National Science Foundation Engineering & Computer Science Scholarship
Receive financial aid and academic support to earn engineering and computer science degrees at CLC
National Science Foundation (NSF) scholars receive up to $5,000 in support each semester. Up to 25 students will be admitted into this prestigious program each year.
In addition to the financial award, if you are an NSF Scholar, you receive:
- tutoring from full-time faculty in math, physics, computer science and engineering
- advising on engineering academic issues for your field
- mentoring for career advice
- membership in a professional society for engineering or computer science
- eligibility for transfer assistance to a four-year college/university of your choice (UIUC, UIC, NIU, MSOE, etc.)
- work and socialize in a cohort group with fellow scholars in the Baxter Innovation Lab
You will work with other scholars as a team, taking classes, socializing, and studying together. The program includes an Introduction to Engineering course in which you learn:
- academic success strategies
- engineering and computer science as a profession
- teamwork skills
NSF Scholar eligibility guidelines
If you plan to get your associates degree in Engineering or Computer Science and transfer to a 4-year university for your Bachelor's of Science degree, you may be eligible to receive a scholarship under the NSF Engineering and Computer Science Scholar Program.
Incoming and current CLC students are eligible to apply for the program.
To be considered, you must also meet other qualifications:
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours or more per semester) with a major in Engineering (AES) or Computer Science (AS with MCS subplan)
- be placed into a mathematics class at College Algebra level or above
- qualify for need-based federal financial aid, Pell grant eligible
Deadlines & award criteria
A committee of CLC faculty distributes awards based on academic potential, financial need and proven commitment to academic goals. Members of underrepresented groups, such as minorities or women, are encouraged to apply.
Applications for the Spring 2026 NSF Scholarship must be submitted by Jan 23, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply by January 9 for the first round of reviews.
Apply to the scholarship
You are eligible to apply for scholarships as soon as you become a CLC student. Use your student login to view scholarship opportunities and complete the application form. Once you do, a CLC representative connects with you to help you through the application process.
Frequently asked questions
Programs eligible for the NSF scholarship
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Transfer Degree
Engineering and Computer Science A.E.S.
Associate in Engineering Science- Cost
- $11,550* (estimated)
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Transfer Degree
Computer Science A.S.
Associate in Science- Cost
- $10,850* (estimated)
