while Illinois provides more options, Pennsylvania's awards tend to be more substantial.
Top universities in Illinois include Loyola University Chicago, Waubonsee Community College, and Kankakee Community College Foundation, which collectively offer a significant number of scholarships. In contrast, Pennsylvania's notable institutions include the Philadelphia Foundation and the POISE Foundation, which also contribute to a robust scholarship environment.
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 Pennsylvania
Ranked by number of active scholarships
- 22 grants
- 15 grants
- 13 grants
- 7 grants
- 7 grants
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Scholarship climate by state
Illinois
Illinois has a vibrant scholarship climate with numerous opportunities but lower average award sizes, making it ideal for applicants seeking multiple funding sources.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania features fewer scholarships but with higher average awards, appealing to those who prioritize larger funding amounts.
FAQ
What is the average scholarship amount in Illinois?
How many scholarships are available in Pennsylvania?
Which universities in Illinois provide the most scholarships?
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.
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