Scholarship policies
Scholarship and institutional aid policies
Wayne State University offers a variety of institutional scholarship funding to outstanding students based on academic merit, talent, financial need, or a combination of factors. These scholarships are funded in three primary ways:
- Governmental funding: Scholarships provided through state or federal government programs.
- Private funding: Scholarships supported by donations or contributions from individuals, foundations, or corporations.
- University General Fund funding: Scholarships financed directly by Wayne State University's internal budget.
These policies pertain only to institutional scholarships from the university. Requirements for federal and state awards are outlined separately on the financial aid web pages of Wayne State University.
Types of awards
Wayne State University offers a range of institutional awards, or institutional funding, which includes scholarships, grants, and tuition pledge programs. These awards are designed to support students financially, based on a variety of criteria such as merit, talent, and need. The types of awards offered include:
- Tuition pledge programs
The Wayne State Guarantee and Heart of Detroit Tuition Pledge: These programs cover tuition and standard fees (in-state rate) for students who qualify, using a combination of federal, state, and WSU scholarships and grants. These awards are renewable for up to four years, contingent on meeting the renewal criteria.
- Undergraduate Merit Scholarships
Undergraduate Merit Scholarships are automatically awarded to recent high school graduates and transfer students based on their admission applications. These scholarships are merit-based and offered by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
- Talent scholarships
Talent scholarships are awarded to recent high school graduates who demonstrate talent in areas like the arts or writing. These scholarships often require auditions, portfolios, or writing samples and are offered by various schools and colleges within WSU.
- WSU named scholarships
Named scholarships are endowed or annually funded scholarships that are privately supported through donations. The donors specify the award criteria, and decisions are made by various schools, colleges, and departments. Thank-you letters to donors are appreciated.
- Athletic scholarships
Athletic scholarships are awarded to students based on athletic merit and participation in NCAA athletic programs. Scholarships are offered by coaches, and the amount is determined based on NCAA team equivalency limitations and individual factors.
- Activity awards
Activity awards recognize students’ participation in university-related activities such as athletics, debate, art, theatre, dance, music, and student organizations.
- Graduate and professional school scholarships
These scholarships are for graduate students, awarded based on factors such as academic performance, program, and financial need. Criteria and availability vary by department and program.
Multiple award policy
Merit and talent awards
At Wayne State University, students who qualify for more than one institutional merit or talent scholarship will only receive the award with the greatest monetary value. This policy is designed to maximize the financial assistance offered to as many students as possible, ensuring that resources are distributed widely across the student body.
Tuition pledge programs
Tuition pledge program utilize all gift aid and tuition reductions to ensure tuition and standard fees are covered. This includes the Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, state scholarships and other WSU awards. Any gap between tuition and standards fees is covered by a WSU gap award.
If a student is awarded multiple scholarships or other gift aid that exceed tuition and standard fees, the remaining funding may be used to cover other educational expenses, such as housing and other university charges.
Cost of attendance (COA) policy
Wayne State University provides all students with an estimated Cost of Attendance (COA), which includes:
- Tuition and fees
- Books and supplies
- Living expenses
- Transportation costs
- Modest personal expenses
The COA serves as the financial aid budget and is a key factor in determining a student’s financial aid eligibility. Initially, the COA is calculated for students enrolled full-time, but it is adjusted based on actual tuition costs. The COA is reviewed annually to reflect current costs.
Policy on aid and COA limits
WSU policy states that students cannot receive financial aid exceeding their COA. If the total amount of aid from all sources surpasses the COA, WSU will reduce the aid package to align with the COA. This process begins by reducing student loans, but it may also require reductions in WSU institutional aid. Institutional awards do not affect Pell Grant eligibility, or the amount received.
Students can view their COA through the Financial Aid Portal in Academica.
Financial need policy
Federal financial aid regulations define financial need as the difference between the cost of attendance (COA) and the student's Student Aid Index (SAI). The SAI is determined using information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This definition of financial need is used for all WSU scholarship and award programs to avoid conflicts with federal regulations.
