Presidential Scholars Program

Who We Are

The NIU Presidential Scholars are a prestigious cohort of high-achieving students who contribute to the diversity of NIU's student population and demonstrate a commitment to our shared values.

Award Levels

The NIU Presidential Scholars Program recognizes outstanding first-year students for their hard work and academic accomplishments. Eligible students are guaranteed a minimum merit scholarship of $5,000, $6,000 or $7,000 per year (for up to four years) and have the opportunity to compete for a Presidential Scholarship. This competitive scholarship provides full tuition, fees and on-campus room and board, along with a book stipend, for up to eight semesters. Approximately 10 incoming first-year students will receive this award each year.

Dates and Deadlines

Eligible students will be invited to apply after the December 1 admission deadline. An email and postcard with the application details will be sent by mid-December.

• December 1, 2022: deadline to submit an application for admission and all required documents for admission. Late submissions will not be considered. Postmarks are not considered.
• December 12, 2022 - January 9, 2023: online application will be available. January 9 is the deadline to submit the scholarship application. Late submissions will not be accepted.
• Mid-February 2023: applicants are notified of application status on a rolling basis. Finalists will be invited to participate in a virtual interview. Interview dates/times are TBD.
• Mid-March 2023: recipients notified.

Eligibility Requirements

• First-time, full-time, incoming freshman student for fall 2022.
• Minimum 3.8/4.0 cumulative (weighted, if higher) high school GPA.
• Domestic residency.

How to Get the Presidential Scholarship

The university considers the following factors:

• Academic achievement
  • Exceptional academic achievement is extremely important.
  • First-year students must have a cumulative high school grade point (weighted) average of 3.8/4.0 will be invited to apply.
  • Many applicants will have completed AP, IB or advanced coursework and will have demonstrated a keen interest in acquiring knowledge within and outside of the classroom.
• Community, civic and co-curricular involvement
  • The Presidential Scholarship application includes short personal statements and allows you the opportunity to present your unique experiences and accomplishments in these areas.
  • Our Presidential Scholars demonstrate their commitment to understanding their role in society, contributing to the greater good and modeling this commitment through leadership and sustained community involvement.
• Personal statement prompts:
  • In addition to completing a basic questionnaire, you must respond to the following prompts in 125 words or less each. 
  • Service can be completed in formal or informal settings, such as through school, a community organization, a place of worship, or on your own. Reflect on an import service opportunity you have had. How did your actions improve the lives of others?
  • A leader can be described as anyone who wants to work with others to make a difference. This type of leadership is carried out in formal or informal roles, such as with family, or in a school or social situation. Describe one experience where you were able to make a difference through your leadership.
  • Injustice can be experienced on a personal and/or societal level. Please share a social justice issue that resonates with you and explain what you have done or would like to do to support this cause.
  • What academic and/or personal goals would you like to achieve by the time you complete college?

Renewal Requirements

The Presidential Scholars are subject to yearly renewal requirements:

• Continuous full-time enrollment (fall and spring semester each academic year).
• Minimum 3.3 cumulative grade point average per academic year.
• Enrolled in an undergraduate (non-professional) program of study.
• Active participation in the University Honors Program, including satisfactory completion of University Honors graduation requirements.
• Scholarship available for up to eight semesters.