Sampson Promise

The Sampson Promise is built on the belief that education is the key to achieving dreams and changing lives. It was established by a generous gift from Walter and Rose Sampson in collaboration with the Pattee Foundation, Twomey Foundation, United School District Foundation, Monmouth-Roseville Foundation and many others.

Sampson Promise pays up to 16 credits of tuition (excludes books and fees) per semester based on the number of years (full grades) you attended United High School, Monmouth-Roseville High School or were home-schooled in the district boundaries, as verified through school or home-school records*.

If you qualify for less than 100% tuition reduction, you’re responsible for fees, books and the percent of tuition not covered by Sampson Promise. For example, if you’ve completed nine grades, your Sampson Promise would cover 80% of tuition. You’d pay any fees shown on your statement plus 20% of the tuition charged. 

• Tuition: $2,000
• Fees: $178
• Outside scholarship: $500
• Sampson Promise 80% award:
  • Tuition: $2,000  
  • Fees: $178
  • Student pays all fees.
  • Scholarship and other aid: $500  
  • Sampson Promise: $1,100 ($2,000 x 80% = $1,600 less $500 other aid)
  • Student balance due: $575

View full tuition information.

Additional information

Scholarships or grants awarded to you reduce the Sampson Promise to allow funding to remain available for future generations. To arrangement for payment, email the Business Office, or call 309.341.5210.

This is a last-dollar grant, meaning you must apply for federal and state financial aid and any other scholarships by the established deadlines to be considered for Sampson Promise funding. The Sampson Promise picks up the remainder of tuition after all other financial aid.

If you previously filed a Promise application, you don’t have to reapply for the scholarship in future years. Returning students must still fulfill the two additional scholarship applications, which the general Sandburg scholarship application fulfills and must complete the FAFSA^®.

* If you were home-schooled, simply provide documentation, including tax returns, property tax documents, documentation from the city Assessor’s office showing years of ownership/occupancy and address, to show what years you were home-schooled, transcripts from any courses taken outside of home school and documentation of your family residence. You will also need to submit a signed statement from your parent to certify the years home-school was provided and the location of the home school.

Am I eligible for Sampson Promise funds? 

Initial eligibility

• Graduate from:
  • United High School
  • Monmouth-Roseville High School
  • Home-schooled in the district boundaries
• Submit your initial application for the scholarship the year you graduate or the following year. 
• Limited to 64 credits paid under the award.
• Enroll in a post-secondary education certificate or degree program at Sandburg. 

Staying eligible

• Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and successfully complete 67% of your cumulative hours enrolled. If your GPA or completion rate falls below the requirements, your award won’t be applied to charges. 
• Enroll in a minimum of 9 credit hours (excluding summer). 

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How do I apply for the Sampson Promise?

Application deadlines

• Priority deadline: March 15
• Application dates: Oct. 1-June 1

Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible students as long as funds are available. Complete your financial aid application as soon as possible to secure funding. Consider filing your FAFSA as early as possible once it’s open for potential MAP grant funding. 

First-time applicants

1. Apply to Sandburg, and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 
2. Apply for Sampson Promise: 
   • Go to mySandburg.
   • Select Student Apps/Scholarship Application.
   • Choose the Sampson Promise Application.
3. Apply for Foundation scholarships: 
   • Go to mySandburg.
   • Select Student Apps/Scholarship Application.
   • Choose Carl Sandburg College Scholarship Application OR apply for two outside scholarships, and submit proof of application.
4. Submit official high school transcripts (7th semester accepted for awarding) by mailing to:
   
   Carl Sandburg College
   Attn: Admissions
   2400 Tom L Wilson Blvd.
   Sampson, IL 61401
   
   A final high school transcript verifying graduation is required before funds can be applied to your account.
5. Submit financial aid required documents. 

Returning students

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
2. Apply for Foundation scholarships: 
   • Go to mySandburg.
   • Select Student Apps/Scholarship Application.
   • Choose Carl Sandburg College Scholarship Application OR apply for two outside scholarships, and submit proof of application.
3. Submit financial aid required documents. 

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