There are many different types of scholarships. Some scholarships are awarded based
on academic merit, and others are based on financial need. Please see the other sections
of our website for more specific information regarding scholarship opportunities available
from WCU and beyond.
Prime months for scholarship deadlines are January through April for awards beginning
the following fall term, but there are also many scholarships that have deadlines
in the fall. Many scholarships are only awarded once a year, so it’s important to
begin your search early and keep a calendar of upcoming deadlines.
Yes! Many students who receive scholarships also receive other types of financial
assistance.
It can. Total financial assistance received through scholarships, grants, work-study
and loans may not exceed the student’s cost of attendance. Receiving a scholarship
may necessitate a reduction in other financial aid. When possible, loans will be
reduced first. However, it is sometimes necessary to reduce work-study, grants, and/or
university scholarships. This is in accordance with federal regulations. Anytime
your financial aid award is adjusted, you will receive an updated award email from
the Financial Aid Office.
No, financial need is not a factor when considering students for merit-based scholarships.
However, we do encourage all students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.
Merit scholarships are based on academic performance. At WCU, we will evaluate your
high school credentials and standardized test scores in order to determine whether
or not you are eligible. Merit scholarships for transfer students are based on the
cumulative college grade point average. There is no separate application required
to be considered for merit-based scholarships.
In order to be considered for need-based scholarships, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the March 1 priority filing deadline.
Outside scholarships are available from many different sources including churches,
high schools, and private organizations. Check with your guidance counselor to see
if there is a list of scholarships from your local area. Another excellent resource
for scholarships is your local community foundation. You can find the foundation that serves your area by doing an Internet search.
Start in the places that are closest to you. Does your place of employment offer
scholarships? What about your parents’ places of employment? What about organizations
or other places in which you or your parents are involved? Our website will provide
you with some additional links to help with your scholarship search. There are many
scholarships out there, but you’re going to have to spend time looking for them.
No. There are many scholarship search resources available to you at no cost. We do
not recommend paying a fee for this type of service. Also, be aware of scholarship
scams. You should never provide your bank account information or credit card number
as part of a scholarship application or search.