The SUMMER 2026 application will open Monday, May 4. Only applications dated May 4 and after will be considered.

IMPORTANT – The information below explains the scholarship application process as well as what is expected of applicants. READ CAREFULLY!

Foundation Scholarship FACTS

• Foundation scholarships are need based.
• Award priority is given to students paying the PSC district tuition rate. For more information about tuition rate tiers, visit prairiestate.edu and search “tuition”.
• In order to be considered for a scholarship award, an applicant must be registered for the semester for which they are applying for a scholarship.
• On average, a Foundation scholarship covers up to 30% of a qualifying student’s out-of-pocket tuition and textbook costs.
• Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received. Response time varies based on the number of applications under review. Once a decision has been made, applicants are notified either way via their PSC student email address.
  
  

Foundation Scholarship ELIGIBILITY – A scholarship applicant must:

• Be registered for the term for which they are applying before submitting an application.
• Be working towards earning their first degree AND seeking that degree from PSC.
  Students who have already earned a degree will not be considered, unless they have been admitted into a PSC Selective Admissions program. PSC Selective Admissions programs include Nursing, Dental Hygiene/Assisting or Surgical Technology.
• Have a completed FAFSA, covering the semester for which they are applying.
  If they are not eligible to complete FAFSA, the application will give the opportunity to explain why.
• Have a minimum 2.0 GPA.
  For those who don’t meet the minimum GPA requirement, email Susan Sebastian at ssebastian@prairiestate.edu to discuss.
• Demonstrate financial need.
  
  

BEFORE STARTING a Foundation Scholarship Application:

New students must:

• Apply for admission to Prairie State College.

New and returning students must:

• Complete a current FAFSA. To learn how, visit prairiestate.edu and search “FAFSA” or for specific questions contact the PSC Financial Aid Office at financial-aid@prairiestate.edu or call (708) 709-3735.
• Meet with a PSC Academic Advisor to discuss program options and create an Academic Plan. Visit prairiestate.edu and search “academic advising” to schedule an appointment.
• Register for classes. Class schedules must be confirmed before applying. CHANGES in enrolled hours, class schedule, or required textbooks will both delay and alter an award offer for those who qualify.
  
  

STEPS TO COMPLETE a PSC Foundation Scholarship Application

• Click Sign In.
• Click Sign In With Your PSC Email.
• Sign in using your PSC single sign on provided by the PSC Information Technology Resources Department.
• Complete the General Application as directed.
• DO NOT CLICK on random scholarships. Based on application answers, the system will do the work and auto match the applicant to any scholarships for which they qualify. Clicking on scholarships that an applicant is not eligible for will only delay the application’s review and may prevent an applicant from receiving an award.
• If an applicant needs to stop completing the application before it is finished, the “Save” button should be clicked to save their work.
• The applicant should click “Finish and Submit” when completed.
  
  

Once the application is submitted, the applicant will receive an email confirmation. The applicant may be asked to answer additional questions for recommended scholarships. The applicant should follow the system prompts for these recommended scholarships to increase their chances of being offered an award.

Applicants should be sure to set up a Payment Plan with the PSC Business Office to ensure that they don’t get dropped from classes for non payment.
Applicants should select a Refund Option with the PSC Business Office, so if they were to receive a refund, it is by the method of their choice.

For questions, contact:
Susan Sebastian
Director
Scholarships and Alumni Relations
ssebastian@prairiestate.edu