Scholarships

Oakton Foundation and Institutional Scholarships

Scholarships have been established through the generosity of businesses, associations and individuals. These scholarships reward student achievement, encourage student leadership and accomplishment, and provide financial assistance.

All awards are based on the availability of funds. Some scholarships provide partial funding for tuition and fees; others provide for additional expenses.

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Scholarships from Sources Outside the College

Wentcher Scholarship

The Wentcher Foundation identifies ten students from Chicago-area high schools planning to attend Oakton College who exemplify academic excellence, high character, and demonstrate financial need.  This scholarship is made possible by the generosity of the Wentcher Foundation, with the Oakton College Educational Foundation serving as its agent. Scholarships are valued at $3,500/year.  Oakton Wentcher Scholars who continue to meet the foundation’s guidelines may renew their scholarship the following academic year, and may be eligible to apply for transfer funding to complete their Bachelor's degree.

Minimum Eligibility:

  • Open to Chicago-area seniors graduating the same year they enroll at Oakton College.
  • Minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA
  • SAT/ACT scores are no longer a requirement
  • Must be eligible to apply for federal financial aid (U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or FAFSA-eligible non-citizen)

For further information about this scholarship and to apply, please visit Wentcher Foundation - Oakton College.

Private Scholarships

Many scholarships are offered and awarded through various sources outside the College. Listed below are examples of the types of organizations that may offer scholarship assistance:

  • Civic Organizations
  • Employers
  • High Schools
  • Local Chambers of Commerce
  • Local Community Groups
  • Private Educational Foundations
  • Religious Affiliations

Check Out Private Scholarships

More information is available at local high schools, libraries, and civic organizations. Many free websites assist students in scholarship searches.

ROTC (Reserve Officer’s Training Corps) Scholarships

Three scholarships are available each year for students who plan to transfer and enroll in a four-year Illinois college or university ROTC program. Priority is given to students who have a minimum 2.0 GPA and who notify the office of their interest by March 1.

For additional information please contact [email protected].

Notifying Financial Aid About Other Scholarships

Students receiving educational funds from sources outside the College are required to complete the Outside Scholarship Form (below) by:

  • Listing the source and the total amount of the award for the full year.
  • Attaching a copy of the Scholarship Award Letter received from the sponsor.
  • Endorsing and attaching the check from the sponsor (if forwarded to the student). Checks made payable solely to the student are not considered scholarships, and they cannot be processed through the Oakton accounting system.

Submit a completed Outside Scholarship Form (PDF) (157 KB) to Oakton College, Enrollment Center, Room 1860, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016.

Do Not Pay For Scholarship Information

The Federal Trade Commission has information to help students guard against scams. The Enrollment Center offers a limited sample of outside scholarships available to post-secondary students.