Wayne State Extends Tuition Guarantee to New Non-Resident Students

Wayne State College has expanded its Tuition Guarantee Program to include new freshmen and transfer students from outside Nebraska, further enhancing opportunities for students from across the region to complete their degrees. The program, which was originally launched in 2020 for Nebraska residents, recognizes the need for a quality, affordable education pathway for out-of-state students.

This is one of many steps taken by Wayne State and the Nebraska State College System (NSCS) to remove barriers to degree completion. Just last month, the NSCS Board of Trustees approved the extension of the acceptance of associate degrees to fully meet general studies requirements, along with up to 66 credits of transfer coursework, from all accredited two-year institutions. Previously, these transfer guarantees were solely provided to students transferring from Nebraska two-year institutions.

As the most affordable four-year college in the region, Wayne State works hard each year to keep education affordable and accessible. This new extension of the tuition guarantee to non-resident freshmen provides another path for budget-conscious students and their families to attain an excellent four-year degree while avoiding student debt.

“A great education should not come with a heavy price tag,” said Marysz Rames, president of Wayne State. “As a first-generation college student myself, I understand the hesitation students and families have when weighing their choices for a degree. That is why programs like the tuition guarantee matter so much for the hard-working families we serve. We are excited that we are now able to extend these benefits to students from out of state.”

The Nebraska State College Transfer Guarantee is a comprehensive program that removes academic and financial barriers for transfer students. The guarantee promises students that up to 66 hours of transfer coursework will be accepted from accredited two-year institutions while also providing institutional supports that will assist students on their degree pathways. In addition, students who have completed an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree will automatically have all general studies requirements fully met. The tuition guarantee ensures that Pell-qualified resident and non-resident transfer students can attend Wayne State College tuition-free.

"Governor Ricketts and the Department of Economic Development recently launched ‘The Good Life is Calling’ campaign, promoting the unmatched quality of life, affordable housing, and top-notch schools that Nebraska has to offer to recruit individuals and families to the State. Nebraska is also a great place to complete your degree," said Dr. Paul Turman, Chancellor of the Nebraska State College System (NSCS).

Eliminating obstacles in awarding transfer credit is vital for transfer students to continue and complete their four-year degrees. Expanding transfer credit opportunities for transfer students from all accredited two-year institutions allows these students to transfer in additional credits, complete their four-year degrees in less time, and incur less debt.

Qualified first-time freshmen and transfer students pursuing an undergraduate degree will receive a combination of federal grants, state or private grants, college remissions, or College Foundation scholarships to fill any tuition gap left after the Pell Grant. The guarantee does not cover additional costs such as room and board, books, and fees. However, the student's private or community scholarships will not be considered when providing support to cover tuition costs.

To qualify, students must:

• be designated as a first-time freshman or an incoming transfer student in fall 2022;
• be admitted to Wayne State College;
• be Pell Grant eligible as determined by the FAFSA, which should be completed on or before April 1 to receive priority consideration; and
• enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, including one or more on-campus classes.

The guarantee is renewable for up to four years as long as the student remains Pell-eligible, in good academic standing, and continues as a full-time on-campus student.