About Scholarships

Northeastern Illinois University highly encourages students to apply for scholarships right after applying with the FAFSA or State Alternative Application (RISE Act). The goal is to meet direct costs — tuition, fees and books — with grant and scholarship assistance in order to lessen the need to borrow. Students should pay close attention as each scholarship — whether NEIU or private — has its own criteria, application and deadline. For a detailed listing of institutional scholarships and tuition waivers, visit the Academic Catalog.

NEIU For You Scholarship

Northeastern Illinois University's belief in empowering tomorrow’s leaders and changemakers lead to the creation of the NEIU For You scholarship. The NEIU For You top-off scholarship covers tuition costs for 12 credit hours per fall and spring semester for up to four consecutive years for all qualified incoming full-time freshmen and up to two consecutive years for full-time transfer students. If you meet the scholarship's eligibility criteria, after your grants from federal, state and internal/external resources have been applied, the NEIU For You scholarship will pay the cost difference for your tuition.

Spend more time studying, pursuing your passions, and confidently stepping forward into your future. To learn more about NEIU For You and to see if you qualify, visit neiu.edu/foryou.

NEIU Foundation Scholarships

The Northeastern Illinois University Foundation annually awards thousands of dollars in scholarships and awards supported by the generous contributions of University alumni, faculty, staff and friends. Some scholarships are based on financial need. Some are merit-based, awarded to students whose ability to contribute to campus life is significant because of their academic potential or talent in a particular field. Students can apply online for Foundation scholarships by way of the student portal (NEIUport), My Financial Aid tab, Scholarships & Grants.

Presidential Scholarship

Valued at more than $60,000 during the course of four academic years, the Presidential Scholarship covers full in-state tuition, fees, and provides a book allowance. Housing costs not included. Each year, the University awards up to six new Presidential Scholars by way of State and NEIU Foundation resources.

Established in 2000, Northeastern Illinois University awarded it's first Presidential Scholarship to a recipient who after graduating from NEIU, attended and completed law school and is now a practicing attorney in Chicago. The Presidential Scholarship Program attracts graduating high school seniors who demonstrate strong academic promise from the Chicago metropolitan and suburban areas. Through the support of this scholarship, students are able to concentrate on their academic studies and be engaged in college life. 

Recipients of this scholarship major in academic fields such as business, music, social work, chemistry, education, biology and psychology. New freshmen applicants intending to major in music will first be considered for the George Rico Foundation Presidential Scholarship. Presidential Scholars receive automatic admission into the University Honors Program, take advantage of study abroad opportunities and are involved in a variety of student organizations which enhance their leadership skills and commitment to service learning. The Presidential Scholarship is open to first-time, full-time freshman only.

Requirements

  • Academic Grade Point Average: 3.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • ACT cumulative score of 25 or greater (or) SAT equivalent of 1200 (or) graduation in top 10% of class
     
  • Priority deadline: December 1
  • Final deadline: February 15

Online Application

NEIU Star Scholar 

In recognition of the educational excellence of Chicago's Star Scholarship students, City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) Star Scholars who gradate from CCC with an associate degree and a minimum GPA of a 3.0 will be admitted to Northeastern Illinois University and will be eligible to receive an NEIU Star Scholar Award. The NEIU Star Scholar Award is offered during fall and spring terms only. Learn more about the Star Scholarship.

Requirements 

  • Be a Star Scholarship award winner enrolled at City Colleges of Chicago (CCC)
  • Complete an associate degree at CCC prior to transferring to NEIU with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA 
  • Complete FAFSA or State Alternative Application to determine financial aid eligibility 
  • Complete 30 semester hours per year at NEIU
  • Declare a major at NEIU 
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA at NEIU to be considered for renewal 

Apply 

Brommel Doctoral Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to support doctoral study for alumni who have received either bachelor’s or master’s degrees from Northeastern Illinois University who meet the specified criteria as stipulated by the donor, Dr. Bernard J. Brommel. For more information please contact Dr. Kenneth Vogelsonger, Acting Associate Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, at k-voglesonger@neiu.edu

Scholarship Criteria and Application

NEIU Phi theta kappa scholarship

Criteria

  • Minimum 3.5 GPA and an A.A. or A.S. degree.
  • Student must also be a full-time resident of Illinois.
  • Enroll at NEIU immediately following completion of associate degree (in the fall).
  • Pursuing first bachelor’s degree.
  • Provide a letter of recommendation from Phi Theta Kappa advisor to confirm members and active participation in college’s PTK chapter.

