Northwest offers a wide variety of scholarships for first-time students. We've listed them here based on the application process, from automatic scholarships that the University will determine based on your application for admission, to private scholarships that require you to call for information. Please look through all these pages to see what you're eligible for (for instance, scholarships for your intended major, or for students from your hometown).
University and State Sponsored Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded through University and state programs. Such scholarships include Bright Flight, the Missouri Teacher Education Scholarship and National Guard/ROTC Scholarship among others.
These scholarships are funded by our Northwest Foundation. They are not specific to any major, but may be limited by academic, geographic, or grade level criteria.
Automatic Freshman Scholarships (No Application Needed)
Programs in effect for students entering Northwest for the first time in fall 2013. Admission-based scholarships have admission application deadline of May 1 to guarantee scholarship awards. For students who complete their admission application after May 1, scholarships will be awarded contingent upon available funding.
No separate scholarship application is required. Scholarship level is determined by Admission Index (combined percentile of class rank and ACT/SAT score provided on high school transcript with Admission Application).
3.50 Northwest cumulative GPA and completion of 24 credit hours per academic year. If GPA is less than 3.50, student will follow Northwest Scholar, Tower Scholar, and Academic Excellence Scholar requirements.
Maximum Award: Eight trimesters within consecutive academic years
*Renewable ($2,500-3.50 NW cumulative GPA or higher) only to those who initially received the award as a freshman. If GPA is less than 3.50, student will follow Northwest Scholar, Tower Scholar and Academic Excellence Scholar requirements.
*Students may FLOAT between levels each academic year depending on Northwest cumulative GPA. All require completion of 24 credit hours per academic year and the following GPA:
Academic Excellence: 3.50, $1,500
Tower Scholar:3.40, $1,000
Northwest Scholar:3.30, $750
If Northwest cumulative GPA is less than 3.30, student is not eligible to return to any level of these scholarships
Maximum Award:Eight trimesters within consecutive academic years
If Northwest cumulative GPA is less than 3.30, student is not eligible to return to any level of these scholarships
*Students may FLOAT between levels each academic year depending on Northwest cumulative GPA. All require completion of 24 credit hours per academic year and the following GPA:
Academic Excellence: 3.50, $1,500
Tower Scholar:3.40, $1,000
Northwest Scholar:3.30, $750
If Northwest cumulative GPA is less than 3.30, student is not eligible to return to any level of these scholarships
Maximum Award: Eight trimesters within consecutive academic years
Estimate $3,054.30 (50% reduction in difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition based on estimate of 30 credit hours for fall/ spring trimester)
Stackable with Midwest Student Exchange Program or Out of State Award as well as Admission-Based Academic Scholarships
Renewal Requirements:
Nonrenewable
With a 3.00 Northwest cumulative GPA and completion of 24 hours, student would be eligible for the Non-Resident Award and either MSEP or Out of State Award
Must be a resident of Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota or Wisconsin
Award: Estimate $3,054.30 (50% reduction in difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition based on estimate of 30 credit hours for fall/ spring trimester)
Renewal Requirements:
3.00 Northwest cumulative GPA and completion of 24 credit hours per academic year.
Maximum Award: 132 total credit hours earned (including dual credit and transfer hours)
Non-residents from states other than Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, Michigan, North Dakota, Minnesota, or Wisconsin
Award: Estimate $3,054.30 (50% reduction in difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition based on estimate of 30 credit hours for fall/ spring trimester)
Renewal Requirements:
3.00 Northwest cumulative GPA and completion of 24 credit hours per academic year.
Maximum Award:132 total credit hours earned (including dual credit and transfer hours)
Must have completed 24 Northwest credit hours at a 3.00 Northwest cumulative GPA
Award: Estimate $3,054.30 (50% reduction in difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition based on estimate of 30 credit hours for fall/ spring trimester)
Renewal Requirements:
3.00 Northwest cumulative GPA and completion of 24 credit hours per academic year.
Maximum Award: 132 total credit hours earned (including dual credit and transfer hours)
Eligibility: American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, U.S. citizen or a graduate from eligible high schools. Students must participate in the MORE Mentoring Program. For further information, reference the "Diversity" brochure or contact the IIC Office at 660-562-1367.
Graduates of the following Missouri high schools may also be considered for the Cultural Enrichment Scholarship.
Alta Vista Charter School
Beaumont High School
Central Senior High School
Don Bosco Education Center
Hazelwood East High School
Hickman Mills Senior High School
Hogan Preparatory Academy
Imagine Renaissance Academy of Environmental Science and Math-Kansas City
Scholarships will only be awarded to students after confirmation that the IB Diploma has been earned, send in a hard copy of your IB diploma or have it sent electronically from IBO.
Award: $1,000
May receive in addition to other Northwest automatic scholarships
Maximum of 20 awarded on a first come, first serve basis
Provide graduate's personal information on Admissions application
Not receiving Legacy Award
Award: $500
Notification made from Alumni Office
Renewal Requirements: Nonrenewable
Private Scholarships
These scholarships are funded by private donors. They are not specific to any major, but may be limited by academic, geographic, or grade level criteria.