Get help paying for college

Apply for financial aid

Financial aid can make paying for college more manageable. Eligibility for financial aid is determined by the amount of financial need you have when you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form.

File the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form is your ticket to need-based aid like grants, loans, and work-study programs. File the FAFSA as early as Oct. 1, 2025, for the 2026-27 school year.

  • Wayne State's FAFSA code is 002566
  • The priority deadline is April 1.
     

Applying for Aid  Learn more about the FAFSA

    Watch below on how to start the FAFSA

    Types of financial aid

    Wayne State financial aid comes in many different forms. Some types of financial aid are free and do not require repayment.

    Loans

    You can borrow federal or private student loans to help pay for college. Loans must be repaid with interest, but most federal loans don't require repayment until after you graduate. Students who borrow federal loans are typically required to complete entrance loan counseling before receiving funds and exit loan counseling before repayment begins. Parents may also explore options such as teh Parent PLUS loan application to help cover education costs.

    Our Tuition Guarantee

    Pell-qualified students can attend Wayne State tuition-free. Qualified students pursuing a bachelor's degree will receive a combination of grants, college remissions, or scholarships to fill any tuition gap left after the Pell Grant.

    Grants

    Grants are free money that don't require repayment. Most federal and state grants are based on financial need, and you may qualify for one or more as determined by your FAFSA.

    Federal Work-Study

    The Federal Work Study Program (FWS) is need-based financial aid that provides part-time jobs for undergraduate students so they can earn money to help offset their education expenses.

    Graduate Student Financial Aid

    Eligible graduate students may receive financial assistance after completing the FAFSA verification process and application. Wayne State also offers graduate teaching assistantships in each major graduate field of study.

    Summer Aid

    Summer financial aid is available to undergraduate and graduate students at Wayne State College who have completed the FAFSA.

    WSC celebrates Veteran's day
    In recognition of your service

    College tuition assistance for military, first responders, and their families

    Wayne State College is committed to reducing the cost of education for military service members, first responders, and their families.
    • Military Tuition Assistance - There are several ways military members and veterans can receive college tuition assistance, including the Military Tuition Assistance (TA) Program, the G.I. Bill, and the Yellow Ribbon Program. Dependents of service members and veterans can also receive assistance through the Waiver of Tuition for Nebraska Dependents, Dependent and Survivor Assistance, and the transferring of Post 9/11 G.I. Bill benefits.
    • First Responder and Dependent Education Benefit - Law enforcement officers, professional firefighters, and their dependent children may qualify to receive a tuition waiver after federal and state financial aid have been awarded.
    • In the Line of Duty Dependent Education Benefit - Children of fallen law enforcement officers and firefighters may receive a waiver to cover their remaining tuition charges after federal and state financial aid has been awarded.

    Scholarships

    Wayne State College believes in recognizing and rewarding the potential of every student from the moment they are admitted. That’s why we offer a range of scholarships right at the point of admission. Incoming freshmen are awarded automatic admission-based scholarships.

    Two WSC students walk across campus

    Estimate your cost

    College financial aid, scholarships, and other factors all play a role in what you’ll pay for college. Students may also consider payment plans for college to spread out expenses. Use our Net Price Calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your situation, including automatic merit scholarships. Additional scholarships and aid may require separate applications and may not be reflected in your estimate.

    A mockup of the net price calculator on a smartphone

    Resources and assistance

    Financial Aid and FAFSA Information

    Questions? Contact:

    Financial Aid Office

    Hahn Administration, Room 104
    1111 Main Street
    Wayne, NE 68787

    Phone: 402-375-7229
    Fax: 402-375-7067
    Email: [email protected]