The scholarship covers tuition (not fees) for the first 60 credit hours at NEIU. A recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher and participate in the University Honors Program. The deadline to apply is June 15. The scholarship is awarded in the fall only.

PTK Scholarship Application

NEIU Provost Merit Scholarships

Scholarships in the amount of $2,000 will be awarded to newly-admitted, first-time bachelor's degree-seeking students who meet the following criteria and who apply for early admission. Eligible admitted undergraduate students must be Illinois residents or residents of a neighboring state (Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri or Wisconsin). Eligibility extends to both domestic and international students, funding permitted.No application required. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first served basis.

New Freshmen New Transfer
  • Must be an admitted entering freshman who plans to enroll during the fall semester as a full-time student (at least 12 credit hours).
  • Must have a cumulative high school GPA between 3.50 - 4.00.
  • Must be an admitted entering transfer who plans to enroll during the fall semester as a full-time student (at least 12 credit hours).
  • Must have earned an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science.
  • Must have a cumulative transfer GPA between 3.50 - 4.00.

NEIU DEAN MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to newly-admitted, first-time bachelor degree-seeking students who meet the following criteria and who apply for early admission. Eligible admitted undergraduate students must be Illinois residents or residents of a neighboring state (Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri or Wisconsin).  Eligibility extends to both domestic and international students, funding permitted. No application required. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first served basis.

New Freshmen New Transfer
  • Must be an admitted entering freshman who plans to enroll during the fall semester as a full-time student (at least 12 credit hours).
  • Must have a cumulative high school GPA between 3.00 - 3.49.
  • Must be an admitted entering transfer who plans to enroll during the fall semester as a full-time student (at least 12 credit hours).
  • Must have earned an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science
  • Must have a cumulative transfer GPA between 3.00 - 3.49.

Merit, Talent and Opportunity Scholarships

The College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Technology, Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education, Nontraditional Degree Programs, and the University Honors Programs offer merit awards for high achieving students. Award amounts vary and cover tuition only. Open to new freshman and transfer students as well as continuing students. Apply online.

Requirements

  • Freshman selection is based upon high school class rank (upper 15 percent), ACT composite score of 24 (25 for University Honors Program), GPA range of 3.0-3.50, essay, and letter of recommendation. 
  • Transfers and continuing students selection is based upon a GPA range of 3.0-3.50 depending upon the program, essay and letters of recommendation.

NSF (National Science Foundation) Noyce Scholarship Program 
Awards students who are interested in teaching mathematics and/or science — particularly in high-need high schools. The scholarship provides funding for up to three years (One-two years of undergraduate studies plus one additional year in the Teacher Licensure Program). 

Learn more about the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship.

NIH-MARC U-STAR 
Awards provide support for two years of the undergraduate program; junior and senior years. Students who are underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences are especially encouraged to apply.

External Scholarship Opportunities 

Please visit the links below as well as our Scholarships Spotlights page for more opportunities to fund your education!

College Ave Student Loans Scholarship
Enter to win our College Ave Student Loans scholarship and you could win $1,000 for school.

MyScholly
Adaptive scholarship matching engine connects you with scholarships tailored just for you! MyScholly search turns the process of finding money for college from months into minutes. Find out how to register for their weekly $1,000 Scholarship Giveaway.

Sallie Mae
Register for free access to five million scholarships offering up to $24 billion in free money for college. 

Scholarship America
Goal to break down barriers, open doors and provide access to scholarships to domestic and international students.

Scholarship Owl
Two birds, one stone. We will double your scholarship wins! 

Study.com 
College Scholarships for Minority Students
College Scholarships for Hispanic and Latino Students
College Scholarships for LGBTQ Students