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Rockford Promise

The Rockford Promise Scholarship at Rockford University

Rockford Promise is a location-based scholarship program that provides eligible students from the City of Rockford with the opportunity to attend Rockford University tuition-free.

Through partnerships with Rockford Promise, the City of Rockford, and Rock Valley College, students now have two pathways to receive the Rockford Promise Scholarship at Rockford University:

  • First-Year Students – Eligible students who enroll at Rockford University directly after graduating from an eligible high school within the City of Rockford.
  • Transfer Students – Eligible students who first attend Rock Valley College as a Rockford Promise Scholar, earn an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree, and then transfer to Rockford University to complete their bachelor’s degree. 

Eligibility Requirements

First-Year Students:

  • Be a resident within the city boundaries of Rockford (not township, county, or other municipality). To verify residency, review your most recent property tax bill or visit the Winnebago County Treasurer’s website: https://taxes.wincoil.gov/TaxSearch.aspx
  • Graduate from a public or private high school located within the City of Rockford that is a current Rockford Promise Partner School. Check the Rockford Promise website for most up to date partner school list.
  • Achieve a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • Qualify for Federal Pell Grant and Illinois MAP Grant. Determine if you qualify for these grants by submitting your FAFSA application on studentaid.gov (Rockford University School Code: 001748).

Transfer Students:

  • Qualify and enroll as a Rockford Promise Scholar at Rock Valley College (RVC) initially.
  • Complete an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree at RVC.
  • Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher at RVC. 
  • Be a resident within the city boundaries of Rockford (not township, county, or other municipality). To verify residency, review your most recent property tax bill or visit the Winnebago County Treasurer’s website: https://taxes.wincoil.gov/TaxSearch.aspx
  • Qualify for Federal Pell Grant and Illinois MAP Grant. Determine if you qualify for these grants by submitting your FAFSA application on studentaid.gov (Rockford University School Code: 001748).

How to Apply

First-Year Applicants:

  • Apply for admission to Rockford University, and send your high school transcript to RU.
  • Submit your FAFSA using school code 001748.
  • Complete the Rockford Promise Scholarship Application.
  • Application Deadline:
         – Fall 2026: February 5, 2026
         – Fall 2027: To Be Announced

Transfer Applicants:

  • Apply for admission to Rockford University, and send your official RVC Transcript to RU.
  • Submit your FAFSA using school code 001748.
  • Meet Rockford Promise transfer eligibility requirements.
  • Application Deadline:
         – Fall 2026: August 1, 2026
         – Spring 2027: December 1, 2026
         – Fall 2027: March 1, 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

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What costs does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers full tuition and security fees at Rockford University.

 

Is housing covered by the scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition and security fee only. Rockford Promise seeks additional funding each year to support housing costs for students with the highest financial need. However, housing support is not guaranteed and depends on the availability of funds.

 

What are the academic requirements to maintain the scholarship?

Once enrolled at Rockford University, Rockford Promise Scholars must:

  • Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.
  • Remain enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours per semester).
  • Submit required documents annually, such as FAFSA forms and any requested eligibility verification documents.

 

What happens if a student’s financial situation changes?

If a student loses eligibility for the Pell or MAP Grant, they will still be able to complete their education tuition-free under this agreement. Rockford University will cover any additional tuition costs as long as the student remains in good academic standing.

 

What if a student moves outside Rockford while in college?

The student’s permanent residence must remain within the City of Rockford for continued scholarship eligibility. Exceptions are made for students who qualify as independent under FAFSA guidelines.

 

How does this partnership impact the Rockford community?

The City of Rockford is investing in this program to boost educational opportunities for local students and to strengthen the city’s future. Studies show that higher education levels within a community contribute to economic growth, attract businesses, and enhance the quality of life for residents. By supporting the Rockford Promise – Rockford University Scholarship, the City is making a strategic investment in:

  1. Workforce Development: Increasing the number of college graduates within Rockford will help create a more skilled workforce, making the area more attractive to potential employers and supporting economic growth.
  2. Economic Benefits: A community with a higher bachelor attainment rate can lead to higher earnings, higher property values, and reduced social service costs. Investing in education now builds a stronger economic foundation for years to come.
  3. Community Growth and Retention: Providing access to higher education in Rockford encourages students to stay in the area, strengthening community ties and fostering local pride.

This partnership reflects the City’s commitment to fostering a brighter future for Rockford by investing in our students, families, and the community as a whole

 

When will the expanded scholarship program begin?

The expanded scholarship program will be available starting in the Fall of 2025 for eligible Rockford students graduating in 2025 and beyond.

 

What if a student’s GPA drops below 2.5?

Students who fall below a 2.5 GPA may be placed on academic probation for one semester. If the GPA does not improve to 2.5 or above in the following semester, they may lose their scholarship eligibility.

 

Can students defer the scholarship if they need a gap year?

No, deferments are not permitted. Students must enroll at Rockford University the semester following their high school graduation to maintain eligibility for the scholarship.

 

Are there other Rockford Promise scholarships for students who don’t meet these criteria?

Yes, Rockford Promise offers additional scholarships for students attending other partner institutions, such as Rock Valley College and Northern Illinois University. Please check Rockford Promise’s website for more information on these programs.

 

What if I don't reside in the City of Rockford, but attend a partner school?

Each scholarship has its own criteria. The best place to check this is at the Rockford Promise Website.

Questions?

Our Admission Team is here to assist you with any questions you may have about Rockford University and application process: