The FALL 2026 application will open MONDAY, AUGUST 3.

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

BEFORE STARTING a Foundation Scholarship Application:

New students must:

• Apply for admission to Prairie State College.

New and returning students must:

• File a current FAFSA. To learn how to start the FAFSA process, visit prairiestate.edu and search “FAFSA” or for specific FAFSA 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 final before applying. ANY CHANGES in enrolled hours, class schedule, or required textbooks will both delay and alter an award offer for those who qualify.
• Be sure to set up a Payment Plan with the PSC Business (Student Accounts & Billing) Office to ensure that you don’t get dropped from classes for non-payment.
• Be sure to select a Refund Option with the PSC Business (Student Accounts & Billing) Office, so if you were to receive a refund, it is by the method of your choice.
  
  

Foundation Scholarship FACTS

• If PELL/MAP/SEOG, grants and/or sponsorship funding is greater than the cost of an applicant’s tuition and/or textbooks, the applicant may not be eligible for a Foundation scholarship.
• Foundation scholarship awards are based on financial need.
• The application requires the applicant to explain the details of their financial situation.
• On average, Foundation scholarships cover 30% of a qualifying student’s out-of-pocket tuition and/or 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:

• Have filed FAFSA for the semester for which they are applying.
  If they are not eligible to file FAFSA, the application will give the opportunity to explain why.
• Be registered for the term for which they are applying before submitting an application.
• Be paying the PSC district tuition rate.
• Be working towards earning their first degree or certificate AND seeking that degree or certificate 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 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.
  
  

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.
• If you need to stop completing the application before it is finished, click the “Save” button to save your work.
• You should click “Finish and Submit” when completed.
  
  

AFTER Your PSC Foundation Application is COMPLETED

• You will receive an email confirmation.
• Based on your application answers, the system will do the work and auto match you to any scholarships for which you qualify.
• You may be asked to answer additional questions for recommended scholarships. You should follow the system prompts for these recommended scholarships to increase your chances of being offered an award.
• DO NOT CLICK ON SCHOLARSHIPS UNLESS YOU ARE INSTRUCTED TO DO SO! Clicking on scholarships that you are not eligible for may prevent you from receiving an award.
  
  

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