The starting point
NLU is a low-sticker-price access university whose headline merit awards (Bold Futures, D214) are LAST-DOLLAR full-tuition scholarships that shrink as other gift aid is posted, and students may hold only one NLU institutional award per academic year.
More than one award path. Some awards use published academic thresholds. Others have different selection criteria. A score chart does not describe every award at this school.
Awards to discuss
First 3 of 6 recorded awards, in chapter display order. This is a selection, not a ranking. Read the full chapter for all awards. Amounts retain the original units and conditions; confirm the entering year with the school.
Baker Scholarship
Up to $1,800 ($600 per term) · Variable or qualified amount
Recorded as automatic on academic criteria; all conditions apply.
GPA: 3.35 transfer GPA
Eligibility: Transfer students: full admission to an undergraduate degree program; more than 30 quarter hours of accepted college transfer credits; enrollment in 14 or more quarter hours per academic term; U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status
Renewal: The award is renewable as long as a 3.35+ GPA is maintained; can be awarded until the student has attempted 180 quarter hours of combined transfer and institutional coursework.
Other terms: Automatic merit award for eligible transfer students. Tuition-only and not refundable; cannot be combined with another NLU institutional scholarship (one institutional resource per academic year).
https://nl.edu/tuition-and-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
Bold Futures Scholarship
Full tuition · Published coverage or package
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
GPA: 3.0 (high school transcript)
Eligibility: Illinois high school graduate, class of 2026; admission application by February 28, 2026; FAFSA or IL Alternative Application by March 31, 2026; approximately 2-minute video by April 17, 2026; all NLU bachelor's programs except Culinary Management
Renewal: Maintain a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA to remain eligible; covers 15 quarter hours per term until 180 quarter hours of combined transfer and institutional coursework; FAFSA or Alternative Application required each year; must adhere to SAP policy.
Other terms: Up to fifty awards. LAST-DOLLAR award: covers only the remaining tuition balance after all other gift aid (grants, scholarships) is posted; does not cover fees, housing, or U-Pass.
https://nl.edu/boldfutures/
D214 National Louis Scholarship
Full tuition (up to $12,000) · Variable or qualified amount
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Graduating senior from a Township High School District 214 high school (Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, John Hersey, Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Elk Grove, Vanguard); admitted to a daytime undergraduate program at the Wheeling campus; FAFSA or Alternative Application completion required; separate scholarship application; apply by April 13, 2026
Renewal: Renewable for four years; maintain a 2.50 or higher cumulative GPA; enroll for at least 10 quarter hours per term; covers 15 quarter hours per term until 180 quarter hours; FAFSA or Alternative Application required each year by the posted deadline.
Other terms: At least 2 scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year. LAST-DOLLAR: grants or outside scholarships are applied first and D214 covers only unmet tuition charges.
https://nl.edu/tuition-and-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/d214-national-louis-scholarship/
