DDP Scholarships

The Dual Degree Program (DDP) offers several scholarship opportunities for Dual Degree Program participants that have or will be transferring from one of our 17 community college partners.  There are two-year academic and housing awards that students may apply for prior to transferring, as well as an opportunity for DDP students currently attending Governors State University that can be applied for during both fall and spring semesters.  See below for more information!

The following Dual Degree Program (DDP) Promise, Honors, and Chicago STAR Scholars Scholarships are two-year, competitive awards that are a one-time opportunity based on a student's transfer term.  Illinois residents that are current participants of DDP may apply for a DDP scholarship during their final, graduating term of their associate's degree (i.e. term before anticipated transfer.)  These DDP scholarships are renewable for up to two years (four semesters, excluding summers.)  See the DDP Scholarship Application for full eligibility criteria, application procedures, and recipient responsibilities.

DDP Promise Scholarship

The DDP Promise is a competitive scholarship created to assist economically disadvantaged students to complete a bachelor's degree at GovState.  The application is open to active participants in the Dual Degree Program who are eligible for and receive the Federal Pell Grant and have a 2.75 or above GPA.  The scholarship covers the cost of full-time tuition and fees that are not otherwise covered by the student's non-refundable aid.  The DDP Promise Scholarship is renewable for a maximum of four semesters (excluding summers).

DDP Honors Scholarship

The DDP Honors Scholarship is a competitive, merit-based scholarship.  The application is open to active participants in the Dual Degree Program who are also active members of their community college Honors Program or chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and have a 3.5 or above GPA. The scholarship covers the cost of full-time tuition and fees that are not otherwise covered by the student's non-refundable aid. The DDP Honors Scholarship is renewable for a maximum of four semesters (excluding summers).

DDP Chicago Star Scholars Scholarship

The DDP Chicago STAR Scholars Scholarship is a competitive, merit-based scholarship.  The application is open to active participants of the Dual Degree Program who are also enrolled in the Chicago STAR Scholars Program at the City Colleges of Chicago. Applicants must have a 3.25 or above GPA and be active members of the City Colleges of Chicago Honors Program or Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. The DDP Chicago STAR Scholar Scholarship is renewable for a maximum of two years (four semesters, excluding summers). The award offers two options based on eligibility:

  • $1,000 MyONE Card Stipend (application open to both Fall and Spring transfer cohorts)

  • Academic Year contract in Prairie Place Residence Hall, the value of Semi-Suite (Fall transfer cohorts only)

  • NOTE: The recipient of the Residence Hall contract must be eligible to live in Prairie Place and must submit a housing application by the required deadline.  All residents of Prairie Place must be GovState students.  Visit the University Housing website for more information. 

Scholarship Forms

Only one DDP Scholarship Application and two DDP Scholarship Recommendation Forms are required for each applicant, even if applying for multiple of the above awards.

All DDP Scholarship applicants must complete the annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  However, Illinois DACA and undocumented applicants are NOT advised to complete the FAFSA.  If awarded the DDP Honors or DDP Chicago STAR Scholar Scholarship, undocumented students will be required to complete an Illinois Residency Affidavit will be required in place of the FAFSA.  Regarding the DDP Promise Scholarship, in substitution for Federal Pell Grant eligibility applicants must be eligible for the Illinois MAP Grant by completing the ISAC Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.

Application Deadlines

Based on the intended transfer to GovState:

  • Fall 2025 - February 20, 2025
  • Spring 2026 - October 2, 2025
  • Fall 2026 - February 19, 2026
  • Spring 2027 - October 1, 2026

Application Review Criterion

 The DDP Scholarship Committees will be looking for the following when reviewing applications:

  • Personal Statement - Professionalism of writing, essay structure, and clarify when detailing: (a) your intended major, academic achievements, and professional experience, (b) your volunteerism, extracurricular activities, and/or leadership experience, and (c) how receiving this scholarship will help you achieve your goals at Governors State University.

  • Recommendation Forms (two per applicant) - To be completed by community college advisors, counselors, faculty, staff, or administrators. Each form is reviewed for evidence of your academic potential and professional character.
  • Length of time in the Dual Degree Program
  • Academic Performance (HONORS ONLY)

Applicants are encouraged to see their designated DDP Transfer Specialist for more details and helpful feedback while preparing one's application. Final award decisions are announced within six weeks of the application deadline.

We apologize that international students are not eligible for the above DDP Scholarships.  However, international students completing an associate degree from one of our 17 partner community colleges may be eligible for a tuition discount.  Please see your college's DDP Transfer Specialist for more information!

 

DDP Foundation Scholarship

The DDP Foundation Scholarship is a $500 award opportunity for male students currently attending Governors State University that are members of the Dual Degree Program.  Established and maintained by the generous donations of Dr. Linda Uzureau, previous Assistant to the President for Community College Partnerships at GovState, and past Vice President of Academic Affairs at Prairie State College, this award is an opportunity for male students to continue beyond their associate degree and assist in the completion of their bachelor's degree. 
 
Eligibility:

  • Must be a male student who has transferred to GovState as part of the Dual Degree Program

  • Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA

  •  DACA/Dreamers and international DDP students are eligible to apply

  •  Assuming candidates of equal qualification, there shall be a strong consideration, but not absolute preference for minority students.

This award is offered each fall and spring semester.  Students must apply through GovState's Scholarship Universe site.