CPS Seniors Save More Than $9 Million on College Tuition at City Colleges
May 20, 2025
Hundreds of Chicago Public Schools seniors will soon graduate from high school having already earned a semester’s worth of college credits for free from City...
MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University (WIU) is proud to announce a new partnership with City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) that provides additional financial support and educational opportunities for Star Scholars transferring to WIU.
As part of this collaboration, WIU will offer six Star Scholars a $500 annual scholarship for up to two years. To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:
Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, determined by the completed application date, including all required transcripts.
“We are so pleased to partner with WIU to offer our Star Scholars additional funding as they continue their education, earn a bachelor’s degree, and get one step closer to their academic and career goals,” said City Colleges Executive Vice Chancellor-Chief Student Experience Officer Aarti Dhupelia.
Additionally, Star Scholars can further reduce their tuition costs by stacking this scholarship with other financial aid opportunities, including:
WIU remains committed to expanding access to higher education through initiatives such as the Guaranteed Admissions Program (GAP), which ensures seamless transfers for community college students.
As part of its ongoing efforts to make higher education more accessible, WIU is also offering free applications throughout February. With Division I athletics, a vibrant campus community with residential housing, more than 200 student organizations and the Western Way program covering tuition and fees for eligible students, WIU continues to provide pathways for student success.
“We are excited to strengthen our partnership with City Colleges of Chicago and offer additional support for students looking to continue their education at WIU,” Interim Vice President for Student Success Justin Schuch said. “This initiative underscores our dedication to affordability, accessibility and student success.”
For more information on the Star partnership, or to apply to WIU for free in February, visit wiu.edu/admissions/star_scholarship.php.