Presidential Scholarship (MUST be admitted as a new freshman for the FALL 2025 Semester. Currently enrolled students are NOT eligible.)

This is the most prestigious scholarship offered by NEIU covering full in-state tuition, fees, and provides a book allowance for four academic years. Recipients are also automatically admitted into the University Honors Program. The priority application deadline is December 2, 2024. The final application deadline is March 3, 2025.

Students who are currently enrolled at NEIU, are transfer and graduate students are not eligible. Applicants must be prospective freshmen who will enter NEIU for the Fall 2025 Semester.

Eligibility Requirements:
-This scholarship is open to freshmen students entering from an Illinois high school for the Fall 2025 Semester who meet the eligibility requirements. Continuing, transfer, and graduate students are not eligible.
- Minimum composite ACT score of 25 or SAT score of 1200 OR top 10% of high school graduating class if an applicant has not taken the ACT or SAT
- Cumulative high school GPA of 3.50 or higher on a 4.00 scale or equivalent
- U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented students who meet the academic requirements are welcome to apply.

Must complete and submit the following:
- The online application (including short essay)
- Upload resume or listing of honors, extracurricular activities, community service, employment, etc.
- Upload sample of critically written and best-graded paper from junior or senior year
- Upload three letters of recommendations (two must be from high school teachers)

Award Amount:
- Award amount listed is an estimate based on the cost of tuition, fees, and books for two semesters (enrollment for 15 credit hours per semester).
- Scholarship amounts will be based on recipients’ individual tuition and fee charges per semester.