Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen

When you apply for admission as an incoming freshman, you'll automatically be considered for one of the following merit scholarships:

GPA Range Dollar Amount per Year Total Dollar Amount
4.0 $7,000 $28,000
3.90-3.99 $6,000 $24,000
3.70-3.89 $5,000 $20,000
3.50-3.69 $3,000 $12,000
3.25-3.49 $2,000 $8,000
3.00-3.24 $1,000 $4,000

NIU offers an opportunity for students with a 3.8/4.0 high school GPA to compete for the Presidential Scholarship. Learn more about the Presidential Scholars Program.

If you attended a high school that does not report GPA, or if you earned a GED, you can still be considered for a merit scholarship. Email scholarships@niu.edu for more information.

Learn more about deadlines that affect merit scholarships.

Scholarship Renewal

Additional Opportunities for Freshmen

Huskie Legacy Award

When you apply for admission as an incoming freshman, you'll automatically be considered for the Huskie Legacy Award in addition to merit scholarships. This award is given to students whose parent or parents graduated from NIU. There is no deadline for this award. Qualifying students receive the $1,000 award in their first year at NIU.

Huskie Spotlight

Diana Alvarez

I was very worried about how I would be paying for school, especially since I am a first-generation student. I am beyond grateful for the endless opportunities the academic scholarship I received has given me and will continue to give me during my time at NIU.

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