Scholarships and Grants

NDNU Merit Scholarships for Freshmen and Transfers

Recognizing academic, artistic, leadership, and athletic achievements, several NDNU merit-based scholarships can help with the costs of your undergraduate education.

Many freshmen and transfer students are eligible to apply for one of the following programs which reward exceptional work and talent providing the students complete the application for admission by the stated deadlines. Commitment to community service is a major consideration in selecting recipients. International students are not eligible for these awards. Once you have been admitted to NDNU, you may be considered for one of the following renewable, merit-based awards regardless of financial need:

Ralston Presidential Scholarships: $26,000/year
Provost Scholarships: $16,000/year

• Apply for admission by December 1; interviews in January; awards announced in February
• Freshmen—minimum 3.8 academic GPA; 600 on each SAT section, including writing
• Transfers—minimum 3.6 in 30 or more transferable units
• Strong consideration for demonstrated leadership and community service experience
• Presidential Scholarship includes a $2,000 work award and internship with NDNU president, vice president, or dean
• Housing residency requirement for both scholarships during the entire undergraduate degree

NDNU Emerging Artist Talent Scholarships in Art, Music, Musical Theatre, Theatre or English (Writing): Up to $9,500/year

• Apply for admission by February 1; awards announced in March
• Students must audition or submit a portfolio by February 1, depending on the award
• Requires active participation in chosen major/area under the direction of the department chair

San Mateo County Fair Literary Contest Award

The emerging artist scholarship for the San Mateo County Fair Literary Contest (www.sanmateocountyfair.com) is open to all students entering the poetry, short story, and/or essay division relating competition. Student must have a 3.00 GPA or above, and enroll in NDNU within one (1) year of receiving the award. The winning student will receive $5,000 a year in each of four consecutive years for a total of $20,000, beginning in his/her freshmen year. The award will continue as long as the student remains in good academic standing. For more information about the literary contest visit www.sanmateocountyfair.com.

Belmont Scholarships: Up to $11,000/year

• Awarded to both freshmen and transfers when admission decisions are being made
• Amount based on academic achievement per the admissions application and transcripts

Athletic Scholarships: Various values

NDNU athletes compete in the NCAA Division II and PacWest Conference. Athletic scholarships are awarded by individual coaches. Visit the Athletics page to complete a prospective athlete form.

Learn about outside scholarships.

Grants

Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to students based upon the information the student and family provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). These grants are based on need as assessed by the U.S. Department of Education. Grants range from $574 to $5,645 for 2013-2013 academic year.

Cal Grants A & B

The Cal Grant is a California state scholarship program that is dependent on the Caliornia Statee Budget and is available only to students who are residents or children of taxpayers in California. Eligibility for Cal A or B is determined by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) based upon family income, assets and the academic record of the student. Cal B first year awards are stipend only. Awards made before the California State budget is finalized are estimates and subject to change.

NDNU Grants

These grants are awarded to students based on family income and assets reported on the FAFSA as well as whether the student is living on or off-campus. Please note: NDNU Grants are only available to full-time students at NDNU (taking a minimum of 12 units per semester.) Awards range from $500 to $15,000.

Other Resources

American Opportunity Tax Credit

Learn more about a newly created tax credit for education-related expenses.