Jesse W. Fell Scholarship 2026

The Jesse W. Fell Scholarship is Illinois State University’s most prestigious award for incoming freshmen. Students with a minimum 3.75 GPA who apply for admission by November 1 and complete the scholarship application by December 15 are eligible. Finalists are selected for interviews, and awardees receive up to $48,000 ($12,000 per year, renewable for up to four years).

Summary

1. Application Deadline: December 15, 2025
2. Value: Up to $48,000 ($12,000 per year, renewable for 4 years)
3. Study Level: Undergraduate (Freshmen)
4. Sponsor: Illinois State University
5. Eligible Country: United States

Eligibility Criteria for Jesse W. Fell Scholarship 2026

1. 3.75+ cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
2. Submit our scholarship application by December 15

Benefits of Jesse W. Fell Scholarship 2026

1. Up to $48,000 total ($12,000 per year, renewable for 4 years)

How to Apply

1. Apply to the University by November 1
2. Submit your scholarship application by December 15 – we'll send it to you after you're admitted
3. Finalists are required to participate in an interview
4. Award winners are announced in early spring

Not selected? Students who complete the Jesse W. Fell Scholarship process but are not selected will automatically be awarded an enhanced Redbird Academic Scholarship. Please note, students cannot receive both the Fell and Redbird Academic Scholarships.

For more details, visit Illinois State University Scholarship Webpage

Application Deadline

December 15, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Jesse W. Fell Scholarship 2026