Financial Aid
Grants & Scholarships
Grants & Scholarships
We’re committed to keeping quality education accessible for students from all economic backgrounds, and one way we do that is through scholarships (based on merit) and grants (based on need). The good news is that neither has to be paid back—ever! This is NNU’s investment in you! And there’s more good news. The majority of first-time NNU students qualify for scholarships and/or grants! In fact, in 2023, 100% of students received financial aid. Christian education is worth the price, and you don’t ever need to feel like you have to pay it alone.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships are financial awards given to students to help them pursue their education. Scholarships do not require repayment. Scholarships are typically awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, athletic ability, artistic talent or other criteria specified by the scholarship provider. Scholarships can cover tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation expenses and other educational costs, helping students to access higher education opportunities and pursue their academic goals.
First Time Students
Merit Scholarships
The Merit Scholarship is given to incoming first-year students who display excellence in academic achievement. This scholarship must be applied to tuition costs. Renewal is based upon maintaining an NNU cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. Consult the Office of Financial Aid for more details.
2025-2026 Merit Scholarships for incoming first-year students are as follows:
| High School GPA | Scholarship Amount |
| 4.0+ & 1100 SAT or 22 ACT | $22,000 |
| 3.8+ | $20,000 |
| 3.7 – 3.79 | $18,000 |
| 3.5 – 3.69 | $17,000 |
| 3.3 – 3.49 | $15,000 |
| 3.0 – 3.29 | $14,000 |
Aldersgate Honors College Scholarship
Every Aldersgate Honors College student receives NNU’s highest academic scholarship.
Students must apply for and be accepted to NNU’s Aldersgate Honors College and have a 3.5 GPA and 1100 SAT or 22 ACT score to receive the $22,000 merit scholarship.
Campus Visit Scholarship
Students who complete an official campus visit may qualify for a non-renewable Campus Visit Scholarship*.
An Official Campus Visit requires the following:
- Register for the visit through NNU Admissions
- Complete a Campus Tour with Admissions
- Meet with an Admissions Counselor
- Meet with a Professor OR Attend a class
Note – Additional activities are available during a campus visit.
Schedule your Official Campus Visit here.
*Recruited athletes who receive an Athletics Scholarship are not eligible for the Visit Scholarship.
Charles & Maxine Skaggs Foundation Scholarship
Sponsored by the Charles and Maxine Skaggs Foundation, this scholarship is available to all undergraduate students at NNU, though preference may be given to healthcare and social work-related fields.
Christian Partner High Schools
First-time first-year students who attended and graduated from a Christian Education Partner high school are eligible for this scholarship. Students are awarded an NNU annual scholarship of $4,000 ($2,000 if living off-campus).
Church Matching Scholarships
Students who qualify for this scholarship can receive up to $6,800 per year!
NNU partners with eligible churches to award accepted and current NNU students a scholarship that matches up to seven times the amount of eligible church donations. (For example, if your church contributes $500, NNU matches that seven times—$3,500—to total $4,000!)
Find out if your church is an NNU Church Matching Scholarship partner.
Contact financialaid@nnu.edu to get started.
Community Scholarships Awarded by NNU
NNU is proud to support our community and churches through other scholarships offered at events such as the Harvest Classic, various auctions to help with fundraising for schools and churches, scholarship recognition programs and many others. Students must be accepted for admission and be full-time, traditional undergraduate, degree seeking, currently enrolled students at NNU in order to receive these awards.
Idaho Resident Scholarships
If you’re an Idaho resident, these state-funded scholarships are here to support your educational and career goals. From academic scholarships like the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship to career-focused funding through Idaho Launch Scholarship, you have access to valuable financial assistance tailored to help you succeed at NNU and in your career.
Idaho Opportunity Scholarship
The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship provides substantial support to Idaho residents with a strong academic record. Awarding up to $3,500 per year, this scholarship helps Idaho students achieve their educational goals. Eligible students must have a minimum 2.7 GPA and complete the FAFSA. Applications are due by March 1.
Learn more and apply: Idaho Opportunity Scholarship
Idaho Launch Scholarship
The Idaho Launch Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. This state-funded program offers up to $8,000 in tuition assistance (up to 80% of tuition costs) for eligible career training programs at participating Idaho institutions, including NNU. To qualify, applicants must be an Idaho resident graduating from an accredited Idaho high school, homeschool or equivalent program. No GPA or FAFSA requirement is needed, but students must submit a Career Pathway Plan. Applications are due by April 15.
Learn more and apply: Idaho Launch Scholarship
Ministerial Scholarships
Ministerial scholarships are available through the College of Theology and Christian Ministries. These scholarships are available to students at NNU who have a major and minor in the College of Theology and Christian Ministries and are members of the Church of the Nazarene. The first-year student ministerial scholarship is $2,000. Please visit the College of Theology and Christian Ministries for more information.
Music Scholarships
Music scholarships are competitively selected, may be renewable and typically can be added to any merit awards you have earned. Music scholarships are available for both majors and non-majors.
