Scholarships for Students Otherwise Ineligible for Federal Aid

Part of National Louis University’s mission and values is to provide access to higher education. NLU has sought resources for students to enable them to achieve their dream of attaining a college education. NLU is pleased to offer the following scholarship options for student otherwise ineligible for federal aid.

IMPORTANT NEWS FROM THE ILLNOIS STUDENT ASSISTANCE COMMISSION REGARDING THE IL MAP GRANT FOR FINANCIAL AID FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS:

On July 24, 2026, a federal district court ruled that undocumented students are no longer eligible to receive financial assistance from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) for the 2026-2027 school year. The court’s ruling is the result of the Trump Administration suing the State of Illinois to deny college access to undocumented students who have graduated from Illinois high schools. We know this court decision brings tremendous uncertainty and financial challenges for Illinois undocumented students. This is a developing situation as the state explores options and students and families should check back for updates from ISAC as they become available.

RISE Act/Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid

Students otherwise ineligible for federal aid are encouraged to apply for the State MAP grant. The Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act creates a pathway for students not eligible to complete a FAFSA to apply for the state Monetary Award Program (MAP). 

Read more.

TheDream.US National Scholarship

NLU is a partner institution with the National Scholarship through TheDream.US. The National Scholarship Award covers tuition and fees up to a maximum of $ $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree. Some Scholars may be eligible for an additional stipend of up to $4,000 (or $1,500 per year) for books, supplies, and transportation. Students cannot receive the Dream.US and Eagle Dream scholarships at the same time.

The award is renewable each year as long as the continuing eligibility criteria is met.

Eligibility

• Have DACA; TPS; or came to the country before November 1, 2016, and otherwise meet the DACA criteria
• Came to the United States before the age of 16 (if you were born in the U.S. – you are not eligible for our scholarship)
• Have significant unmet financial need
• Have graduated or will graduate from a United States high school (or have earned or will earn a high school equivalency diploma) by the end of the 2025-26 academic year
• Graduated or will graduate with a GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale
• Have not earned more than 21 credits in a community college or a 4-year college or university before the Fall of 2026 (not counting credits earned in a pre-college or dual enrollment program in high school)
• Intend to enroll full-time in an associate or bachelor’s degree program at a Partner College (like NLU) no later than the Spring term of 2026-27 academic year
• Are eligible for in-state tuition at the Partner College (like NLU) you want to attend (not applicable if it is a private Partner College)

Learn more