Scholarships and Fellowships

We'll help you identify and apply for scholarships, fellowships and external awards that match your goals. Make an appointment to get started. We'll guide you every step of the way.

Questions can be directed to Connie Storey, associate director of scholarships and fellowships, at 815-753-9505 or cstorey2@niu.edu.

Testimonial

Scholarship opportunities through the Honors Program have been a big help in getting me closer to my academic and career goals. They’ve allowed me to focus more on my studies without the added financial stress and have given me the flexibility to pursue internships and extracurricular activities that are important for my career development.

Tuba Azhar, accountancy

Honors Scholarships

NIU offers many scholarships and tuition waivers for honors students, including:

• Ari and Ruth Kovacevich Distinguished Scholarship
• Arthur P. and Sue Warrick Doederlein Scholarship
• Dick Noreen Honors Scholarship
• Donald and Linda Shearer Honors STEM Scholarship
• Honors Excellence Awards
• James L. Massey Honors Scholarship (freshmen only)

Incoming Student Scholarships

• Honors Emerging Leaders Program
• Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Honors Transfer Scholarships

Applications and deadlines are available in MyScholarships. You may reapply for these competitive awards in future years.

Enhance Your Education (EYE) Grant

For Research/Capstone Projects

The Enhance Your Education (EYE) Grant provides up to $1,000 to support travel, supplies or other costs associated with your honors capstone or honors-related research/artistry endeavor.

Applications should be submitted the semester before the experience. The deadline for summer and fall experiences is April 1. Assistance and feedback will be provided to those who complete applications by March 15. The deadline for spring experiences is Nov. 1. Assistance and feedback will be provided to those who complete applications by Oct. 15.

research/capstone application

For Study Abroad

The Enhance Your Education (EYE) Grant also provides up to $1,000 to support travel or other costs associated with a study abroad program.

Applicants are only eligible for EYE grant funding for study abroad experiences if they demonstrate that they are seeking out other funding opportunities. We strongly suggest that you reach out to the Study Abroad Office to inquire about available funding. Preference is given to applicants who apply for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program or other national fellowships such as the Boren Award.

Applications should be submitted the semester before the experience. The deadline for summer and fall experiences is April 1. Assistance and feedback will be provided to those who complete applications by March 15. The deadline for spring experiences is Nov. 1. Assistance and feedback will be provided to those who complete applications by Oct. 15.

study abroad application

Honors Fellows

Becoming an Honors Fellow is a unique and rewarding opportunity to develop your leadership skills. Fellows receive a tuition waiver of $5,000-$6,000/year (or $2,500-$3,000/semester). They contribute approximately 20-25 hours per month during the academic year, performing tasks such as:

• Holding regular "office hours" to provide advising and guidance to other honors students
• Serving as mentors to incoming first-year students
• Helping design, implement and evaluate honors programming, such as the first-year retreat and the welcome back events
• Assisting with honors recruitment, service and social programming

If you're interested in becoming a University Honors Fellow, apply in MyScholarships.

2025-26 Honors Fellows

Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Award

Each year, the Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Award is given to an outstanding senior from each of the four-year degree-granting institutions of higher learning in Illinois. NIU Student Laureates are expected to have an NIU GPA of 3.50 or higher and to show leadership in extracurricular activities. NIU departments may nominate students for the award.

McKearn Fellows

Transform your educational experience by applying to the McKearn Fellows Program. A McKearn Fellowship is among NIU's most prestigious honors and allows you to conduct research in your field of study and create a plan for reaching your career goals.

National Fellowship Advising

We provide National Fellowship Advising. Start exploring national fellowships and external awards to further your research and education. Our Rising Scholars program will help you develop into a competitive fellowship applicant.