Honors Program Tuition Waiver
Each year, up to 50 outstanding students earn competitive tuition waivers through the Honors Program. Don’t miss your chance to apply.
The Honors Program tuition waiver covers up to four regular semesters and two summer sessions at ICC. It can be used for a maximum of sixty-four (64) credit hours attempted, not counting any credits earned before you were admitted into the program. Please note that Lab fees, books, and supplies are not included.
Wheen you receive the Honors Program tuition waiver you will:
- Complete two designated Honors courses (or Honors projects) each fall and spring semesters.
- Attend the annual orientation meeting before the start of the fall semester.
- Maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA and a sixty-seven percent completion rate for courses attempted.
- Be continually enrolled in fall and spring semesters with a minimum of 12 credit hours.
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you receive the waiver.
Graduate Designation
All Honors-designated classes and Honors Course Options you complete will be noted as Honors courses on your transcript. To graduate from the Honors Program and earn the “Honors Program Graduate” designation on your transcript, you’ll need to complete at least 15 credit hours in Honors-designated classes. You can count up to six credit hours from Honor Course Options or Honors Volunteer Options towards that total.
Eligibility
Want to be considered for an Honors Program tuition waiver? Make sure you meet these requirements:
If you are a current student, you’ll need a Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher with at least nine credit hours of college-level coursework completed. If you’re an incoming student, you’ll need an ACT score of 25 or higher, or an SAT score of 1200 or above.
To qualify, you also must:
- Live within the ICC district. Out-of-district and international students are not eligible.
- No previous degrees. You must not have already earned an associate or bachelor’s degree.
- No other discounts. You can not receive other tuition discounts (such as dual credit) while using the tuition waiver.
- Submit your FAFSA. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by June 1 before each year that you participate in the program.
New to ICC? You’ll need to apply to the College before you complete your Honors Program application.
How to Apply & Application Materials
Ready to apply for an Honors Program tuition waiver? Follow these steps and be sure to submit all required materials:
Step 1 – Complete the FAFSA
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before each year you apply and/or participate in the program.
Step 2 – Submit Your Honors Program Application
Indicate your interest in the tuition waiver and submit your Honors Program Tuition Waiver Application by the deadline.
The deadlines to apply for the Honors Program Tuition Waiver are February 15 for the following fall semester and November 1 for the following spring semester.
Step 3 – Provide Required Application Materials
Recommendation Form
Submit at least one Honors Program Recommendation Form. We suggest giving the form to a teacher or someone who can speak to your academic performance and potential for success in the Honors Program. One recommendation is usually enough, but you may submit up to three recommendation forms, each with a letter, if you wish.
Personal Statement
In 300 words or less, answer the following:
“Why do you want to be a part of ICC’s Honors Program? How will the Honors Program help you to achieve your academic goals, career goals, and/or other goals?”
Your personal statement must be your own original writing. AI-generated or AI-assisted personal statements will disqualify your application.
Official Transcripts
- High school transcripts
- College transcripts for all colleges attended and dual credit classes completed (including Illinois Central College)
SAT or ACT Scores
Required for all applicants who have completed fewer than 9 credit hours of college-level courses at the time of their application.
Submit Your Materials
Send recommendations, personal statement, transcripts, and test scores directly to:
Melissa Grunow
Honors Program Coordinator
Illinois Central College
Honors Program, 313B
1 College Drive, East Peoria, IL 61635
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Step 4 – Watch for Updates
Check your ICC email for updates on your application status and next steps.