NIU AIM HIGH Partnership Awards

NIU Partnership Awards are given as part of NIU’s matching commitment to the state of Illinois’ AIM HIGH program for incoming students. Students who file a FAFSA by February 1, 2026, and meet the AIM HIGH criteria and the special population criteria will be considered for an award.

AIM HIGH Partnership Awards for Freshmen

For students who maintain at least an NIU cumulative 2.5 GPA and meet the other required criteria, these partnership awards are renewable until you complete your degree or reach 135 total earned hours.

DeKalb County Scholarship ($4,000)

Annual, renewable $1,000 award for eligible DeKalb County high school graduates. 

Chicago Public Schools Scholarship ($4,000)

Annual, renewable $1,000 award for eligible CPS graduates. 

AIM HIGH Partnership Awards for Transfer Students

Kishwaukee College Transfer Scholarship ($3,000)

A one-time, stackable award for Kishwaukee College transfer students.

City College STAR Transfer Scholarship ($3,000)

A renewable, stackable award for City College STAR transfer students.

NIU Transfer Achievement Award ($2,000)

A non-renewable stackable award for students who receive a transfer merit scholarship.