Scholarship Programs

Alumni Merit Scholarship

Could you use some cash for college? If you have a 3.5 GPA and are active within the university and community, we may be able to help you out.

For more than 50 years, the Alumni Association has provided financial assistance to thousands of students. This academic year, the NIU Alumni Association awarded more than $25,000 in scholarships to continuing college students. Don’t let this money pass you by.

For current college students

The NIU Alumni Association offers $2,500 merit scholarships to continuing college students who are enrolled full-time at NIU for both the fall and spring semesters ($1,250 each semester). Each applicant is eligible to receive only one Alumni Association scholarship per academic year.

Scholarship criteria

Student must be currently enrolled, transfer, or re-entering undergraduate student with some college coursework completed.

Minimum 3.5 GPA from all colleges attended.

Enrolled full-time at NIU (12 semester hours) for both the fall and spring semesters.

Completed application with all supporting documentation must be returned to the NIU Alumni Association, DeKalb, IL 60115.

Supporting documents required

One-page, typed letter from applicant describing outstanding qualities, educational goals, and academic and personal accomplishments.

One-page, typed professional recommendation (i.e., a letter from a faculty member or an employer) that expounds on the individual’s talents and accomplishments. Only one professional recommendation will be considered.

Unofficial transcripts documenting college coursework. An unofficial transcript is required from each college attended. Official transcript(s) will be required if recipient is selected for the scholarship.

The O’Brien Vrba Scholarship Trust

The O’Brien Vrba Scholarship Trust offers students a $2,000 to $3,000 scholarship for their studies.

Scholarship Criteria

The scholarship is available to all full-time students with junior, senior, or gradute class standing. The minimum required GPA is 2.5 for undergraduates and 3.0 for graduates. Applicants are required to have an annual family income under $75,000 (adjusted gross income). Civic and community involvement and leadership will be considered.

Supporting Documentation

Official transcripts from high school and each college attended; one-page typed letter stating why you should receive this scholarship;  pages 1 and 2 from 2012 federal income tax return; professional letter on letterhead with signature and title from a teacher or advisor attesting to your performance and character; and professional letter on letterhead with signature and title from person responsible for coordinating community service attesting to your involvement.

Application

Completed applications and all required documents must be received by March 15, 2013.

Send to:
PNC Institutional Investments
O’Brien Vrba Scholarship
301 S.W. Adams Street
Peoria, IL 61602
(309)655-5274

or email to patricia.sharick@pnc.com.