- Music scholarships are available for both major and non-major students and are dependent upon an audition. Please visit the Department of Music for more information.
Nazarene Youth International (NYI) Scholarships
These awards are given to students in recognition of excellence in various areas of talent as well as Bible quizzing competitions within the Church of the Nazarene district (NYI) each year. NYI awards can be won at a local or national level. The student should present a copy of each award to the NNU Financial Aid Office so that the scholarship(s) can be included as part of the student’s overall financial aid offer. Students must be accepted for admission and be full-time undergraduate, degree-seeking, currently enrolled students at NNU in order to receive these awards. Any other conditions for use appear on the certificate.
Pastor and Missionary Kid Scholarships
A scholarship is available for dependent children age 24 or younger of active, full-time pastors, chaplains, evangelists or missionaries whose primary income is from this vocation.
ROTC Housing Scholarship
Students who live on campus and are actively participating in the ROTC program are eligible for a housing scholarship that only covers the room. A meal plan needs to be purchased separately. This scholarship requires enrollment in grade-level Military Science courses and approval of the military advisor after the first year.
Roy & Leona Nelson Foundation Scholarship
Sponsored by the Roy and Leona Nelson Foundation, this scholarship is available to undergraduate students who are graduates of an Eastern Washington or Northern Idaho high school.
Talent-Based Scholarships
Talent awards are competitively selected, may be renewable and typically can be added to any merit awards you have earned.
Talent-based scholarships fall into several categories:
- Music and Theatre (Music scholarships are available for both major and non-major students, and are dependent upon an audition. Please visit the Department of Music for more information.)
- Athletics
- Speech and Debate
- Religion/Theology
Transfer Students
Merit Scholarship
The Merit Scholarship is awarded to transfer students who display excellence in their academic achievement. It’s based on your cumulative GPA from all colleges and/or universities attended and must be applied to tuition costs.
| Cumulative GPA | Scholarship Amount |
| 3.5+ | $18,000 |
| 2.5 – 3.49 | $16,000 |
| 2.49 and below | $9,000 |
Note: You may have additional financial aid options if you’ve been attending college for a year or less. Speak with your admissions counselor to see if you qualify.
Campus Visit Scholarship
Students who complete an official campus visit may qualify for a non-renewable Campus Visit Scholarship*.
An Official Campus Visit requires the following:
- Register for the visit through NNU Admissions
- Complete a Campus Tour with Admissions
- Meet with an Admissions Counselor
- Meet with a Professor OR Attend a class
Note – Additional activities are available during a campus visit.
Schedule your Official Campus Visit here.
*Recruited athletes who receive an Athletics Scholarship are not eligible for the Visit Scholarship.
Charles & Maxine Skaggs Foundation Scholarship
Sponsored by the Charles and Maxine Skaggs Foundation, this scholarship is available to all undergraduate students at NNU, though preference may be given to healthcare and social work-related fields.
Church Matching Scholarships
Students who qualify for this scholarship can receive up to $6,800 per year!
NNU partners with eligible churches to award accepted and current NNU students a scholarship that matches up to seven times the amount of eligible church donations. (For example, if your church contributes $500, NNU matches that seven times—$3,500—to total $4,000!)
Find out if your church is an NNU Church Matching Scholarship partner.
Contact financialaid@nnu.edu to get started.
Christian Partner High Schools
Transfer students who attended and graduated from a Christian Education Partner high school are eligible for this scholarship. Students are awarded an NNU annual scholarship of $2,000.
Community Scholarships Awarded by NNU
NNU is proud to support our community and churches through other scholarships offered at events such as the Harvest Classic, various auctions to help with fundraising for schools and churches, scholarship recognition programs and many others. Students must be accepted for admission and be full-time, traditional undergraduate, degree seeking, currently enrolled students at NNU in order to receive these awards.
Department Specific Scholarships
Ministerial scholarships are available through the College of Theology and Christian Ministries. These scholarships are available to students at NNU who have a major and minor in the College of Theology and Christian Ministries and are members of the Church of the Nazarene. The first-year student ministerial scholarship is $2,000. Please visit the College of Theology and Christian Ministries for more information.
Music scholarships are available for both major and non-major students, and are dependent upon an audition. Please visit the Department of Music for more information.
Idaho Resident Scholarships
If you’re an Idaho resident, these state-funded scholarships are here to support your educational and career goals. From academic scholarships like the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship to career-focused funding through Idaho Launch Scholarship, you have access to valuable financial assistance tailored to help you succeed at NNU and in your career.
Idaho Opportunity Scholarship
The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship provides substantial support to Idaho residents with a strong academic record. Awarding up to $3,500 per year, this scholarship helps Idaho students achieve their educational goals. Eligible students must have a minimum 2.7 GPA and complete the FAFSA. Applications are due by March 1.
Learn more and apply: Idaho Opportunity Scholarship
Idaho Launch Scholarship
The Idaho Launch Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. This state-funded program offers up to $8,000 in tuition assistance (up to 80% of tuition costs) for eligible career training programs at participating Idaho institutions, including NNU. To qualify, applicants must be an Idaho resident graduating from an accredited Idaho high school, homeschool or equivalent program. No GPA or FAFSA requirement is needed, but students must submit a Career Pathway Plan. Applications are due by April 15.
