As a state university, Western Carolina University receives taxpayer support and is able to provide residents access to a university education for remarkably reasonable tuition.

After you choose a major in engineering or technology at WCU, we encourage you to investigate scholarship opportunities that may be available to you. We have put together this resource to get you started, but you should also check other sources. 

We have assembled this information as a convenience for you and cannot guarantee that all information is current; you need to independently verify the current availability and requirements of any scholarship for which you hope to apply.

Deadlines vary: check them NOW so you can plan ahead.

• Western Meritorious Awards: National Merit Finalists receive in-state tuition, fees, room, board, and computer. National Merit Semi-Finalists receive in-state tuition, fees, and computer. Submit documentation of your status from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
• Chancellor’s Awards in-state tuition and fees (PDF)
• Patrons of Quality Awards $3000 annually ($12,000 total) (PDF)
• Achievement Awards $2,500 annually ($10,000 total) (PDF)
• Distinguished Scholar Awards $2000 annually ($8,000 total) (PDF)
• Scholarships Just for Engineering and Technology Students
• WCU Scholarships
• North Carolina Scholarships (PDF)
• Scholarships for Women (PDF)
• Academic Scholarships for Athletes (PDF)
• Scholarships Based on Ethnicity (PDF)
• Engineering Society Scholarships (PDF)
• US Government Sponsored Scholarships (PDF)
• Military, Veteran or Law Enforcement Scholarships (PDF)
• Additional Scholarship Links (PDF)

Many of the scholarships available through the Kimmel School of Construction Management, Engineering and Technology require students file the federal Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) by January 31.  The following engineering and technology scholarships are awarded in April of every year. All scholarship application materials must be in by February 28.

The Joshua Thomas Grooms Scholarship: Available to outstanding full-time junior and senior engineering technology students at WCU. Recipient must have previously completed a FAFSA form through the campus financial aid office. Short essay required with application. $200 to $500 awards available. See Dr. Ken Burbank in Belk 220 for details. Joshua Grooms Scholarship Application (Word doc)

Specialty Tool and Fastener Distributors Scholarship (STAFDA): Available to outstanding full-time engineering technology students at WCU. Awards up to $1500 available. See Dr. William McDaniel in Belk 230 for details.

Jackson Paper Scholarship: Available to outstanding full-time engineering technology students at WCU. Awards up to $500 available. See Professor Chip Ferguson in Belk 223 for details.

Caterpillar Equipment Scholarship: Available to outstanding full-time engineering technology students at WCU. Awards up to $2000 available. See Professor Chip Ferguson in Belk 223 for details.

Educational Talent Search Program at WCU scholarship list, mostly for NC students.