What CHANCE Offers
CHANCE provides academic, social, financial and organizational support through a campus-wide network of people and resources. Our success specialists serve as coaches and advocates, and the CHANCE office is always open with welcoming space to study, meet with your specialist or spend time between classes.
Before Your First Semester
As a CHANCE Scholar, you will be invited to apply for the free CHANCE Summer Bridge Program, July 19-24, 2026 on the NIU DeKalb campus. Workshops, community-building and a real feel for NIU life before the semester begins.
During Your First Year
You will have a dedicated success specialist and a CHANCE Scholars section of UNIV 101. Throughout the year, CHANCE will invite you to workshops and events focused on leadership, financial literacy and building community at NIU.
Looking Ahead
Beginning in fall 2027, inaugural CHANCE Scholars can apply to serve as CHANCE Peer Mentors, supporting the next generation of Huskies.
Financial Support
NIU offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help make your education affordable. Some students may also be considered for a CHANCE Tuition Waiver. Waiver availability is limited.
The CHANCE Program helped me transition into NIU in such a good way. It gave me the opportunity to show who I was and what I can accomplish. Even though my GPA wasn’t as high as I wanted to be, the CHANCE Program saw the potential in me and gave me a chance to prove it. If it wasn’t for CHANCE, I don’t know where I would be.
Contact Us
McKinley “Deacon” Davis CHANCE ProgramPeters Campus Life Building 240
Phone: 815-753-0201
Fax: 815-753-1929
Email: chance@niu.edu