Western Michigan University will limit institutional funds (i.e., need-based grants, merit scholarships, departmental scholarships, employee tuition waivers, Indian Tuition Grant Waiver, etc.) to the annual cost of attendance.
ADMISSIONS SCHOLARSHIPS
Whether you are entering college for the first time after completing high school, or are transferring to WMU from another institution, be sure to check out our scholarship options. Students earn scholarships for academic success, promoting multicultural awareness and financial need. In order for admissions scholarships to pay to your student account, you must be enrolled full-time and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS
WMU’s Financial Aid Office disburses all athletic aid to student athletes. The athletic department offers athletic aid according to NCAA guidelines. Athletic aid is considered part of a student’s financial aid package and will be factored into student aid offers to ensure compliance with both Federal and NCAA regulations.
DEPARTMENTAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Many Western Michigan University students benefit from scholarships offered through different colleges and programs.
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Aviation
- College of Education and Human Development
- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
- College of Fine Arts
- College of Health and Human Services
- Graduate College
- Haworth College of Business
- Lee Honors College
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS
Through the generous support of donors WMU has over 50 endowed scholarships that are available to students. To be considered for these and other scholarships, please access WMU’s ScholarshipUniverse system. Applications for the 2023-24 academic year open Dec. 1, 2022 and close March 1, 2023. ScholarshipUniverse Instructions
GRADUATE AWARDS
Scholarships and Grants
Graduate students are not eligible for the same financial aid programs that undergraduate students receive, which means no state or federal grant money. Your aid package will consist mostly of loans. However, scholarships and other funding may be available throughout the Graduate College.
Assistantships
WMU offers three categories of graduate assistantships: teaching, research and non-teaching or service through the Graduate College. These programs are a great way to help pay for your graduate degree.
GRANTS
Residence Hall Grant
Returning, undergraduate students who have completed a FAFSA that demonstrates financial need may qualify for a $4,000 WMU Residence Hall Grant that can be applied to the cost of their on-campus rooms. Please note, campus apartment costs cannot be covered by the Residence Hall Grant. Students will be contacted if they qualify for the offer. Contacted students who indicate interest in the grant will be asked to reply by January and preliminary offers will be made in the spring semester for the next academic year. A limited number of these offers are available.
WMU Achievement Grant
Eligibility Criteria: The WMU Achievement Grant is a need-based grant for undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelors degree. Students must complete the FAFSA for the appropriate aid year, be enrolled at least half-time and have an estimated family contribution (EFC) up to $10,999.
Terms: This grant is renewable, but students must reapply for financial aid and meet eligibility criteria each year. This grant is available to undergraduate students only.
INSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS - RENEWALS AND APPEALS
Full-time enrollment and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) are required for scholarships to pay. If students are not meeting SAP requirements, then they must complete a SAP appeal with the Office of Student Financial Aid. If students SAP appeal is granted, the reinstated SAP status will automatically allow the scholarship to pay and no additional scholarship appeal is necessary. Please contact Bronco Express for further questions at (269) 387-6000 or finaid-info@wmich.edu.
To retain your renewable Western Michigan University scholarship, you must:
1) Enroll for at least 12 hours each Fall and Spring semester at WMU.
2) Pass a minimum of 24 hours at WMU each Fall and Spring semester, AND
3) Achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of between 2.0 and 3.5, depending on your offer (see below).
Classes taken at another university or college, or in either summer session at WMU, are not factored into your overall completion and cannot be used as part of your appeal. By submitting this form, you are explaining your deficiency and requesting reinstatement of your scholarship. Appeals for reinstatement should be received by Oct. 1 for Fall reinstatement or March 1 for Spring reinstatement. Once a scholarship has been lost, the student must appeal for reinstatement within one calendar year. Scholarship appeals will be considered one per student, per offer. Failure to maintain eligibility for a reinstated scholarship will result in the termination of that award. Scholarship Reinstatement Appeal form
| OFFER | RENEWAL CRITERIA |
| Medallion Scholarship | 3.5 GPA, 28 hours completed |
| President's Academic Excellence | 3.5 GPA, 28 hours completed |
| Admissions Scholarships (Bronco Merit, Bronco Recognition, Brown & Gold, Bronco Honors) | 3.5 GPA, 28 hours completed |
| Transfer Scholarships | 3.5 GPA, 24 hours completed |
| Bronco Merit PLUS Scholarship | 3.0 GPA, 30 hours completed |
Multicultural Leadership Scholarship, MLK Gold Scholarship, Detroit Promise, Dean's Award, WMU Incentive | 2.5 GPA, 24 hours completed |
| Foundation Scholarship, Legacy Gold, Transfer Gold, Brown and Gold | 3.0 GPA, 24 hours completed |
| Bronco Book Award | 3.0 GPA, 24 hours completed |
| Seita Scholarship | Satisfactory Academic Progress. The standards for satisfactory academic progress are on our website at wmich.edu/finaid, under "eligibility'. If satisfactory academic progress is required for renewal of your scholarship, you must file the SAP appeal form. You can get this form on our website under "forms". You must additionally contact the Seita office for scholarship reinstatement approval. |
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
International students do not qualify for federal financial aid, but institutional scholarships may be available through WMU’s International Admissions and Services office. Please visit their website if you are interested in learning more about these opportunities.
DEPENDENT TUITION REMISSION/REDUCTION
Western offers a discount program for benefits-eligible employees and a remission program for the spouse and dependent children of employees with full-time benefits eligibility. Remission is 75% of tuition and required fees (records initiation fee, enrollment fee, student assessment fee and EUP technology fee) for courses offered and taken for academic credit at WMU and requires an application. Students must be enrolled as undergraduate students in credit bearing courses to receive this benefit. More information is available through WMU Human Resources. Please note that the 100% tuition discount for faculty and staff is managed by Accounts Receivable.
STUDENT EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND
The Student Emergency Relief Fund (SERF) is available to assist students with financial needs outside of the expected costs of education.
UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS
Privately funded assistance is available on a limited basis for non-citizens who are undocumented and having difficulty paying their tuition. In addition to tuition assistance, students with a work-eligible status such as DACA are eligible for jobs on campus. Information about student employment is available at Handshake.
2023-24 Scholarship Aid for Undocumented/DACA Students Guidelines
- For undergraduate students who are ineligible to receive federal student aid due to an undocumented/DACA status.
- Open to admitted freshmen, admitted transfer and returning/currently enrolled students.
- Students are encouraged to apply early as awards are limited and subject to funding availability.
Students must demonstrate financial need (per financial documents submitted with the undocumented student/DACA application).
Full-time enrollment each semester is required.
Up to $6,000 per year.
Award may be renewable if student:
- Submits a new Undocumented/DACA Scholarship Application for the following year.
- Remains enrolled full-time (Fall and Spring).
- Maintains good academic standing/Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- Though students must reapply for the funds yearly, they may receive the award up to 10 semesters or 150 credit hours, whichever comes first.
Please login to view 2023-24 DACA applications.