11/12/2024 1:55 pm
Rockford Promise is a location-based scholarship program that provides eligible Rockford high school graduates with the opportunity to attend Rockford University tuition-free. This new agreement between Rockford Promise, Rockford University, and the City of Rockford expands access, allowing more students to earn a college degree locally.
To qualify for the Rockford Promise Scholarship, students must:
The scholarship covers full tuition and security fees at Rockford University.
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.
Once enrolled at Rockford University, Rockford Promise Scholars must:
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.
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.
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:
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
The expanded scholarship program will be available starting in the Fall of 2025 for eligible Rockford students graduating in 2025 and beyond.
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.
No, deferments are not permitted. Students must enroll at Rockford University the semester following their high school graduation to maintain eligibility for the scholarship.
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.
Each scholarship has its own criteria. The best place to check this is at the Rockford Promise Website.
11/03/2023 11:46 am
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Nov. 3, 2023
Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, held a press conference Friday, Nov. 3, to officially announce the news that new students who enroll at Rockford University for the 2024-2025 academic year will lock in their tuition for four years at a rate of $37,230.
The press conference featured two speakers: Rebecca Epperson, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Rockford University; and Megan Frankfother, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management at Rockford University.
The University also broadcasted the press conference live on their Facebook.
Epperson spoke about higher education costs being a concern to families across the U.S.
“Rockford University is taking a proactive approach to make the college experience more affordable and more transparent,” Epperson said, during the press conference. “The decision to lock in tuition for Fall 2024 for incoming students means that students and their families and the parents who stand alongside them can plan their educational experience with much greater confidence than they had in the past.”
Frankfother spoke next and added more details and context to how the University can grant students financial aid, and more.
“Rockford University has put in countless hours, crunching numbers and budgeting so that we can ensure that we are able to offer that locked-in tuition rate of 37,230 for our incoming fall 2024 class,” Frankfother said, during the press conference. “In addition to locking in that rate and creating that sense of financial security, the university offers significant institutional aid. Students can be recipients of federal and state grants to also assist in helping that education be more affordable.”
Frankfother added: “We are on track currently to be able to award $14 million dollars in institutional aid for the current year. We are also on track to award $6.5 million in federal grants as well as $4.8 million in state grants.”
For more information on this new locked-in tuition, please feel free to reach out to RU’s Admission Department by calling 815-226-4050 or by emailing admissions@rockford.edu.
More information on how to apply to RU can be found here: rockford.edu/admission.
Contact:
Sara Myers
RU Marketing/Communications
08/02/2023 3:51 pm
ROCKFORD, Ill. (Aug. 1, 2023) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, will hold its first virtual admission event on Wednesday, August 9 for students interested in transferring to Rockford University.
When: Wednesday, August 9; 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Who: Prospective Transfer Students
How to attend:
This virtual event is for students interested in transferring to Rockford University to complete their bachelor’s degree. RU’s Admissions Team will guide you through the admission process, help you learn more about RU, and provide same day acceptance during this event!
The RU Admissions Team will help you complete your application, submit your transcripts, and get you accepted all within 15 minutes on this Zoom call. Take advantage of this concentrated time with our Admissions team and get accepted right away!
Same Day Acceptance:
To be eligible for same day acceptance, please have your official transcript(s) from each institution attended sent to admissions@rockford.edu before the event, or have your unofficial transcripts with you during the event.
How to have official transcripts submitted:
For questions and interviews please contact:
Sara Myers
RU Marketing & Communications
smyers@rockford.edu
ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY
Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers more than 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies.
Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and is a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.
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03/08/2023 1:54 pm
This is a program for new first-year and transfer students.
Illinois students, if you thought attending Rockford University was beyond your reach – think again! The Rockford University Horizon Grant is your key to more affordable tuition in a supportive, welcoming learning environment – and the best part is that you get to stay close to home. You can receive the Rockford University Horizon Grant every year for up to four years. If you are eligible, your tuition will only be $5,000 per year. We don’t want you to choose between a supportive environment and affordability when you can have both!
Yes, if you are an Illinois resident and are:
If you meet these criteria, then you may qualify for the Rockford University Horizon grant and your Rockford University tuition will be $5,000. With a degree from RU, there’s no limit to what you can do!
Imagine attending a private, four-year university where you are supported and set up for success. Actually, you don’t have to imagine. As an RU student you will feel right at home on campus and in class. With respected professors, a variety of majors to choose from and a campus culture that is warm and inviting, you will get everything you need and more during your time at RU.
Here’s what you need to do:
That’s it! Your admission counselor will contact you to walk you through your next steps. Can you see your future on the horizon?! We can! And we can’t wait for you to join the Regent’s family as an RU student!
Student Administrative Services (SAS)
Nelson Hall--1st floor
5050 E. State Street Rockford, IL 61108
815-394-3700
Fax: 815-394-5174
sas@rockford.eduHours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
05/27/2022 10:54 am
You did it! Congratulations on taking the first step on your journey with Rockford University.
Your admissions counselor will be in touch soon with information regarding your next steps and your application status. In the meantime, please review our admission checklists below and explore what RU has to offer.
Questions about your application? Contact the Admission Team at admissions@rockford.edu or 815-226-4050.
You’ve applied to Rockford University. What’s next?
Once you have submitted your application, transcript, and any additional information that may be requested, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to becoming a Rock Solid Regent.
You’ve applied to Rockford University. What’s next?
*If you have less than 12 credit hours, your high school transcript, ACT, or SAT scores may be requested.
Once you have submitted your application, transcript, and any additional information that may be requested, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to becoming a Rock Solid Regent.
You’ve applied to Rockford University. What’s next?
Once you have submitted your application, transcript, and any additional information that may be requested, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to becoming a Rock Solid Regent.
You’ve applied to Rockford University. What’s next?
Once you have submitted your application, transcript, and any additional information that may be requested, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to becoming a Rock Solid Regent.
You’ve applied to Rockford University. What’s next?
Once you have submitted your application, transcript, and any additional information that may be requested, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to becoming a Rock Solid Regent.
You’ve applied to Rockford University. What’s next?
1. Email your transcript(s) to globalaffairs@rockford.edu
2. Submit a copy of the data/photo page of your passport.
3. Submit a bank statement equivalent to the following amount:
4. Submit an affidavit (affidavit form available upon request).
5. Submit an English language proficiency score.
6. Submit a copy of your most recent graduation certificate (if applicable).
Once you have submitted your application, transcript, and any additional information that may be requested, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to becoming a Rock Solid Regent.
You’ve applied to Rockford University. What’s next?
1. Email your transcript(s) to globalaffairs@rockford.edu
2. Submit a copy of the data/photo page of your passport.
3. Submit a bank statement equivalent to the following amount:
4. Submit an affidavit (affidavit form available upon request).
5. Submit an English language proficiency score.
6. Submit a copy of your most recent graduation certificate (if applicable).
Once you have submitted your application, transcript, and any additional information that may be requested, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to becoming a Rock Solid Regent.
at may be requested, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to becoming a Rock Solid Regent.
You’ve applied to Rockford University. What’s next?
Once you have submitted your application, transcript, letter of recommendation and any additional information that may be requested, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to becoming a Rock Solid Regent.
Office of Admission
Johnson Center
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4050
Fax 815-226-2822
Admissions@rockford.eduHours
Mon-Fri: 8:30 am to 5 pm
Sat: 9 am to 1 pm
Please call to reserve an appointment on Saturdays.
10/27/2021 2:35 pm
Rockford University’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) with endorsements increases your marketability and boosts your resume as a teacher. Enhance your teaching career, and add new skills.
Experienced teachers who hold a Professional Educator License (PEL) and want to add a subsequent endorsement in Bilingual, ESL, Elementary Education, Special Education LSB1, or Reading Teacher to their PEL.
Experienced teachers who are also interested in increasing their pay by earning a master’s degree.
For admission to the M.Ed. program, students must hold a Professional Educator License and submit the following to be evaluated:
Submission of the above does not guarantee admission.
Educators with a PEL can select an area of specialization to earn a subsequent endorsement:
This master’s program combines coursework for the endorsement and classes in educational foundations and research. Complete the endorsement in year one, and finish the M.Ed. in year two.
*Want to explore deeper into reading curriculum and instruction beyond an endorsement? Ask about RU’s MAT Reading Specialist program.
10/14/2021 11:50 am
Whether you attended a four-year institution, a community college, or an international institution, and earned a few credits, several credits, or a lot of credits, you’ve begun your educational journey, and transferring to Rockford University is the next step to becoming Rock Solid. Explore our program options and easily find out how your previous college credit and work experience will transfer to RU.
RU also has a new Horizon Grant to help students attend RU for just $5,000 per year. More information on the Horizon Grant can be found here.
Rockford University offers two options for students looking to transfer to RU.
Undergraduate transfer students can have completed an associate of arts, associate of science, or earned credit from a regionally accredited college in the United States prior to becoming a student at Rockford University. Students will have met all of the lower-division general education requirements for graduation from Rockford University, and will enter at a junior status.
The Bachelor’s Degree Completion program at Rockford University is housed within the Puri School of Business and offers two degree options meant for the non-traditional student who has already started a career. With offerings in business management or accounting, our flexible format means classes are easy to fit into a busy schedule. With classes right here in Rockford and online, you’ll have options to study close to where you live and work.
Office of Admission
Johnson Center
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
Phone: 815-226-4050
Fax: 815-226-2822
Email: Admissions@rockford.eduHours
Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Sat: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Please call to reserve an appointment on Saturdays.Meet Our Admissions Team!
06/09/2021 3:32 pm
Empowered Minds Learning Together
Rockford University offers several programs of study for teachers who hold a professional educator license (PEL) to seek a subsequent endorsement.
Teachers can earn a master’s degree paired with an endorsement of choice in as little as two years.
Choose from the following endorsement areas in the M.Ed. program:
Rockford University also offers students the opportunity to earn two endorsements with the M.Ed. Students can ask their advisor about this option when creating a plan of study.
*These area of study may also be offered as stand-alone endorsements. Ask your advisor for details.
Office of Admission
Johnson Center
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4050
Admissions@rockford.eduHours:
Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 5:00pm
After hour appointments available by request.
03/03/2021 12:31 pm
Rockford University’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) with endorsements increases your marketability and boosts your resume. Enhance your teaching career, and add new skills.
Experienced teachers who hold a Professional Educator License (PEL) and want to add a subsequent endorsement in Bilingual, ESL, Elementary Education, Special Education LSB1, or Reading Teacher to their PEL.
Experienced teachers who are also interested in increasing their pay by earning a master’s degree.
Two M.Ed. Endorsement Tracks Available 100% online:
- M.Ed. in English Second Language (ESL)
- M.Ed. in Special Education (LBS1)
For admission to the M.Ed. program, students must submit the following to be evaluated:
Submission of the above does not guarantee admission
Educators with a PEL can select an area of specialization to earn a subsequent endorsement:
This master’s program combines coursework for the endorsement and classes in educational foundations and research. Complete the endorsement in year one, and finish the M.Ed. in year two.
*Want to explore deeper into reading curriculum and instruction beyond an endorsement? Ask about RU’s MAT Reading Specialist program.
Since 2009, 29 alumni have been Golden Apple Award winners, 2 alumnae have been recognized as Illinois Teachers of the Year, 1 alumnus has been honored as North Carolina Teacher of the Year (2015), and 1 alumna was named Wisconsin Teacher of the Year (2014).
In 2018, 4 out of the 5 Golden Apple winners were Rockford University alumni, and the Puri Outstanding Principal Award was also awarded to an RU graduate.
Office of Admission
Johnson Center
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4050
Admissions@rockford.eduHours:
Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 5:00pm
After hour appointments available by request.
10/26/2020 5:16 pm
Congratulations! Due to all of your hard work and dedication, you are being considered for one of Rockford University’s Competitive Scholarships. These scholarships have assisted many of our students with their financial costs here at Rockford University. Admitted students with a GPA of 3.5 and above and a core GPA of 3.0 in the subjects of English and Math are eligible to compete in Rockford University’s scholarship competition. Below you will find all of the information you need to know when competing for these scholarships.
Recipients may still be eligible for additional financial aid by demonstrating need on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Charles & Dianna Colman Scholarship is a competitive scholarship available to domestic students. Recipients are required to complete the FAFSA and be enrolled full-time. The Charles & Dianna Colman Scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with other Rockford University scholarships, grants, or awards. This scholarship applies toward tuition only and is available for four years. If a qualified student does not receive a Charles & Dianna Colman Scholarship, they are automatically considered for the Trustee Scholarship. A separate application is not necessary.
Amount: up to full tuition
Requirements:
The Trustee Scholarship is a competitive scholarship available to domestic students. Recipients are required to complete the FAFSA and be enrolled full-time. The Trustee Scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with other Rockford University scholarships, grants, or awards. This scholarship applies toward tuition only and is available for four years. If a qualified student does not receive a Trustee Scholarship, they are automatically considered for the Dean’s Scholarship. A separate application is not necessary.
Amount: up to 75% of tuition
Requirements:
Step 1: Apply to Rockford University – Admitted students with a GPA of 3.5 and above and a core GPA of 3.0 in the subjects of English and Math are eligible to compete in Rockford University’s scholarship competition. Eligible students must be admitted to the university by Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
Step 2: Submit an Essay & Video Presentation – These must be submitted to admissions@rockford.edu by Friday, January 10, 2025.
The essay: In no more than 500 words, answer the following question. How do you envision your college experience shaping your future, and what specific aspects of college life are you most excited about? Essays should be submitted in a .doc or .pdf format.
The video presentation: Submit a video presentation about an accomplishment you are proud of and why. Your submission must be 5 to 10 minutes in length. Your video should have an audio and visual recording of yourself, and you may integrate additional visual aids, such as slides, additional videos, photos, etc., into the video. The video submission should be a single MP4 file. A few examples of project topics that have been submitted in the past include: an art exhibit, a video game they coded, a service trip, a school project or a community service project, or a club they started.
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 – Admission Deadline
Friday, January 10, 2025 – Essay and Video Presentation Deadline
Friday, January 24, 2025 – Competitive Scholarship Winners Announced
Friday, February 21, 2025 – Competitive Scholarship Banquet
Friday, March 1, 2025 – Deadline to Accept Scholarship
When will I know if I am a scholarship competition winner?
The results of the competition will be announced by Friday, January 24, 2025. Students receiving an additional scholarship will receive an updated financial aid award letter reflecting the changes as soon as notifications are official.
Is there an awardee waitlist?
Admissions will maintain a waitlist of students. We will re-award scholarships after the March 1st, 2025 deposit deadline.
How do I know if Rockford University received my essay and video presentation?
Our office will reply upon receiving your essay and video presentation. If you do not hear from us soon after you send your items, feel free to call 815.226.4050 or email admissions@rockford.edu separately. Occasionally file sizes cause email errors. Items can be shared through links to cloud storage if needed.
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