Financial Aid/Scholarships
Graduate Assistantships
School of Social Work Scholarships
Rebecca Binkowski Memorial Scholarship
Charlene Cove Russell Endowed Scholarship
Nathaniel McCaslin Scholarship
Robert Barstow Scholarship
Deloris Jordan Phillips Scholarship
Whitney Young Scholar Award
Gernant Gerontology Scholarship
WMU Graduate College Programs
Western Michigan University Financial Aid
Graduate Assistantships
The School of Social Work employs two to three graduate assistants to facilitate the program objectives of the School and the professional or teaching objectives of faculty members.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must plan to take six or more credit hours for two consecutive semesters
- Priority given to evidence of professional academic interest and abilities for meeting specific programmatic needs
- Scholastic merit and/or financial need will be considered, but are secondary
Award Amount: Varies
Note: Participation in the professional activities of the department for a specified number of hours (10 hours in the case of a one-half appointment) is required. Application for an assistantship can be made to the School of Social Work after the student has been offered admission.
For Graduate Assistantship information and application,
Contact: Amy Tuley, amy.tuley@wmich.edu, (269) 387-3200
School of Social Work Scholarships
In an attempt to assist students with some of their financial burden, the School of Social Work offers a few scholarship opportunities. The application deadline for School of Social Work scholarships are:
- Currently enrolled MSW students: March 15 for awards for the next academic year
- Currently enrolled BSW students: September 15 for the current academic year
- Incoming MSW students: applications due with program application
For School of Social Work scholarship information and application,
Contact: Beth van den Hombergh ,beth.vandenhombergh@wmich.edu, (269) 387-3201
Rebecca Binkowski Memorial Scholarship:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be second-year, full-time M.S.W. student
- At least a 3.75 GPA
Award Amount: $1000 - $ 4000 depending on availability
Charlene Cove Russell Endowed Scholarship:
Eligibility Criteria:
- 3.0 grade point average
Award Amount: no less than $500 depending on availability
Steven Crumm Scholarship:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a full-time M.S.W. student
- Priority given to single parents and working students
Award Amount: no less than $500 depending on availability
Note: Awarded to one student annually in the fall semester
Nathaniel McCaslin Scholarship:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a B.S.W. student or second-year M.S.W. student
- Must be in good academic standing
- Member of a disenfranchised group
- Priority given to those who meet one or more of the following criteria: first generation family member pursuing a college degree; commitment to working with adolescents; single parent status; history of, or interest in, working in a community service area
Award Amount: no less than $250 depending on availability
Note: Awarded to one B.S.W. and one second year M.S.W. in the spring semester.
Robert Barstow Scholarship:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a full-time or part-time B.S.W. student or first year M.S.W. student
- Priority given to those who meet one or more of the following criteria: the past or present TANF/AFDC recipient; current or past employee of Department of Human Services; express an interest in child welfare.
Award Amount: no less than $500 depending on availability
Note: Awarded to one B.S.W. and one first year M.S.W. in the fall semester.
Deloris Jordan Phillips Scholarship:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be B.S.W. or M.S.W. student
- Academic merit – awarded to the applicant with the best academic record
Award Amount: no less than $1000 depending on availability. The scholarship is a two-year award which provides half the award during the fall semester of each years.
Whitney Young Scholar Award(s):
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student from any WMU academic department
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- Demonstrated history of community service
Award Amount: $500
Note: Students are nominated by faculty or staff.
Gernant Gerontology Scholarship
The Leonard Gernant and Frances A. Gernant Gerontology Scholarship
Contact: Dr. Donna Weinreich, donna.weinreich@wmich.edu , (269) 387-3193
Eligibility Criteria
- Undergraduates focusing on gerontology and older adults
- Must be enrolled as a full-time student at WMU (a minimum of 12 semester hours)
- Preference shall be given to students demonstrating overall high academic achievement at WMU and dedication to a career in Health and Human Service areas with an emphasis on serving the aging.
- Financial need shall be a secondary consideration when there are more academically qualified applicants than awards available.
Award Amount: minimum of $500
Note: Renewable for two years only
WMU Graduate College Programs
Western Michigan University provides fellowships and assistantships for students planning to pursue graduate study. To learn more about them, visit www.wmich.edu/grad/funding or call The Graduate College at (269) 387-8212
Western Michigan University Financial Aid
The WMU Student Financial Aid Office facilitates application to various financial assistance programs. For all loan information, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid early in the application process. Early loan applications have priority. It is best to apply between January 1 and March 1.