James Scholar
Grainger College of Engineering

About Us

The James Scholar Honors Program in the Grainger College of Engineering recognizes the talents of academically outstanding students, promotes curricular/co-curricular growth, and helps prepare students to stand out in their future endeavors.

James Scholars may also receive the following benefits:

- Priority registration for classes

- A special "James Scholar" Distinction on final transcripts upon graduation

- Programming to address areas such as undergraduate research, international experiences, career development, and co-curricular opportunities.

Who can be a James Scholar?

Incoming first-year students must be invited through admissions to participate in the first semester. Otherwise, students who have met the following requirements may self-nominate to be a James Scholar:

- Maintain a minimum UIUC GPA of 3.50

- Complete at least one fall or spring semester of full-time UIUC coursework

- Have at least three semesters left before graduation

- Apply within the first 10 calendar days in the fall or spring semester in their James Scholar Portal.

Spring 2027 Applications open January 19, 2027, and close January 28, 2027. Application review may take 5-7 business days.

Important: Beginning Spring 2027, students applying to become James Scholars will be required to meet an additional eligibility requirement. More details will be available later this semester.