UIC Aspire
Make Excellence Accessible for Every Student
Every student deserves the opportunity to pursue a life-changing education — without the burden of debt. At the University of Illinois Chicago, the UIC Aspire program turns that belief into action by covering 100% of tuition and fees for Illinois students whose families earn $75,000 or less.
For many families, the cost of college can feel like an insurmountable obstacle. Tuition bills and student loans often stand in the way of a student’s potential before their journey even begins.
Your support changes that.
By giving to Aspire, you help make a UIC education not only possible, but debt-free for thousands of talented students across Illinois. Together, we can unlock opportunity, fuel ambition and build a more equitable future.
Support Aspire
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UIC Aspire program?
UIC Aspire is a financial aid program that covers 100% of tuition and fees, starting for students entering in the Fall 2025 term, for new, first-time undergraduate students at UIC. Qualifying recipients must live in Illinois, be enrolled full-time at UIC and have a household income of $75,000 or less (full qualifications below). The goal of UIC Aspire is to expand access to UIC’s transformational education, and to make our financial aid program more transparent and predictable.
The program includes the UIC Aspire grant, which, in combination with other federal and state grants, covers 100% of tuition and fees.
Who qualifies for the UIC Aspire grant?
To qualify to receive a UIC Aspire grant, students must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen or eligible undocumented student
- Be an Illinois resident
- Have a family income and assets of $75,000 or less reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Illinois Rise Act’s alternative financial aid application
- Be admitted as a new first-year or new transfer student
- Be an undergraduate seeking your first baccalaureate degree
- Enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester
How Can I support the Aspire Program?
You can support this life-changing program by clicking here and making a donation. Your gift will help give eligible students access to a UIC education without the burden of student debt.
Learn More
For more information, visit free.uic.edu.