Scholarships

Foundation Scholarships focus on academic achievement, program or major or financial need.

Scholarships are awarded based on stated criteria and reviewer evaluation. All reviewers are required to abide by COD's core values of integrity, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

• Fall Semester Scholarship applications accepted Feb. 1 through April 15.
• Spring Semester Scholarship applications accepted Sept. 1 through Nov. 1.

This scholarship strengthens the pipeline from high school to college by rewarding dual credit students.

Eligibility

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Have completed 6 or more dual credit hours at College of DuPage
• Must be enrolled full-time post High School graduation

Award

Covers up to 60 credit hours of in-district tuition for a maximum of 2 academic years as last dollar funding – if students receive financial aid in the form of federal, state, institutional, or external grants/scholarships, those funds will pay first, and any remaining tuition costs will be covered by the Dual Credit Advantage Scholarship.

2026-2027 Application

The 2026-2027 application is now closed. Check back for future opportunities to apply.

How to Apply

• Submit your General Application on Academic Works. This will get your account started to apply for scholarships.
• Search for the Dual Credit Advantage Scholarship and submit your application.
  • Please be sure to look at application criteria and answer all supplemental questions to be considered for review. Drafted status applications will not be considered to be reviewed.

To remain eligible for the Dual Credit Advantage Scholarship, students must continue to meet the following criteria:

• Be enrolled full-time (a minimum of 12 credit hours) each semester in a degree or certificate program.
• Maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA while enrolled at College of DuPage.

Important: Students who do not meet these requirements will be removed from the Dual Credit Advantage Scholarship and will be responsible for full tuition payment in future semesters. The award cannot be reinstated, even if the student later achieves a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.

The JumpStart Scholarship provides students that have completed a GED preparation course at College of DuPage and successfully earned their high school equivalency with a jump start into their college experience.

English Language Acquisition (ELA) students who have completed ELA-0956 and/or ELA-0958 at College of DuPage and passed the state mandated exit test are also eligible to apply for the JumpStart Scholarship.

Students must live in District 502 and must use the scholarship within 12 months of initial eligibility. Complete one of the following scholarship applications to apply. Students are only eligible to receive this scholarship once.

Contact Continuing Education for more information.

This scholarship supports graduating high school students and new adult learners entering workforce-aligned programs.

Eligibility for High School Students

• Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
• FAFSA or Alternative Application on file OR sign a waiver*
• In a workforce-aligned program
• Must complete essay explaining career goals

Eligibility for Adults

• FAFSA or Alternative Application on file OR sign a waiver*
• In a workforce-aligned program
• Must complete a personal statement
• Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA after first semester
• Must be a new student in Fall 2026

Award

Last dollar funding for in-district tuition up to 4 semesters over 2 years in workforce program – if students receive financial aid in the form of federal, state, institutional, or external grants/scholarships, those funds will pay first and the Trade & Talent Scholarship will apply toward any tuition remaining.

2026-2027 Application

The 2026-2027 application is now closed. Check back for future opportunities to apply.

How to Apply

• Submit your General Application on Academic Works. This will get your account started to apply for scholarships.
• Search for the Trade and Talents Scholarship and submit your application.
  • Please be sure to look at application criteria and answer all supplemental questions to be considered for review. Drafted status applications will not be considered to be reviewed.

To remain eligible for the Trade and Talents Scholarship, students must continue to meet the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in a workforce aligned program.
• Maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA while enrolled at College of DuPage.

Important: Students who do not meet these requirements will be removed from the Trade and Talents Scholarship and will be responsible for full tuition payment in future semesters. The award cannot be reinstated, even if the student later achieves a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.

Students who have completed their studies at College of DuPage may be eligible for an honors transfer scholarship to Aurora University, Elmhurst University, Millikin University or North Central College.

2026-2027 Application Update: Our program for the 2026-2027 has been revised with changes. Starting 2026-2027, it will now be named the Trustees Scholarship.

The Trustees Scholarship Program is College of DuPage's premier merit-based scholarship program for 2026-2027 high school graduates.

A limited number of scholarships are awarded each year, so applicants should try to highlight why they stand out on their application.