NO merit-based financial aid?

Bala
Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:49:47 +0000

“Unadvertised” and without required additional application are Founders Scholarships. The scholarships are offered by the university, unsolicited, after an acceptance by NU is already on the table. The number of scholarships seems to vary year to year. The target audience - “middle class” - is not clearly defined. The idea here is to try to limit the debt burden for students who might have otherwise paid a significant percentage of costs out of pocket.

Founders Scholarship

Summary:
Northwestern created the Founders Scholars Program in 2007 to honor the nine individuals who founded the University in 1850.

Eligibility:
Awards are offered each year to a select group of incoming students from middle income families. While academic credentials weigh heavily in the selection process, other criteria taken into account include student essays, recommendations, leadership experience and potential, and academic interests. There is no separate application to receive consideration for a Founders Scholarship. Eligibility for renewal beyond the freshmen year requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0 which is reviewed on an annual basis. Recipients must be enrolled at least half-time to maintain eligibility. (Please note: Any reduction in tuition charges may result in a reduction of scholarship funds. Please review the Term-Pricing Policy on our Eligibility page.)

Award range:
$14,750 average award in 2008-09. These scholarships are renewable for four years so long as students make satisfactory academic progress.