Affordable Private Education
Financial Aid for Educational Studies
Our low tuition makes Lewis University the most affordable Catholic university in Chicago and one of the most affordable private colleges in all of Illinois. Plus, we offer specialized scholarships specifically for educators, including:
Undergraduate Scholarships
The Lupe and Anselmo Calderon Endowed Scholarship
The Lupe and Anselmo Calderon Endowed Scholarship for Latino Students was created to assist Latino/Latina students pursuing a BA in Elementary Education. Student must be a junior or senior and hold a minimum GPA of 3.0.
The Clifton J. and Laura E. Kelly Endowed Scholarship
The Clifton J. and Laura E. Kelly Endowed Scholarship was created for students with a declared major in the field of Education, minimum GPA of 2.5, and financial need. Consideration is given for good academic and behavioral standing. Preference is given to male students.
Dr. Shirley A. McFaul Endowed Scholarship
The Dr. Shirley A. McFaul Endowed Scholarship was established in September 2002, to honor the long time faculty member of the College of Education and Social Sciences. After a distinguished career as a teacher and college faculty member, Dr. McFaul passed away in May 2002. The scholarship was established by her family, friends and the College of Education and Social Sciences to assist candidates who are furthering their careers by obtaining a degree in elementary education.
Gladys M. Meehan Endowed Scholarship
The Gladys M. Meehan Endowed Scholarship is awarded to students preparing for their initial teaching certification. The scholarship is named in honor of Gladys M. Meehan, a woman who fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher at the age of 50 and then devoted 15 years as a fourth grade teacher in a Chicago parochial school. Established by her daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Greg Maruszak, the scholarship has benefited more than 10 candidates since inception in 1997.
The Mines-Quinlan Annual Scholarship
The Mines-Quinlan Annual Scholarship was created to assist a full-time student enrolled within the College of Education and Social Sciences, and working toward an undergraduate degree within any of the following College of Education and Social Sciences majors (early childhood, elementary, secondary, special education, or a combination of these majors) and who have financial need.
The William B. Orenic Endowed Scholarship
The William B. Orenic Endowed Scholarship was created for Elementary Education majors entering their junior year who maintain a GPA of at least 3.25. Preference is given to residents of Will County. Application will submit an essay on the topic, "Why teach?"
Criteria:
- Preparing to teach at elementary or secondary level, or in field of special education
- GPA of at least 3.25
- Financial need as determined by FA Office
- Residents of Will County will receive preference
- Automatically RENEWABLE if qualifications are maintained
- 300-500 word essay on the topic: "Why Teach?"
Jared and Jill Reynolds Annual Scholarship
Criteria:
- Must demonstrate financial need, as determined by the Lewis University Financial Aid Office;
- Must have a declared major in special education;
- Must be in good academic standing with the University.
Dr. Paul and Mrs. Ann Rubino Elementary Science Endowed Scholarship
The Dr. Paul and Mrs. Ann Rubino Elementary Science Endowed Scholarship was established in 2007 for future elementary science teachers. Mrs. Rubino was an elementary school science teacher for many years and is currently an adjunct faculty member in Lewis University's College of Education and Social Sciences. The scholarship will assist elementary education students with financial need who are pursuing a science endorsement.
The Special Education Annual Scholarship
The Special Education Annual Scholarship was created for declared Special Education majors or a combined Special Education/Elementary Education major who has at least 30 credit hours and who demonstrates financial need.
Underrepresented Teachers of Illinois Scholarship
scholarship.
For more information about additional financial aid and scholarship opportunities, visit Lewis' Financial Aid Services page.
Graduate Scholarships
DR. NANCY J. KENNEDY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
The Dr. Nancy J. Kennedy Endowed Scholarship was created to for education graduate students who are in good academic standing. Financial need must be demonstrated as determined by the Lewis University Financial Aid Office.
Dr. Edward T. Rancic Endowed Scholarship
The Dr. Edward T. Rancic Endowed Scholarship was established in May 2000, to honor the late faculty member of the College of Education and Social Sciences. After a distinguished career as a teacher, administrator, superintendent and college faculty member, Dr. Rancic passed away in December 1999. The scholarship was established by his family, friends and the College of Education and Social Sciences to assist students who are furthering their careers by earning advanced degrees and certification.
Dr. Martha H. Rusnak Scholarship for Reading Professionals
The Dr. Martha H. Rusnak Scholarship for Reading Professionals was established in June of 2009 to honor Martha Rusnak, Professor Emeritus, who developed the Graduate Reading and Literacy Program. During her tenure at Lewis University, she mentored numerous individuals. The scholarship was established to assist graduate students who are preparing to become reading professionals.
Lasallian Book Scholarship Fund
Lewis University is honored to have a gracious, generous and anonymous donor who has established the Lasallian Book Annual Scholarship Fund. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist graduate students from the College of Education and Social Sciences who need financial assistance with book expenses throughout their graduate term at Lewis.
Criteria:
- Graduate student seeking a degree in College of Education
- Demonstrate Financial Need
- Limited sources of income and financial assistance
- Does not have full-time job
- 300-500 word typed essay answering the following question: How will this scholarship increase your awareness of the Lasallian mission of Lewis University and enable you to apply this mission to your future work as an educator?
Federal Teach Grants
The Federal government offers a up to $4,000/year scholarship (up to $16,000) to undergraduates who want to go into teaching. Those seeking a Master's degree are eligible for a $4,000/year scholarship up to $8,000 total. Eligible students must have a 3.25 grade point average. TEACH Grant recipients must teach in high-need schools and high-need fields for a minimum of four years within eight years of finishing the program. The following shortage fields are targeted for TEACH grants: mathematics, science, special education, bilingual education, reading specialists and other documented high-need fields. For more information about the Federal Teach Grant, visit the following sites:
Graduate Assistantships
Staff and academic graduate assistants work with professors in the College of Education and Social Sciences in exchange for tuition. These positions are coordinated through Human Resources or the specific department itself. All College of Education and Social Sciences graduate assistants must be enrolled in a graduate program, be in good academic standing and be able to complete various tasks, including designing and maintaining spreadsheet files, maintaining student files and working with the College of Education and Social Sciences faculty and staff on academic/administrative projects.
Staff graduate assistant positions require the graduate assistant to work 20 hours per week for the 16 weeks of the Fall and Spring semesters or 20 hours per week for the summer term, beginning in May and ending in August. These positions offer six to nine credit hours of graduate tuition plus stipends for the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. For more information on these positions, please contact the College of Education and Social Sciences office.
Academic graduate assistants must be available to work 100 hours during the semester. In exchange, one three credit hour graduate course is offered free of charge. The application form for an academic graduate assistant position can be found in the Guide for Initial Teacher Licensure Program Candidates or the Advanced Program Candidate Guide. These handbooks can be found on Blackboard.
For more information about additional financial aid and scholarship opportunities, visit Lewis' Financial Aid Services page. Share ➤