UChicago Promise is the University of Chicago’s multi-pronged initiative to help increase college access and readiness for Chicago high school students. UChicago Promise offers special scholarships for students from the Chicago area and also includes resources to help guide Chicago high schoolers to selective four-year institutions, including an Admissions Academy, mentorship, and extensive programming.
Merit awards are determined by committee on the basis of the application for admission without consideration of financial need. Most of UChicago's financial aid is awarded on the basis of need, so all students who may require financial support in their education are encouraged to apply for need-based aid.
First-Year Applicants
Chicago Police and Fire Scholarship
In honor of their service to the University community and the city, the University of Chicago offers up to full-tuition scholarships to select children of active firefighters and police officers. To be considered for the scholarships, candidates must complete applications to the University of Chicago and be children (including legally adopted children) of sworn City of Chicago firefighters, police officers, or University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) police officers. Students whose parent was injured or lost their life in the line of duty or mandatorily retired are also eligible for the scholarship. Each winner is guaranteed the scholarship for four years of undergraduate studies (12 academic quarters) at UChicago provided he or she makes satisfactory academic progress.
Samuel is a native Chicagoan who has been able to take advantage of a variety of resources around UChicago’s campus. He contributes to the longest continuously-running student film society in the nation (Doc Films), and is a member of his cohort of Odyssey Students. In addition to his campus involvement, Samuel a Metcalf internships conducting research at the Lincoln Park Zoo for a summer.-Samuel Algas, Class of 2021Son of Chicago Firefighter
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Educators Award
In honor of their service to the community and the city, the University of Chicago will offer up to full-tuition scholarships to select children of active CPS full-time teachers and school-based non-leadership staff. To be considered for the scholarships, candidates must complete applications to the University of Chicago and be children (including legally adopted children) of CPS teachers or school staff who will remain employed within CPS for the duration of their children’s college careers. Any student whose parent loses employment at CPS through no fault of their own will be eligible to retain their scholarship. Each winner is guaranteed the scholarship for four years of undergraduate studies (12 academic quarters) at UChicago provided he or she makes satisfactory academic progress.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Scholarship
The University of Chicago awards up to full-tuition, four-year scholarships to select graduates of Chicago Public Schools who are admitted to the College of the University of Chicago. Awards are made to outstanding students who show the greatest potential for making contributions to the academic, extracurricular, and community life of the College. CPS student applicants will automatically be considered and need not submit any additional information beyond the required application materials.
UChicago Partner Schools Scholarship
As part of an ongoing effort to support students in our community and make higher education an affordable option for our local families, the University of Chicago awards up to full-tuition, four-year scholarships to select graduates of select partner high schools in the city of Chicago. The awards will be given to outstanding students who demonstrate the greatest potential for making contributions to the academic, extracurricular, and community life of the College. Student applicants will automatically be considered and need not submit any additional information beyond the required application materials. Current partner schools include the University of Chicago Charter School Woodlawn Campus, Nicholas Senn High School, Providence St. Mel School, and Kenwood Academy High School.
UChicago College Scholarship for Dependents of Faculty, Other Academic Appointees & Staff
To support those who further the University’s mission each and every day, the University of Chicago will offer full-tuition scholarships to select dependents of UChicago faculty, staff, and other academic appointees. First-year college applicants who are admitted to the College will automatically be considered for this scholarship – no special application is required. Awards are made to outstanding students who show the greatest potential for making contributions to the College. Each winner is guaranteed full tuition for four years of undergraduate studies (12 academic quarters) at UChicago provided the student makes satisfactory academic progress.
Transfer Applicants
City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) Star Scholarship
The University of Chicago awards up to full-tuition scholarships to select recipients of the City Colleges of Chicago Star Scholarship who are admitted to the College of the University of Chicago. Awards are given to outstanding students who show the greatest potential for making contributions to the academic, extracurricular, and community life of the College. CCC Star Scholar applicants will automatically be considered when they apply for transfer admission and need not submit any additional information beyond the required application materials.