The TIAA/Nuveen Scholarship Application 2025-2026

*Application for students beginning college in the 2026-2027 academic year.*

TIAA is a financial services agency founded in 1918. Nuveen is TIAA's asset management arm with investment expertise that spans across asset classes and a history of championing responsible investing practices for over 50 years. Our commitment to be the change—for our clients, associates and communities—has never wavered and it’s what motivates us to deliver lifetime income for all with investments that build a better world.

The TIAA/Nuveen Scholarship was established to provide educational support for young Chicagoans who are pursuing a 4-year college or university degree and who are exploring a career within the financial services industry.

This scholarship is not exclusive to students pursuing a career in finance services, as careers in the financial services industry can span to career paths such as Human Resources (HR), Legal, Marketing, Communications, Information Technology (IT), Finance, etc. All students interested, including those who are undecided about their career path, are welcome to apply.

The award provides four years of financial support and potential access to career development opportunities.

Eligible students must be rising first-year college students and current participants in the Chicago Scholars program. Eligible students must be first-generation college students, have a GPA of at least 2.5, a good attendance record, have demonstrated financial need, and demonstrate interest in exploring a career within the financial services industry. Priority consideration will be given to students who are planning to attend a Big10 university or a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

To learn more about TIAA/Nuveen and the work they're doing in the financial services industry, click here.

The Application Process

ELIGIBILITY and REQUIREMENTS

Current participant in the Chicago Scholars program
First-generation college student
Graduating high school senior with an unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher
Coursework, activities, and/or college plans demonstrate interest in exploring a career within the financial services industry (i.e. finance, marketing, human resources (HR), legal, communications, information technology (IT), etc.)
Seeking a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. four-year college or university on a full-time basis. Priority consideration for students who are planning to attend a Big10 University or HBCU.

Demonstrated financial need

AWARD

$2,500/year renewable for 4 years, for total award of $10,000.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1: Complete the CS Scholarship Pre-Application by May 20, 2026. The pre-application only needs to be completed once and can be used for multiple Chicago Scholars scholarships.

Step 2: Complete this TIAA/Nuveen application by May 20, 2026 including:

Written responses to two questions on next page.

INTERVIEW PROCESS AND SELECTION

Applicants will be notified of their status by June 15, 2026, with a request for an interview if accepted into the second round. During interviews, students will be asked to share their goals for the future and how this scholarship will allow them to achieve these goals. The recipients selected for the scholarship will be notified by June 30, 2026.

Before you begin the application:
Please ensure that you have the necessary information available to you. You may work on your written responses in another document first and copy them into this application. You will NOT be able to save and resume your work on the application, so you will need to submit in one sitting.

Remember, Chicago Scholars is here for you! If you have any questions regarding the scholarship application process or need assistance along the way, please contact us at: scholarships@chicagoscholars.org.

First Name:

Last Name:

Preferred Name

Preferred E-mail:

Phone Number:

Format should be (xxx) xxx-xxxx

I have completed the CS Scholarship Pre-Application , which is a required component of the TIAA/Nuveen Scholarship application.

YesNot yet, but planning to do so by May 20, 2026The CS Scholarship Pre-Application only needs to be completed once and can be used for multiple CS scholarships.

School and Program Information

I am interested in studying or working in the following fields:

Check all that apply (hold Ctr+ click to select multiple options).

Other--please explain

Comments (optional)

Written Responses

The TIAA/Nuveen Scholarship's mission is to support a student who is exploring a career within the financial services industry. This may include career paths such as human resources (HR), legal, marketing, communications, information technology (IT), finance, etc.

Written Response #1: In 500 words or less, tell us about your interest in the financial services industry and the career path(s) you are interested in exploring. Discuss why you are interested in exploring the career path(s) and what are your goals for the future.

Written Response #2: In 300 words or less, please discuss how the TIAA/Nuveen Scholarship would help you finance your college education. In your response, we encourage you to provide more context regarding your and/or your family's financial circumstances.

Signature Page

I have confirmed that all my information is correct, and I am ready to submit my application for the TIAA/Nuveen Scholarship.

YesNo

I understand that completion of this application form is only one part of my scholarship application. My TIAA/Nuveen Scholarship application will only be considered complete when I have also submitted the CS Scholarship Pre-Application.

YesNoThe CS Scholarship Pre-Application only needs to be completed once and can be used for multiple CS scholarships.

I understand that, during the application review period, the CS Scholarships Team may request additional information (such as recent financial aid award letters, updated information regarding other scholarships received, college admissions updates, etc.).

YesNo

I certify that this application and all attachments are complete and true. I hereby authorize Chicago scholars to furnish copies of my academic record, this application, and letters of recommendation to the Scholarship Committee and the scholarship donor for review. I authorize my college or university and/or Chicago Scholars to furnish information on academic progress to the scholarship donor. If selected, I further authorize release of information for publicity purposes.

YesNo

Applicant Signature:

Submission Date (today):