Full-time enrollment policy for undergraduate award programs
At Wayne State University, most undergraduate academic merit scholarships, need-based awards, and tuition pledge programs require full-time enrollment (12 credits or more) for each semester that the award is granted. This policy ensures that students receiving financial aid remain committed to their academic progress.
These awards are specifically for the fall and winter semesters and are typically divided equally between the two semesters.
Key points on full-time enrollment
- Full-time enrollment (12 credits or more) is required to maintain eligibility for academic merit, WSU need-based grants, and tuition pledge programs.
- If a student fails to enroll full-time or enrolls for fewer than 12 credits in either fall or winter semester, they may forfeit the award.
Attendance requirement
If a student fails to attend classes, their award will be canceled, and eligibility for the award during that semester will be forfeited.
Impact of complete withdrawal
If the student's tuition and fees are refunded or waived, the student will not be allowed to receive any refund from WSU award funds, and the award may be canceled. If this results in a balance owing to WSU, the student must repay the balance to the university.
If the student received federal financial aid that requires a federal return of funds calculation, the WSU award may be reduced or canceled to prevent an overpayment of excess funds after tuition and fees have been covered.
Repeated courses policy
For the purposes of WSU award disbursement, all attempted courses (including repeats) are counted towards the student’s enrollment status. This is distinct from federal and state aid policies, which only allow funding for one repeat of a previously passed course.
Wayne Advantage program scholarship proration policy
Scholarships awarded by one institution may only be applied to tuition, fees and other expenses at the institution that made the award. The combined passed hours and the WSU cumulative GPA will be used to determine eligibility for renewal. Eligibility will not be extended beyond the original terms of the award.
In order to receive a freshman WSU scholarship, a student must enroll their first semester at WSU for at least 12 credits. After the first semester, a student may receive an award proportional to enrollment at WSU.
New transfer students may receive an award proportional to enrollment at WSU in their first semester.
Student athletes receiving institutional aid
For student-athletes at Wayne State University, award amounts are determined on an individual basis, and eligibility for athletic aid is contingent on meeting NCAA, conference, and institutional regulations. Coaches work closely with the WSU athletics compliance office to ensure that all awards adhere to both individual and NCAA team equivalency limitations.
Incorporating athletic aid into financial aid package
Once a student-athlete accepts an athletic aid offer, the details are forwarded to the Office of Student Financial Aid, where the athletic award is integrated into the student’s overall financial aid package.
COA limitations
As with all WSU students, the total financial aid a student-athlete receives cannot exceed the Cost of Attendance (COA). The COA includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other related educational expenses. This policy applies universally to all WSU students, including student-athletes.
Other financial assistance policy
Any gift given to a student by a WSU entity, including direct payments or reimbursements, must be factored into their financial aid calculation. This policy aligns with federal financial assistance regulations, which require universities to consider all outside financial support when awarding aid.
Outside scholarships policy
If you are receiving an outside scholarship, you are required to notify Wayne State University's Office of Student Financial Aid in writing, directed to the Scholarship Unit. This is important because your financial aid package may need to be adjusted, and in some cases, you may be required to repay aid already disbursed. The Bursar's Office will notify you of any required repayments through a billing statement, which can be viewed online via Academica.
Handling scholarship checks
Scholarship checks are typically made payable either to the student and Wayne State University or just to WSU. The checks should be submitted to the WSU Cashier's Office, and the funds will be applied to your account. Unless otherwise specified by the donor, the scholarship will be split equally between the fall and winter semesters.
- Checks co-payable to you and WSU: You must sign the back of the check and include your student ID number.
- Checks payable only to WSU: No signature is required, but you must include your student ID number on the back.
- Checks payable only to you: Do not send these checks to WSU. You can manage them independently.
| Scholarship checks by mail: | Scholarship checks in person: |
|---|---|
| Wayne State University Cashier's Office P.O. Box 02788 Detroit, MI 48202 | Wayne State University Cashier's Office Welcome Center 42. W. Warren, Room 217 313-577-3650 |
Enrollment and billing verification for donors
If your scholarship donor requires verification of enrollment, you can:
- Log in to Academica and print a copy of your class schedule for the semester.
