Skip to main content
Department of Philosophy

Department of Philosophy Scholarships and Awards

The Department of Philosophy and the College of Arts & Sciences choose several outstanding students each year to award with scholarships. You can find information about how to apply for these awards below. Illinois State University also offers several forms of financial aid for qualified studentsInterested students should contact the department academic advisor, Derek O'Connell, for more information.

Scholarships List

  • The Kenneth and Marilyn Kennard Outstanding Graduating Philosophy Student Scholarship ($1,000)

    The first chairperson of the Department, Dr. Kenneth Kennard, and his wife, Marilyn, established the Kenneth and Marilyn Kennard Fund in 1998. This fund has supported student activities, such as travel to undergraduate conferences, the Outstanding Senior Award, and the McLean County High School Philosophy Essay Contest.

    • Student must be enrolled in good standing at Illinois State University
    • Student must be a declared major in Philosophy having earned a minimum of 90 credit hours (senior status)
    • Students must have completed a minimum of 21 credit hours in Philosophy by the end of the spring semester of the calendar year in which they are being considered.
    • Students must intend to graduate during the calendar year in which they are being considered (consideration normally occurs in April. So, the student must intend to graduate in May, August or December of that calendar year)
    • Student must have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in Philosophy as judged by the faculty of the Department of Philosophy

  • The Scott Elliott Outstanding Philosophy Student Scholarship ($1,000)

    In 2007, ISU alumnus Scott Elliott ('85) made the largest ever donation to the Philosophy Department to support department programs as needed. The income from his gift now funds annual scholarships.

    • Enrolled in good standing at ISU
    • Declared philosophy major having completed a minimum of 12 credit hours in Philosophy by the end of the semester in which the student is being considered.
    • Demonstrated record of excellence in philosophy
    • Strong potential for continued excellence in philosophy

  • The Scott Elliott Scholarship for Outstanding New Philosophy Student ($1,000)

    In 2007, ISU alumnus Scott Elliott ('85) made the largest ever donation to the Philosophy Department to support department programs as needed. The income from his gift now funds annual scholarships.

    • Student must be enrolled in good standing at Illinois State University
    • Student must be a declared major in Philosophy having earned a maximum of 12 credit hours in Philosophy here at ISU.
    • Student must be within their first 2 semesters of enrollment at ISU.
    • Strong potential for excellence in philosophy

  • The Scott Elliott Essay Prize ($500)

    In 2007, ISU alumnus Scott Elliott ('85) made the largest ever donation to the Philosophy Department to support department programs as needed. The income from his gift now funds annual scholarships.

    This prize will be awarded for the best philosophy essay submitted. Any essay on a philosophical topic submitted by an eligible student will be considered. Essays written for specific philosophy courses are welcome.

    To submit an essay, a student must be:

    • Enrolled in good standing at ISU
    • Declared Philosophy Major

    A student may only submit one essay in a given year. Students should email a copy of their essay to the department at philosophy@IllinoisState.edu on or before the first Monday after Spring Break.

Additional Funding Opportunities