WGU Scholarships For Students

Scholarships can help fund your education, reduce student debt, and make college more affordable. WGU offers scholarships for deserving students to help lower their tuition so they can focus on their studies without the extra financial stress. They may be based on various factors like merit, financial need, field of study, or affiliation with specific organizations. In this article, we’ll break down the types of WGU scholarships, how to apply, what they offer, who qualifies, and other financial aid options that might be available to you.

Why Does WGU Offer Scholarships?

WGU is committed to making higher education accessible and affordable. Through scholarships, They aim to remove one of the biggest obstacles—financial strain—students face when considering a degree. By awarding scholarship money, it invests in your future to encourage you to work hard, succeed in your studies, and ultimately graduate. This commitment reflects WGU’s goal to empower students to improve their lives through education.

Types of WGU Scholarships

WGU offers many types of scholarships to suit different students’ needs. These are divided into four main categories, making finding something that fits your situation more manageable. Let’s look at each type in detail.

General Scholarships

These scholarships have broad eligibility requirements and are open to students in any program. One example is the Education That Works for You Scholarship, which awards $500 per term and is renewable for up to four terms for a maximum of $2,000.

College-Specific Scholarships

Some scholarships are specific to a college or degree program, such as the Excellence in Health Information Management Scholarship, which is available only for new students pursuing a Bachelor’s in Health Information Management. This Scholarship also funds $500 per term for up to four terms.

Partnered Organization Scholarships

WGU has partnerships with several organizations, providing scholarships to employees or affiliates of those organizations. For example, if you work for a qualifying healthcare organization, you might be eligible for a healthcare partnership scholarship that funds $625 per term for up to four terms (totaling $2,500).

State-Based Scholarships

Western Governors University also offers state-specific scholarships. For Example, Texas students with an associate degree from a Texas community college can qualify for the Finish to Go Further with the WGU Texas Scholarship.

Each category of scholarships has its own requirements, so make sure to check the WGU scholarships page for the latest opportunities available based on your field of study, location, or any partnerships you may be part of. Click On the Button to Check.

Eligibility and Application Process

When to Apply

Scholarships are available to students within 90 days before or 30 days after their program start date. This four-month window ensures that scholarships align with your start date. Apply as soon as possible within this time frame to increase your chances.

Eligibility Criteria

Here’s what they consider:

• Financial need is a factor but not as strictly defined as it is for federal aid.
• Your previous academic records are reviewed to understand how well you may perform in a WGU program.
• Experience in your field of study is beneficial, mainly since WGU uses a competency-based approach.
• If your income has changed recently or other personal factors affect your finances, mention them on the application.

Application

To apply, you’ll need a few things on hand:

• Your scholarship application uses the same login credentials as your WGU student portal. Your enrollment counselor will guide you if you don’t have these yet.
• Set aside at least an hour to complete your application thoroughly. There are short essay questions, and they evaluate the quality of your answers.
• They ask for your most recent tax year’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and household size.
• A professional resume isn’t required but can enhance your application by showcasing your experience and how it aligns with your chosen field.
• Some scholarships, like proof of employment or military affiliation, may need extra verification.

Applying through Scholarship Universe

WGU partners with Scholarship Universe, a platform that connects students with both WGU and external scholarships. It makes the process of finding and applying easier and allows access to all potential funding sources in one place.

Click on the Button to access the universe site and follow the guide:

1. Log in to Scholarship Universe using your WGU credentials.
2. Answer a series of qualifying questions to help the system match you with scholarships for which you’re eligible.
3. Browse through matched scholarships from WGU (indicated by a column logo) and external sources (indicated by a globe).
4. Click “Apply” on each Scholarship you qualify for and submit your application and any necessary documents.

The Review Process: What Happens Next?

Once you submit your application, the scholarship review team assesses it. The review process can take up to three months, so apply as early as possible. They will contact you for a phone interview, but this is not always required. You’ll be notified of your decision via email. Here’s what the review team looks at:

• Application Quality
• Transcripts (Academic performance to gauge your potential success).
• Financial Need (AGI and household size are considered).
• Experience and Documents:

If You Are Awarded a Scholarship

Congratulations! Here are some things to keep in mind:

• You must accept the scholarship terms within 60 days of being awarded and start your program within that timeframe.
• These are posted to your WGU account on the 15th of the first month of each term. To renew, you must meet On-Time Progress (OTP) standards—undergraduates must complete 12 Credit Units (CUs) per term, and graduate students must complete 8 CUs per term.

Additional Financial Aid Opportunities

External scholarships are also available to WGU students. WGU doesn’t manage these scholarships, but you can still apply through Scholarship Universe. External scholarships usually operate independently, so direct questions to the scholarship provider. Avoid sharing your social security number or paying any application fee when applying. These are red flags.

Conclusion

WGU offers real options for students to fund their education, which is a unique opportunity to lessen the financial burden of higher education. So if you will get admission, you can apply, but check before you fulfill the requirements.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions