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).
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
Charles & Dianna Colman Scholarship
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:
- Available to incoming first-year and transfer students
- Required to live and take meals on campus
- To renew annually, recipients must maintain both a semester and cumulative GPA of 3.50
Trustee Scholarship
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:
- Available to incoming first-year and transfer students
- Required to live and take meals on campus
- To renew annually, recipients must maintain both a semester and cumulative GPA of 3.25
APPLICATION DETAILS
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 20, 2023.
Step 2: Submit a Writing Sample & Presentation/Video – These must be submitted to admissions@rockford.edu by Friday, January 5, 2024.
The writing sample: In no more than 500 words, select a controversial issue on college campuses today and suggest a solution. The writing sample should be submitted in a word doc or PDF format.
The presentation or video submission: We are looking for a presentation or video about something you are proud of and why. Your submission must be at least 10 slides of content or 5 minutes in length (video). You can make a video submission narrating your presentation or appear in a video submission explaining what you are proud of. The presentation should be a PowerPoint or Google Slides format. The video submission should be in a MP4 or YouTube link format. 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.
Step 3: Attend a Virtual Interview– Interviews will be held virtually on January 16, 17, 18, and 19, 2024. Each competitor will be required to complete an interview with Rockford University staff and faculty. A limited
number of virtual interviews are available. Admission staff will reach out to schedule your virtual interview for the week of January 16th. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule but ask for your flexibility and
understanding.
What to expect: The interview itself will only be about 30 minutes long. You’ll be with two faculty (professors) or staff members and the conversation will be about YOU. Your goals, your experiences, and what YOU can bring to Rockford University.
What to wear: We encourage students to dress professionally but comfortably (business casual). Slacks, dresses, skirts, and sweaters are great. Imagine you are interviewing for an internship or attending a reception at your school. Remember even though it is a virtual interview, it is a competition for a significant scholarship.
IMPORTANT DATES
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 – Admission Deadline
Friday, January 5, 2024 – Writing Sample & Presentation/Video Submission Deadline
January 16-19, 2024 – Competitive Scholarship Interviews
Friday, January 26, 2024 – Competitive Scholarship Winners Announced
Friday, February 23, 2024 – Competitive Scholarship Banquet
Friday, March 1, 2024 – Deadline to Accept Scholarship
FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS
When will I know if I am a scholarship competition winner?
The results of the competition will be announced by Friday, January 26, 2024. 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, 2024 deposit deadline.
What kinds of questions can I expect during my interview?
Your interviewers are simply trying to get to know you better. They want to know who you are and how you will both benefit from and contribute to the Rockford University community. Expect to answer questions about your academic interests, what you do outside of school and why you think Rockford University would be an excellent fit for you.
How do I know if Rockford University received my writing sample and/or presentation/video?
Our office will reply upon receiving your writing sample and/or presentation/video. If you do not hear from us soon after your 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.
