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Apply for Scholarship

Applicants may download the application (pdf) , academic recommendation form (pdf), and supervisor recommendation form (pdf).  The scholarship application and supporting documents can be submitted via email at spsscholarships@northwestern.edu.

Questions: Contact Vanessa Carpenter, School of Professional Studies at spsscholarships@northwestern.edu

Scholarship Information

Purpose: to provide tuition assistance for employees of the University continuing their education through Northwestern's School of Professional Studies.

Eligibility: Eligibility is limited to employees of the University and who are working toward the completion of a degree or certificate through Northwestern's School of Professional Studies. It is open to all genders.

Restrictions: Applicants must be in good academic standing with a minimum “B” average, and must have been employed by Northwestern University for more than one year.

Deadline: The School of Professional Studies Scholarship Committee must receive the application and all supporting materials by 5 p.m. on March 1st.

The application must include the following information:

  • A completed application form that includes an essay of 700 words or less.
  • One recommendation from a professor in the program in which you are pursuing a degree or certification and one recommendation from a current or past supervisor. Recommenders must submit recommendations to spsscholarships@northwestern.edu from their Northwestern email accounts.
  • SPS will provide the transcript for the University Circle Scholarship committee.

Basis for Selection: The following areas will be taken into consideration when selecting recipients: Clarity of and dedication to stated goals (stated in the essay), past academic record, and Northwestern University or other community involvement.

Award Notification: The announcement of the award winner will be made at the University Circle Annual Meeting in May of each year. The winner will be notified no later than May 15 and the scholarship amount will be credited to the following fall term.

Amount of Award: The scholarship will be up to $2,000.00, less any staff tuition benefit or other state grant aid received for the upcoming academic year. The scholarship cannot exceed the amount of tuition charged.  The  Chicago Office of Financial Aid will apply the scholarship funding to cover tuition expenses.