For a select few incoming freshman, high test scores and hard work has paid off.

This year, 27 scholars received the Chancellor’s Scholarship, which covers room, board, tuition and mandatory fees for all four years. This averages out to $23,667 in scholarship money each year, SIU’s scholarship coordinator Abbey Fischer said.

About 400 students were interviewed in February for the scholarship — 50 less than last year, Fischer said. Although qualifications have not changed during the last few years, Fischer said more ineligible students applied this year than last, causing the pool of applicants who fit all the necessary criteria to decrease.

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In the 2013-14 school year, the scholarship was awarded to 37 applicants. There were 38 in 2014-15 and 23 last year, according to the university’s recipients website.

Fischer said having fewer scholars allows mentors more one-on-one time with them, which provides a better experience.

The goal of the program is to work closely with the students so they can experience everything SIUC has to offer, according to the Chancellor’s Scholarship webpage.

Scholars are required each year to fulfill 20 service hours, Fischer said.

The Chancellor Scholarship is primarily funded by state funds but also through donors, she said.

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Each year the university aims to have scholars representing all eight of SIU’s colleges, Fischer said.

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Zachary Myers, a junior from Memphis, Tenn. studying history, said the program gives students amazing opportunities, such as travel, museum visits and community service.

“Freshman year I was personally homesick, having to do community service and volunteer,” he said. “Having to go on these trips forced me to get out of my room and soak in the university experience, which I probably wouldn’t have been able to do without the scholarship.”

Staff writer Shyanne Jasper can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @sjasper_DE.

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