How GPA/ACT/SATs andCan Affect Tuition Costs

Most colleges do not require standardized test (ACT and/or SAT) scores any longer, but a good score will increase the amount of the academic scholarship awarded. Similarly, the higher your GPA, the higher the scholarship amount. 

Don’t get “sticker shock” when you first see the cost of tuition! Chances are that you will only have to pay a fraction of that.

The example below is from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa:

• Tuition, housing, food, and fees = $47,500

  • Average of housing rates; rate varies depending on campus housing choice.

• Average scholarships and grants = -$26,000

  • Individual scholarships and grants depend on a family’s FAFSA results. The average is based on a student with a GPA of 3.75 and a student aid index (SAI) of $21,858.

  • You will have to resubmit FAFSA every year and for each child your student/s attend college.

• Federal direct loan = -$5,500

• Average out-of-pocket = $16,000

Estimate your scholarship:

• Cumulative GPA = Scholarship Amount

  • 4.0 = $14,000 (Peale Scholarship)

    • Add $1,000 if you submit an ACT score of 25+ 

  • 3.8 to 3.99 = $13,000 (Presidential Scholarship)

    • Add $1,000 if you submit an ACT score of 25+ 

  • 3.5 to 3.79 = $12,000 (Collegiate Scholarship)

    • Add $1,000 if you submit an ACT score of 25+ 

  • 3.2 to 3.49 = $11,000 (Academic Achievement Award)

    • Add $1,000 if you submit an ACT score of 25+ 

  • 3.0 to 3.19 = $10,000 (Academic Achievement Award)

    • Add $1,000 if you submit an ACT score of 25+ 

  • 2.65 to 2.99 = $9,000 (Raider Award)

    • Add $1,000 if you submit an ACT score of 25+ 

  • 2.0 to 2.64 = $7,500 (Raider Award)

    • You MUST submit an ACT score of 18+ to be eligible.

    • Add $1,000 if you submit an ACT score of 25+

  • Any GPA below 2.0 is not eligible for admission.

• ACT/SAT bonus

  • Northwestern is test-optional for applicants with a GPA of 2.65+. But it still benefits you to send in your scores.

    • ACT/SAT scores of 24/1190 submitted by December 31st receive a $500 bonus.

    • ACT/SAT scores of 25 to 28/1200 to 1320 receive a $1,000 bonus.

    • ACT/SAT scores of 29/1330 submitted by December 31st receive a $1,500 bonus.

• ACT testing information

  • Register early

    • December 14th test date

      • Registration deadline = November 8th

      • Late registration = November 22nd

    • February 8th test date

      • Registration deadline = January 3rd

      • Late registration = January 20th 

  • Test center locator

    • CPU High School = February 8th, 2025

    • Coe College

    • Marion High School

    • Linn-Mar High School

    • Kirkwood Community College

    • Prairie High School

    • Mount Vernon High School

    • Iowa Valley High School (Marengo)

    • Anamosa High School

    • Maquoketa Valley High School (Delhi)

• Additional scholarships

  • Visits

    • Many colleges offer scholarships for simply visiting campus.

      • These range from $1,000 to $5,000.

  • Athletics

    • There are several ways to get athletic scholarships.

      • Reach out to the coaches directly.

      • Ask your current coach to speak to the college coaches.

      • Create a profile on a recruiting site.

        • We have personally had success with FieldLevel. It is a free site and super easy to use.

  • eSports

  • Music

  • Theatre

  • Worship Arts

  • Stand Out Scholarships 

    • Students with the potential to enrich campus community through their academic, leadership or mission gifts.

  • Nursing

  • Biology

  • Local Banks

  • Military

  • Aspiring Teachers

  • Church

  • Country Clubs/Golf Courses

  • Bureau of Iowa College Aid

  • Iowa Student Loan Scholarships

  • Tuition Funding Sources

  • Scholarship Search by Sallie