Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen
Academic excellence opens doors. At NIU, we invest in high-achieving students through scholarships designed to make your education affordable and help you graduate with less debt. Our commitment to recognizing your academic success means multiple scholarship opportunities are available to incoming freshmen.
Freshman Merit Scholarships
New for Fall 2026! Merit scholarship amounts have increased for freshmen with a GPA of 3.25 or higher. Students admitted for Fall 2026 and beyond will receive renewable scholarship funding based on the amounts below.
| GPA Range | Dollar Amount per Year | Total Dollar Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | $8,000 | $32,000 |
| 3.90-3.99 | $7,000 | $28,000 |
| 3.70-3.89 | $6,000 | $24,000 |
| 3.50-3.69 | $4,000 | $16,000 |
| 3.25-3.49 | $3,000 | $12,000 |
| 3.00-3.24 | $1,000 | $4,000 |
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.
Students admitted prior to Fall 2026 will continue to be eligible for the merit scholarship amount specified in their original award letter. View scholarship renewal requirements.
Your application for admission plus all required documents must be received by the priority deadline to be considered for a merit scholarship. However, merit scholarships will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis after the priority deadline if funds remain available.
Freshman Priority Deadlines
- Spring Admission: October 1
- Summer or Fall Admission: December 1
Merit Scholarship Renewal
If you receive a merit scholarship at the time of admission, or were awarded an additional scholarship or grant based upon your FAFSA or Rise Application, learn what you need to do to maintain your eligibility each year.
Learn moreAdditional Opportunities
NIU 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.
Huskie Legacy Awards
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 when enrolled full-time.
Huskie Spotlight
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.
Contact Us
Financial Aid and Scholarship OfficeSwen Parson Hall 245
815-753-1395
finaid@niu.edu
For scholarship-specific questions
scholarships@niu.edu