Learn more and apply: Idaho Launch Scholarship
Music Scholarships
Music scholarships are competitively selected, may be renewable and typically can be added to any merit awards you have earned. Music scholarships are available for both majors and non-majors.
- Music scholarships are available for both major and non-major students and are dependent upon an audition. Please visit the Department of Music for more information.
Pastor and Missionary Kid Scholarships
A scholarship is available for dependent children age 24 or younger of active, full-time pastors, chaplains, evangelists or missionaries whose primary income is from this vocation.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
ROTC Housing Scholarship
Students who live on campus and are actively participating in the ROTC program are eligible for a housing scholarship that only covers the room. A meal plan needs to be purchased separately. This scholarship requires enrollment in grade-level Military Science courses and approval of the military advisor after the first year.
Roy & Leona Nelson Foundation Scholarship
Sponsored by the Roy and Leona Nelson Foundation, this scholarship is available to undergraduate students who are graduates of an Eastern Washington or Northern Idaho high school.
Current Students
Church Matching Scholarships
Students who qualify for this scholarship can receive up to $6,800 per year!
NNU partners with eligible churches to award accepted and current NNU students a scholarship that matches up to seven times the amount of eligible church donations. (For example, if your church contributes $500, NNU matches that seven times—$3,500—to total $4,000!)
Find out if your church is an NNU Church Matching Scholarship partner.
Contact financialaid@nnu.edu to get started.
Community Scholarships Awarded by NNU
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Scholarship
A reduction of tuition may be available for dependent children of MAF missionaries and local MAF staff. This scholarship must be applied to tuition costs.
Nazarene Pastor and Missionary Kid Scholarships
A reduction of tuition is available for dependent children of active, full-time pastors, chaplains, evangelists or missionaries serving the Church of the Nazarene. This scholarship must be applied to tuition costs.
Other Denomination Pastor and Missionary Kid Scholarships
A reduction of tuition may be available for dependent children of active, full-time pastors, chaplains, evangelists or missionaries whose primary income is based on a career serving a church that is not Nazarene.
Charles & Maxine Skaggs Foundation Scholarship
Sponsored by the Charles and Maxine Skaggs Foundation, this scholarship is available to all undergraduate students at NNU, though preference may be given to healthcare and social work-related fields.
Application coming soon! Check back later.
Roy & Leona Nelson Foundation Scholarship
Sponsored by the Roy and Leona Nelson Foundation, this scholarship is available to undergraduate students who are graduates of an Eastern Washington or Northern Idaho high school.
Application coming soon! Check back later.
Outside Scholarships
$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship Sweepstakes
Ashley Haskin Scholarship
The Ashley Haskin Scholarship honors the memory of Ashley Haskin and full-time undergraduate students may apply in the spring.
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
The Coca-Cola Scholars program is a significant scholarship that is nationally renowned.
Digital Excellence Scholarship
Dixie Belle Scholarship
The Dixie Belle Scholarship Program awards a grand prize winner $1,250 and two winners $750. The scholarship requires an essay about a creative approach leading to success.
Idaho Latino Scholarship
The Idaho Latino Scholarship is an annual scholarship for Idaho students of Hispanic/Latino descent that is available to graduating high school seniors as well as students currently attending a university.
Lightfoot Foundation Scholarship
The Lightfoot Foundation provides scholarships to students from the Treasure Valley.
The Child of Divorce/Single Parent Household Scholarship
This scholarship from the Miller Law Group offers an opportunity to students who are children of divorce or from a single-parent household.
There's Space for Everyone Scholarship
Extra Space Storage offers this scholarship annually in the spring for students who complete an essay about inclusion and diversity.
Adult & Professional Studies
Graduate & Professional Studies
Grants and scholarships for Graduate & Professional Studies are case by case and program by program. Please talk with your financial aid advisor to explore your options and ensure you have sufficient funds available.
Veterans
Yellow Ribbon Program
NNU has an unlimited number of Yellow Ribbon Scholarships available. This program makes additional funds available if your tuition and fees exceed the maximum available from the Post 9/11 GI Bill®. The Yellow Ribbon Program is only available to Veterans entitled to the maximum benefit rate (100 percent). Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for more information.
International Students
International Student Scholarships
Scholarships for international students related to language proficiency tests like Duolingo English Test, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) at Northwest Nazarene University can be found here.
Grants
Grants are financial awards given by governments, organizations, institutions or individuals. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid. Grants often have specific criteria and guidelines that applicants must meet.
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need (based on FAFSA information), and have not yet earned a bachelor’s, graduate or professional degree. To learn more about the Pell Grant, visit the Pell Grant page at Federal Student Aid.
FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (FSEOG)
Students who are Pell Grant eligible, may also be eligible for the SEOG fund. SEOG is awarded based on financial need and availability of funds. For more information visit Federal Student Aid.
