Frequently Asked Questions on Rockford Promise Program at NIU

What is the Rockford Promise Program at NIU?

The Rockford Promise organization operates a non-profit 501(c)(3) location-based scholarship program that supports graduates of Rockford Public School District 205 (RPS 205). Northern Illinois University has a partnership with the Rockford Promise organization. Through this partnership, eligible students are guaranteed that their NIU tuition and general fee costs are covered for up to four years.

Does the Rockford Promise Program at NIU cover all of my college costs?
Not necessarily. For eligible students, the Rockford Promise Program at NIU guarantees that tuition and general fee expenses are met by select forms of gift aid (grants and scholarships that you don't have to pay back). Housing and dining costs are not covered by this program. Additionally, the program does not cover course-specific material fees, or costs such as student health insurance, enrollment fees, housing deposits, etc. All single, new freshman students who will not have reached their 21st birthday by Sept. 1, and who are not residing with their parents or legal guardians, or are not the custodial parent of a dependent child, must live in university residence halls as long as space is available.
Are my housing costs covered by Rockford Promise at NIU?
No. The Rockford Promise Program at NIU guarantees that tuition and general fee expenses are met by select forms of gift aid (grants and scholarships that you don't have to pay back). Housing costs are not covered by this program. All single, new freshman students who will not have reached their 21st birthday by Sept. 1, and who are not residing with their parents or legal guardians, or are not the custodial parent of a dependent child, must live in University residence halls as long as space is available.
I already have other scholarships. Can I still get a scholarship or grant through the Rockford Promise Program at NIU?

Possibly. Grants and scholarships through the Rockford Promise Program at NIU cover tuition and general fee expenses that aren't met by other financial aid. (Note: This does not include your housing and dining costs.) To determine the amount of your scholarship and/or grant, we'll look at your initial NIU, federal and state aid. This includes:

  • Federal Pell and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants.
  • Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants.
  • NIU Merit Scholarships.
  • Advantage Grant (our traditional need-based grant).
  • Huskie Pledge*

If there are unmet tuition and general fee costs, you could be eligible for a scholarship and/or grant through Rockford Promise at NIU. (Note: We do not use scholarships from outside NIU or the Rockford Promise organization as part of the calculation. Outside scholarships could be applied to housing charges within any rules specified by the donor organization.) Even if your tuition and fees are already met, as a Rockford Promise Scholar, you can still benefit from Rockford Promise at NIU support services, including mentoring, job-readiness training and access to a community of other area scholars.

*If you are eligible for both the Huskie Pledge and Rockford Promise Program at NIU, you cannot receive aid through both. In that event, only the Huskie Pledge Program will be used to help meet any unmet tuition or general fee expenses.

I have a scholarship from a private organization. Does that have to be used toward my tuition and fees?
If you have a scholarship from a private organization (other than through NIU or the Rockford Promise organization), it can be used for your on-campus housing or off-campus living expenses, as long as that is in accordance with any policies set by the donor organization. In other words, you may receive tuition-and-fee-specific funding from NIU and/or the Rockford Promise organization, and still be able to receive the benefits of a private scholarship.
I already have other forms of financial aid. Can I still get a grant or scholarship through Rockford Promise at NIU?

Possibly. Rockford Promise at NIU scholarships and grants are used to cover tuition and general fee expenses that aren't met by other financial aid. (Note: This does not include your housing and dining costs.) To determine the amount of your scholarship or grant, we'll look at your initial NIU, federal and state aid. This includes:

  • Federal Pell and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants.
  • Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants.
  • Merit scholarships.
  • Advantage Grant (our traditional need-based grant).
  • Huskie Pledge*

If there are unmet tuition and general fee costs, you may be eligible for a Rockford Promise at NIU scholarship and/or grant. Even if your tuition and fees are already met, as a Rockford Promise Scholar, you can still benefit from Rockford Promise at NIU support services, including mentoring, job-readiness training and access to a community of other area scholars regardless of the way your financial aid is applied.

*If you qualify for both the Huskie Pledge and Rockford Promise at NIU programs, you cannot receive aid through both. In that event, only the Huskie Pledge Program will be used to help meet any unmet tuition or general fee expenses.

I am part of the Rockford Promise Program at NIU. Why didn’t I get a Rockford Promise Scholarship or NIU Rockford Promise Grant?

Rockford Promise at NIU scholarships and grants cover tuition and general fee expenses that aren't met by other financial aid. (Note: This does not include your housing costs.) To determine the amount of your scholarship, we'll look at your initial NIU, federal and state aid. This includes:

  • Federal Pell and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants.
  • Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants.
  • Merit scholarships.
  • Advantage Grant (our traditional need-based grant).
  • Huskie Pledge*

If your tuition and general fee expenses are met with other gift aid, you will not have a scholarship or grant through the Rockford Promise Program at NIU as part of your financial aid. As a Rockford Promise Scholar, you can still benefit from Rockford Promise at NIU support services, including mentoring, job-readiness training and access to a community of other area scholars, regardless of whether you receive a scholarship or grant through the Rockford Promise Program at NIU.

*If you qualify for both the Huskie Pledge and Rockford Promise at NIU programs, you cannot receive aid through both. In that event, only the Huskie Pledge Program will be used to help meet any unmet tuition or general fee expenses.

I don’t have a scholarship or grant through the Rockford Promise Program at NIU. Why should I be part of the program?

As a Rockford Promise Scholar, you can still benefit from Rockford Promise at NIU support services, including mentoring, job-readiness training and access to a community of other area scholars, regardless of whether you receive a scholarship or grant through the program.

In addition, if your financial circumstances change in the future, your financial aid eligibility may be impacted. As long as you continue to meet the Rockford Promise at NIU renewal criteria, your continued participation in the program will guarantee that your tuition and fee expenses remain covered. This means that you could receive a future scholarship or grant through the program, if needed.

Will Rockford Promise at NIU scholarship and/or grants cover my tuition and general fee expenses throughout my entire time at NIU?

The Rockford Promise Program at NIU can cover your tuition and general fee expenses for up to four years of enrollment or upon graduation, whichever comes first. However, you must meet the following annual renewal criteria:

  • Once admitted to NIU, students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester and maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA at NIU to remain eligible for the scholarship.
  • A parent or guardian needs to continue to live within the City of Rockford while the student is in college.
How do I apply for the Rockford Promise Program at NIU?

You can apply by completing the Rockford Promise Scholarship application.

To be eligible for the Rockford Promise Program at NIU, you must:

  • Attend RPS all four years of high school and earn a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (GPA).
  • Apply for admission to NIU and file a FAFSA or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid by the priority deadline.
  • Complete the Rockford Promise Scholarship application by the priority deadline.
  • Live within the City of Rockford boundaries.
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