- Alternatively, contact the Registrar's Office at 313-577-2100 for assistance.
If your donor requires notification of billing, you can also log in to Academica and print a copy of your tuition account balance statement.
Processing time for scholarship checks
During peak processing times in August and January, it may take up to two weeks for scholarship funds to be disbursed to your student account. If this delay causes any issues, you are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for assistance.
Renewal policy for Undergraduate Merit Scholarships, Need-Based Grants, and Tuition Pledge Programs
Wayne State University awards to recent high school graduates are renewable for four consecutive years of study, provided the student meets the renewal criteria. Failure to meet any of the criteria could result in the loss of the WSU award.
For academic merit recipients, the exact renewal criteria, including GPA and credit hour requirements, are outlined in the award terms and conditions.
Evaluation for award renewal
- Students receiving renewable WSU awards are evaluated at the end of each winter semester to determine if they are eligible to continue receiving the award in the next academic year.
- If a student does not meet the renewal criteria by the end of the winter semester, the WSU award will not be renewed for the upcoming academic year.
- For students enrolled in spring-summer courses who did not meet renewal criteria, their eligibility will be re-evaluated at the end of the summer semester.
Renewal criteria for Undergraduate Merit Scholarships, Need-Based Grants, and Tuition Pledge Programs
- Satisfactory academic progress (SAP): Students must meet all SAP requirements.
- Full-time enrollment: Students must maintain full-time enrollment (12 credits or more) during the fall and winter semesters.
- Degree completion: Once a bachelor’s degree is earned, the WSU award ends.
- Credit hours and GPA: Students must earn the minimum required credit hours and maintain the required GPA to qualify for renewal in the next academic year.
Credit hour minimums
Award renewal for students receiving awards as freshmen are measured against the following minimum credit hour criteria.
| Academic period | Minimum credits earned each fall and winter semester | Cumulative credits earned |
| End of the first academic year | 12 | 30 |
| End of the second academic year | 12 | 60 |
| End of the third academic year | 12 | 90 |
Credit hours from other sources and award renewal
A student's full academic history is reviewed to determine if they making progress towards graduation. IB, AP, transfer credits, credits earned through high school dual enrollment, and credits earned through a study abroad program are considered in the scholarship renewal criteria.
Scholarship appeal option
If the scholarship is not renewed the student has an option to appeal by completing the appeal form on the financial aid website. Most successful appeals document extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control, which significantly affect the student's academic record. Academic progress will be considered in the appeal process. All students are encouraged to file a FAFSA.
Scholarship deferral request
Continuing students who received an undergraduate merit scholarship for at least one semester may complete the deferment request form to request deferment of the award. Reasons for deferment include co-op and military leave. Earning credit through another educational institution is not an acceptable circumstance for scholarship deferment.
Submission of a deferment request does not guarantee approval. If the scholarship is not reinstated, you are responsible for payment of your tuition and fees. To apply for need-based financial aid, file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov/fafsa.
More information
More information about specific awards is available on our websites.
- WSU need-based grants
- WSU undergraduate merit awards for incoming students
- WSU donor-funded scholarships
Timeline
| 2025-26 | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Academic merit awards for incoming first-year undergraduates | For maximum scholarship consideration, you must complete the undergraduate admission application (including submission of all transcripts and test scores) by December 1, 2024 The final deadline for scholarship consideration is April 1, 2025. Awards will be given until funding is exhausted. |
| Academic merit awards for incoming transfer students | For maximum scholarship consideration, incoming students must complete the undergraduate admission application (including submission of all transcripts) by:
|
| Need-based grants for incoming first-year undergraduates | WSU must receive your 2024-25 FAFSA by April 1, 2025. Awards will be given until funding is exhausted. You must be admitted to WSU by April 1, 2025. |
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for all available funding.