Apply for a
Rockford Promise
Scholarship
Dream Big. Apply Now.
Applications are now open. Apply today and take the next step toward your future.
This is your moment. Rockford Promise scholarships make college more affordable and accessible, so you can focus on your future instead of worrying about cost. The scholarship window is officially open, and you must complete your submission by the deadline to be considered.
Scholarship offer letters will be sent to the student’s email address listed in the application 4-6 weeks after the scholarship deadline.
All scholarship offers must be accepted or declined by May 1.
Application Window: Oct. 1, 2025 – Feb. 5, 2026
Before you apply Check your Rockford promise & Partner college eligibility
A tuition-free college opportunity for eligible Rockford students.
The Rockford Promise covers tuition and general fees not already addressed by other financial aid, helping bridge the financial gap. Scholars also receive award-winning support services to help them succeed and complete their degree.
Please note: books, housing, and other personal expenses are not included.
RockFord promise Eligibility
Before applying, ensure you meet these basic Rockford Promise requirements:
- Attend all 4 high school years at a RPS 205 or partner high school
- Currently eligible to graduate high school
- Apply and be admitted to a Rockford Promise partner college:
– Rock Valley College
– Rockford University
– Northern Illinois University
– Saint Anthony College of Nursing - Complete FASFA prior to applying for Rockford Promise
EXPLORE
additional eligibility requirements for partner college programs
Rock Valley College
Eligibility Requirements:
- Attend Rockford Public High School all 4 years of high school
- Currently eligible to graduate high school
- Unweighted minimum Cumulative 2.5 GPA
- Complete your FAFSA or Alternative Illinois Financial Aid Application and add the FAFSA code 001747 to share your results with Rock Valley College
Next Steps:
- Submit FAFSA by deadline
- Apply to RVC
- Submit Rockford Promise scholarship application
Rockford University
Eligibility Requirements:
- Attend Rockford Public High School or partner high school (Boylan Catholic High School) all 4 years of high school
- Currently eligible to graduate high school
- Unweighted minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
- Live within the City of Rockford limits
- Complete your FAFSA and add the FAFSA code 001748 to share your results with Rockford University
- Eligible for Federal Pell Grant & Illinois MAP Grant
Please note: A limited number of scholarships may be available to RPS 205 applicants who live outside the City of Rockford limits and meet all other eligibility requirements based on availability of funds through private fundraising.
Next Steps:
- Complete FAFSA prior to applying for Rockford Promise
- Apply to Rockford University
- Submit Rockford Promise scholarship application
Northern Illinois University
Eligibility Requirements:
- Attend Rockford Public School High School all 4 years of high school
- Live within the City of Rockford limits
- Currently eligible to graduate high school
- Weighted minimum 3.0 GPA
- Complete your FAFSA or Alternative Illinois Financial Aid Application and add the FAFSA code 001737 to share your results with NIU
- NIU financial aid resource for NIU Scholars: NIU Rockford Promise Info
Next Steps:
- Complete FAFSA prior to applying for Rockford Promise
- Apply to NIU
- Submit Rockford Promise scholarship application
Saint Anthony College of Nursing (SACN) - High School Option
Eligibility Requirements:
- Attend Rockford Public High School all 4 years of high school
- Currently eligible to graduate high school
- Eligible for Federal Pell Grant & Illinois MAP Grant
- Unweighted minimum cumulative GPA: 3.25
- Complete your FAFSA and add the FAFSA code 009987 to share your results with Saint Anthony College of Nursing
- Minimum TEAS score: 58.7
Next Steps:
- Complete FAFSA prior to applying for Rockford Promise
- Apply to SACN
- Submit Rockford Promise Scholarship Application
Transfer Options
additional eligibility requirements for college transfer options
Saint Anthony College of Nursing (SACN) – Transfer Option
Eligibility Requirements:
- Completed required college courses for SACN
- Complete your FAFSA and add the FAFSA code 009987 to share your results with Saint Anthony College of Nursing
- Eligible for Federal Pell Grant & Illinois MAP Grant
- Maintain satisfactory Rockford Promise status
- Unweighted minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5 transferable college, 2.7 transferable science
- Minimum TEAS score: 58.7
Note: There are limited transfer scholarships available. Priority given to current Rockford Promise Scholars.
Next Steps:
- Complete FAFSA prior to applying for Rockford Promise
- Complete SACN Interest form
- Submit Rockford Promise scholarship application
- Current Rockford Promise Scholars: Contact your Rockford Promise Scholar Support Coordinator
RVC ➔ NIU Transfer Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements:
- RVC Rockford Promise Scholar with an Associate’s degree
- Minimum cumulative GPA 2.5 at RVC
- Complete your FAFSA or Alternative Illinois Financial Aid
- Apply to NIU by March 1 (Fall) or Nov 1 (Spring)
- Enroll full-time at NIU immediately following RVC graduation
Next Steps: