NLU Merit Scholarship Application Process

The application for the NLU Merit Scholarships will open for 2021-2021 on February 18, 2020 and close on Monday, April 13, 2020. Deadline extended to Monday, April 20, 2020.

Scholarship Donor List

Review the Merit-Based Scholarships 2020-2021 list and determine for which scholarships you meet the eligibility criteria. Students are strongly encouraged to select all scholarships for which they are eligible. Please note that all merit-based donor scholarships require U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status. Once you have determined your eligibility, complete the online application using the instructions below.

Application Instructions

‌‌Step 1: The Essay

A single essay is used for all scholarships for which you are applying. The essay is a significant consideration in the scholarship award process.  Please submit a one-to-three-page essay and include your name and NLU ID number on each page. 

Your essay should be written specifically to address the requirements of the merit-based-scholarship to which you are applying, and it should address the following question: "What do you want to accomplish with your NLU degree?"

It is essential your essay details distinctive service-related contributions that you have made prior to or during your time at NLU.  Since there are many NLU students with high academic standing, be sure to address the special considerations that make you particularly worthy of receiving this scholarship (e.g., accomplishments, personal challenges, need). 

If you need assistance writing your essay, make an appointment to meet with a writing specialist either in-person or online using the online request form.  You may also submit your essay for review through the drop-off essay review online submission form.  Contact Learning Support at learn@nl.edu or by phone at 312-261-3374 with questions.

The deadline to request essay assistance is Friday, April 3, 2020.  Deadline extended to Friday, April 10th for assistance.

Step 2: The Resume

Submitting your resume is required, and is an opportunity to highlight any accomplishments that make you an ideal merit scholarship recipient. Examples of additional resume sections might include Honors, Activities, Achievements, Foreign Languages Spoken or Volunteer Experience.

The Career Development Office can assist with resume writing. Contact them at careerbridge@nl.edu or 312-261-3270 to schedule a resume review. To ensure all students who would like assistance are able to be serviced, resume reviews will not be scheduled after Monday, March 30, 2020.  Deadline extended to Monday, April 6th for assistance.

Step 3: The Letter of Recommendation from an NLU Faculty Member

You must submit one letter of recommendation from an NLU faculty member or adjunct faculty member who has had you in at least one class within the last 12 months.  The letter should be emailed by the professor directly to stapplications@nl.edu. Please request the letter of recommendation well in advance of the April 13, 2020 deadline. Deadline extended to Monday, April 20th.

Step 4: The Application

The Merit-Based Donor Scholarships Application can be found online by clicking here.  Please note that students applying for the P.A.C.E. scholarships should contact P.A.C.E. to complete a separate application process.

Review the general eligibility requirements for Merit-Based Donor Scholarships:

• Demonstrate evidence of academic achievement
• Have successfully completed at least one term at NLU prior to Spring term 2020.
• Be enrolled for the upcoming summer and/or fall terms.

If you meet these requirements, complete the first two sections of the scholarship application: Contact Information and Student Profile.

Review the Merit-Based Scholarships 2020-2021 list‌ and determine for which scholarships you meet the eligibility criteria. When completing the online application, select these scholarships from your respective CPSA, NCE, Undergraduate College, or Kendall College program. Students are encouraged to select all for which they meet the eligibility criteria.

Note: Each scholarship has specific requirements, so applicants should be sure they are eligible for all scholarships for which they are applying, and also applying to all scholarships for which they are eligible.  If you need assistance determining your eligibility for certain scholarships, please contact your academic advisor or student success coach.

Once you have completed the application, read the information at the bottom of the application page. If you agree, sign the application at the bottom of the page and hit “submit” to complete your submission.

Final Considerations:

You must have completed your Merit-Based Scholarship application by the April 13, 2020 deadline (deadline extended to Monday, April 20th). to be considered for the 2020-2021 scholarships. Late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. Questions can be directed to stscholarships@nl.edu.  Please note that NLU Scholarships only cover tuition charges and are not refundable to the student.  Students must adhere to all the University policies noted in the Catalog in order to remain eligible to receive NLU Scholarships.

Important: Students awarded a scholarship are required to write a thank you letter to the donor responsible for donating such scholarship funds to NLU, in order to have scholarship funds applied to their account.  Instructions on where to direct the thank you notes will be provided to scholarship recipients when they are notified they have been selected for an award. 

Please Note: All National Louis Scholarships require U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status. Undocumented students who meet the criteria may apply to receive the NLU Eagle Dream Scholarship. International students who meet the criteria may apply to receive the NLU Alumni Scholarship and PTK Scholarship. Students in our P.A.C.E. program may apply for P.A.C.E.-specific scholarships.