Welcome to Governors State University in Chicago's Southland

The Dual Degree Program (DDP) Promise, Honors, and Chicago STAR Scholars Scholarships are all competitive and awarded annually based on transfer term. Students currently enrolled in the Dual Degree Program at one of our 17 community college partners are encouraged to apply for all DDP scholarships they are eligible for. Students must apply for a DDP scholarship during their final, graduating term of their associate's degree (term before anticipated transfer.) The 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.

Scholarship Forms

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

Application Deadlines

Based on the intended transfer to GovState:

Spring 2025 - October 3, 2024
Fall 2025 - February 20, 2025
Spring 2026 - October 2, 2025

Illinois Dreamers and eligible undocumented students are encouraged to apply for the DDP Promise, Honors, and/or Chicago STAR Scholars Scholarships. However, Dreamers and undocumented applicants are NOT advised to complete the FAFSA. Completing an Illinois Residency Affidavit will be required in place of the FAFSA if awarded the DDP Honors or DDP Chicago STAR Scholars Scholarships. In substitution for Federal Pell Grant eligibility, DDP Promise Scholarship applicants must be eligible for the Illinois MAP Grant by completing the ISAC Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.

Questions? Contact DDP at dualdegree@govst.edu or (708) 534-4494.

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.

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.