Two WSC students walk across camps

Scholarships

Wayne State College offers hundreds of types of scholarships. You can complete the scholarship application process after you apply for admission and are accepted to WSC.

All Wayne State students are eligible to apply for scholarships.

And now all first-time freshmen who apply for admission to WSC are guaranteed a scholarship at the point of admission.

 

Scholarships at Wayne State College

Scholarships are a form of gift aid that does not need to be repaid. All students are eligible for scholarships. They are not based on your financial situation or your family's. Scholarships may be provided by the College, private donors, or other sources. They may be awarded for academic achievement, leadership, talent and other qualities, financial need, or encouragement in a particular field of study.

We encourage you to explore and apply for these scholarship opportunities to assist in managing your cost of attendance. Whether through merit-based awards, departmental scholarships, or external funding, we are dedicated to helping you explore every avenue to maximize your scholarship opportunities.

How to apply for scholarships

  1. Apply for admission - To apply for scholarships, you need to be admitted first.
  2. Log in to the scholarship portal - After you're admitted, use the WSC login credentials you receive to access the scholarship application.
  3. Review and complete the scholarship applications for the opportunities you qualify for - Complete any additional supplemental scholarship application(s) for additional opportunities you would like to be considered for.

Scholarship application tips  Explore all scholarship opportunities

View scholarship opportunities by student type:

First-time freshman scholarships

Incoming freshmen are automatically awarded scholarships at the time of admission. There are also additional scholarships for which freshmen must complete the scholarship application.

A student studies at a table

International student scholarships

Incoming freshmen international students are eligible for our International Student Award and benefit from our one-rate tuition.

An international student poses with a flag

Returning student scholarships

Sophomores, juniors, and seniors returning to WSC beyond their first year are eligible for designated scholarships. Many scholarships they may have received as freshmen may also be renewable.

Students visit together at a table

Military student scholarships

Students who are veterans or current members of the military, as well as their families, are eligible to receive designated scholarships.

Military colors on the WSC football field

Transfer student scholarships

Incoming transfer students are eligible for current/returning student scholarships and athletic scholarships, as well as transfer student scholarship opportunities.

Three students walk on campus

Graduate student scholarships

Some scholarships may be available for students pursuing their master's degree at Wayne State, including graduate assistants.

A graduate at the commencement ceremony in Rice Auditorium

Merit scholarships

  • Wayne State’s most premiere scholarship program, this scholarship is named after WSC alumnus and Poet Laurete of Nebraska, John G. Neihardt. The Neihardt scholarship offers full tuition for four years, a renewable double occupancy room waiver, and a $500 annual stipend.

    To be eligibile, students should have a verified ACT of at least 25 or an SAT of at least 1200, and a verified 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale for six semesters. This program offers special classes and advising. Must maintain a 3.25 GPA to renew.

    Application deadline is Dec. 1.

    Neihardt Scholarship

  • This scholarship provides full tuition and a half housing waiver, renewable for four years.

    To qualify, students must have a verified ACT score of at least 30 or an SAT of at least 1390. Must maintain a 3.25 GPA to renew.

    Application deadline is Dec. 1.

    Presidential Scholarship

  • This scholarship is for students graduating from a Nebraska high school and provides full tuition up to 18 credit hours per semester, renewable for four years (not to exceed 128 credit hours maximum).

    To be eligible, student should be a first-time freshman and have a verified ACT score of at least 25 or a composite SAT score of at least 1200 and a verified GPA of 3.5. Offers will be extended on a priority basis, as there are a limited number of awards available. Students must maintain a 3.25 GPA to renew.

    Application deadline is Jan. 15.

    Board of Trustees Scholarship

Program-specific scholarships

  • Receive a generous scholarship package over four years and help strengthen the future workforce of Nebraska.

    Scholarship ranges from $5,000 up to $15,000 per year to cover tuition, fees, room, and board. The bulk of the scholarship will be paid out during your senior year to help cover housing while you live in a participating community. The total scholarship package is valued around $33,000* over your four years in the program.

    • Freshman Year: $5,000
    • Sophomore Year: $6,000
    • Junior Year: $7,000
    • Senior Year: $5,000 for tuition and up to $10,000 for housing

    Students receiving additional WSC scholarships will be awarded the highest amount between the scholarships.

    Application deadline is May 1.

    Career Scholars Program

  • Receive annual scholarships, research and travel stipends, and programmatic support throughout your college journey while helping to reshape the future STEM workforce of Nebraska.

    STEM scholarships are available to eligible Wayne State College students pursuing STEM majors. Eligible students can receive up to $10,000 annually, based on their unmet financial needs. These scholarships are funded by the National Science Foundation.

    Application deadline is Dec. 1.

    Nebraska S-STEM Program

  • Designed to help meet the state's health care needs, RHOP recruits students from rural Nebraska to become health care professionals. RHOP students receive free tuition at WSC and guaranteed admission to UNMC.

    Application deadline is Dec. 1.

    RHOP

  • For rural students interested in law school, RLOP offers free tuition at WSC with guaranteed admission into the Nebraska College of Law.

    Application deadline is Nov 15.

    RLOP

Additional opportunities

Scholarship notifications

Recipients are selected for scholarships based on their qualifications, application materials, and the applicant pool. Students will be notified of scholarship selection via postal mail. To view scholarship information and accept awards, students should visit the Financial Aid tab in WildcatsOnline.

A WSC student uses a laptop

Estimate your cost

You may qualify for multiple scholarships at Wayne State, but your total cost will depend on your full financial aid package and personal situation. Use our Net Price Calculator to get a personalized estimate, including automatic merit scholarships based on your academic profile.

A mockup of the net price calculator on a smartphone

Questions? Contact:

If you have any questions about scholarships or the scholarship award system, please contact:

Incoming freshmen

Admissions Office
Phone: 402-375-7234
Toll-free: 866-972-2287
[email protected]

Current or transfer students

Financial Aid Office
Phone: 402-375-7229
Toll-free: 800-228-9972 ext. 7229
[email protected]