We are getting worried- scholarships

<p>We are facing out-of-state tuition, and we haven't "heard a word" about receiving any scholarships yet. Engineering tuition/housing roughly $31,000 year. We read some other links on the $4k per year scholarship that some people are getting. Is there a great chance we will not get jack squat?
Son has been accepted to 4 schools total, so we will have some choices.
Last fall, I thought for sure, we would get some money from UIC (albeit not a lot). Now the waiting game. Do a lot of out-of-staters have to pay full sticker price? Anyone have any thoughts or ideas? I know they offer a international program, which basically saves you a semester of tuition.
When the letters are cranked out at the end of this month, what should I expect that it will say?? Any comments welcome</p>

<p>How are your son's grades? I am an out-of-stater and I got a scholarship (through the Matthews Scholarship Program) because of my grades.</p>

<p>The vast majority of students, in-state or out-of-state, do not get scholarships. I was probably in the top 10% of incoming students and didn't get one.</p>

<p>Ranking top 7%, acceptance was received within a week of applying, 4.2W,3.8uw, Math 740/CR 660, most challenging courses taken, EC's decent, working 15 hours per week, Co-editor of school newspaper, taking thru independent study more advanced computer classes, et c.</p>

<p>Well, he seems extremely qualified, but if he hasn't heard anything yet, then their will probably not be a scholarship...</p>

<p>A top 7% class rank and 1400 SAT puts you slightly only above the median, so I wouldn't count on any scholarships. UIUC is very stingy with merit aid; I think it's only given to the top 5% or even less.</p>

<p>I'm top 1% with 1540 SAT and I haven't gotten any scholarships from UIUC, so maybe its unrelated to rank and SAT scores.</p>

<p>Our daughter attends U of I as an out-of-state student. We received no aid based on FAFSA and such, but eventually, in the course of her freshman year she received about $5000 in scholarships (one through the women in engineering program and one through a leadership scholarship application). This year (sophomore), we have received nothing. I agree will all above posters, U of I is rather stingy with merit aid. We are, however, very happy with the education she is receiving. She is working in a world-class research lab and is challenged every day by rigorous coursework and very bright peers.</p>

<p>at this point i am sorta confused. I got a scholarship and I am only top 10%, however my ACT score was a 35...</p>

<p>so yeah, i have no idea how i got it and other people didn't.</p>

<p>"The James Newton Matthews Scholarship Program provides merit-based scholarships to an outstanding group of students who have a successful academic background that includes civic and social leadership."</p>

<p>"Sponsors may designate a groupincluding students from a particular state or area, or students enrolled in a specific collegefrom which the student to benefit from their gift will be selected."</p>

<p>It may be that your sponsor restricted the scholarship to your particular state or area, and you had a good "civic and social leadership" background.</p>

<p>I hope you are at least in state. SOmething doesnt seem right that you didnt get anything, for nowl.</p>

<p>And is ILL worth it at the sticker price for out of staters for computer science......????</p>

<p>No I'm out of state, so Illinois probably won't be an option for me without a big scholarship.</p>

<p>Where are you going instead, DerekC?</p>

<p>I'll probably go to Michigan if they give me some more money (I got $16k in aid) or Princeton if I get in. If those two options don't work out, I'll just go to Ohio State for free.</p>