Navigating Tier One Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide
Securing funding for higher education is a crucial step for many students. Understanding the requirements and opportunities surrounding scholarships, particularly Tier One scholarships, can significantly ease the financial burden. This article will explore the various aspects of institutional grants and scholarships, athletic scholarships, and other specific awards offered, outlining the eligibility criteria, application processes, and renewal conditions.
Institutional Grants and Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
Institutional grants and scholarships represent a vital source of financial aid for qualified undergraduate freshmen and transfer students. These awards are designed to support students in their pursuit of higher education, covering a portion of their tuition and fees as outlined in the academic catalog. It's important to note that while these grants and scholarships alleviate tuition costs, students remain responsible for other expenses like admissions, housing application, and enrollment confirmation fees.
To be considered for institutional scholarships, students must meet all University requirements for regular admission in the fall and spring semesters. The submission of supporting documents, including SAT/ACT scores, high school transcripts, and previous college transcripts, by the specified deadline is mandatory. However, for students enrolling in the 2024-2025 academic year, no separate application is required.
Academic Excellence Awards
Academic Excellence Awards recognize resident and international undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and achievement. To maintain eligibility, students must earn at least 18 credit hours while attending the institution and meet the minimum CGPA requirements. The award amount is subject to change based on the student’s CGPA and will be adjusted to reflect the appropriate scholarship level during each review period.
Exceptional Merit Scholarships (EMS) for International Students
The Exceptional Merit Scholarship (EMS) is exclusively available to international students and is awarded at the discretion of the Exceptional Merit Scholarship Committee. These scholarships may be applied to cover tuition, fees, and university-provided housing. The award amounts vary and are valid for up to one academic year, but cannot exceed the total cost of attendance. Any unused scholarship funds will remain with the University.
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To apply for an EMS, students must submit their applications through the University’s official application portal. The EMS Committee evaluates applicants based on their qualifications, including involvement in community service, leadership activities, and exceptional talents.
Students who receive an EMS must renew their applications each academic year. To remain eligible, a minimum CGPA of 3.0 must be maintained. Renewal applications should be submitted at least two months before the start of the next academic year. The EMS committee evaluates continuing students at the end of each academic year to determine renewal eligibility.
Athletic Scholarships: Tier I and Tier II
Athletic scholarships are available to student-athletes based on their talent, academic merit, and financial need. These scholarships are divided into Tier I and Tier II categories, each with specific eligibility requirements.
Tier I Athletic Scholarships
Tier I Athletic Scholarships are available to resident student-athletes. International students are not eligible for this award. Tier I scholarships may only be applied to specific housing options. If a student selects an alternative room, they will be responsible for covering the price difference. Similarly, these scholarships can only be applied to a designated meal plan. To qualify for a Tier I scholarship, students must meet all NAIA eligibility criteria.
Resident students receiving a Tier I Athletic Scholarship must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit all required documentation to confirm Pell Grant eligibility before being awarded the scholarship. If the total amount of institutional grants, academic scholarships, athletic scholarships, and Federal Pell Grant exceeds direct costs (tuition, fees, room, and board), the athletic scholarship will be reduced accordingly.
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Tier II Athletic Scholarships
A limited number of Tier II Athletic Scholarships may be awarded each academic year to current and incoming students. Both resident and international graduate and undergraduate students are eligible for this award. To qualify, students must meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirements and maintain full-time enrollment.
It is important to note that students are not eligible for a refund or overpayment due to an athletic scholarship. Athletic scholarships can only be awarded up to the remaining direct costs after applying the student’s institutional grant(s), academic scholarship(s), and Federal Pell Grant (if applicable).
General Requirements for Athletic Scholarships
All student-athletes must adhere to the University’s Student Code of Conduct.
Additional Scholarship and Grant Opportunities
Beyond general institutional scholarships and athletic awards, several other specific opportunities exist to help students finance their education.
Harmony Public School Scholarship (HPS)
The Harmony Public School Scholarship (HPS) is available to all graduates of the Harmony Public School system, providing financial assistance to support their higher education pursuits.
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Economic Hardship Grants
Need-based grants are available to eligible resident and international undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need due to economic hardship. These grants are specifically intended to assist students with tuition and fees, not personal expenses.
Students must apply for this award each semester, and the award amounts may vary. Awards may also be reduced or cancelled due to changes in the student’s account statement or financial aid eligibility. Applications must include supporting documentation that demonstrates the existence of the economic hardship.
International students may apply for an Economic Hardship Grant after attending at least two semesters, while resident students may apply after at least one semester. Residents must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a valid student aid index (SAI) on file with demonstrated financial need. Resident students with remaining Federal Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans available are not eligible for grant consideration. Students may receive an Economic Hardship Grant up to a maximum total of two times throughout their undergraduate program.
VP Recognition Awards
VP Recognition Awards are offered at the discretion of the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Vice President of Administrative Affairs. The award amounts for these recognitions can vary.
Summer Term Aid
Undergraduate students enrolling in the summer term may be eligible for academic and need-based institutional aid, providing opportunities for financial support during summer studies.
Maintaining Eligibility: SAP and Renewal Criteria
To maintain eligibility for scholarships and grants, students must meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirements and maintain full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours) each semester.
The NAU Grant & Scholarship Committee reviews each student’s academic scholarship eligibility for renewal consideration annually. Students who meet or exceed the CGPA requirements will automatically qualify to renew their current Academic Merit Scholarship. An Academic Merit Scholarship can either remain the same (if CGPA requirements are met) or decrease (if CGPA requirements are not met), but it cannot increase to a higher level. Students that exceed CGPA requirements may also be eligible to receive a Stallion Academic Excellence Award (excluding NAU Scholarship & International NAU Scholarship recipients). If the eligibility requirements are not met, the Academic Merit Scholarship will decrease by one level each evaluation period. Academic Excellence Awards may increase or decrease based on the student’s CGPA and will be replaced with the appropriate level each evaluation period.
If an account balance exists from a previous semester or academic year, institutional grants and scholarships will be applied to satisfy the prior balance due first.
Additional Considerations
When reviewing applications for scholarships, grades are only one of many factors considered. Additional factors for selection include leadership, community service, special talents, first-generation college status, and academic achievement under difficult circumstances. Students should also submit an aid application to be considered for scholarships that require financial need.
For more information about specific scholarship policies, students should visit the Scholarship Policy page. Note that some University-administered scholarships may have additional requirements and deadlines.
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