WGU scholarships are open mainly to new students and returning graduates who have been provisionally accepted to Western Governors University. You apply through a separate scholarship application, using your MyWGU login, within a set window around your start date. Most awards also expect a current FAFSA unless you’re ineligible for federal aid. Amounts, deadlines, and criteria vary by scholarship.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic requirement | Provisional acceptance to WGU |
| Who usually qualifies | New students and returning graduates (unless an award says otherwise) |
| Application window | 90 days before to 30 days after your degree start date |
| FAFSA | Required for most awards if you’re eligible to file |
| Typical decision time | Often 2–4 weeks after applying |
| Not eligible | WGU employees and family members eligible for the employee discount |
Who Qualifies for WGU Scholarships?
Admission comes first. To be considered, you must be provisionally accepted as a WGU student. Most scholarships are designed for new students and returning graduates, unless a specific award says otherwise. Current students who are at least 30 days past their program start date can apply for additional WGU-funded scholarships they’re eligible for, after their first term is completed.
Two details are worth knowing early. WGU employees and family members who qualify for the employee discount aren’t eligible for WGU scholarships. And each award sets its own criteria. Some depend on where you live. The Learn Where You Live Scholarship, for example, requires residence in a rural area as designated by the U.S. Census Bureau. Others depend on your employer, military status, or degree program.
Types of WGU Scholarships and Example Amounts
WGU groups its awards into general, partner, health and nursing, business, IT, education, military, and state categories. The table shows a few examples with the amounts listed on WGU’s scholarship page at the time of writing. Amounts and deadlines change, so confirm them before you apply.
| Category | Example award | Listed amount |
|---|---|---|
| General | University of You Scholarship | $10,000 |
| General | Back to School Scholarship | $3,000 |
| Health & Nursing | Future of Nursing (BSN Prelicensure) | $8,000 |
| IT | Cybersecurity Scholarship | $6,000 |
| Education | Shaping the Future Scholarship | $8,000 |
| Military | Gold Star Family Scholarship | $10,000 |
| Partner | Collaborative Agreement Scholarship | Up to $3,500 |
| State | WGU Arizona Partnership Scholarship | $4,000 |
WGU’s state list includes Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Texas, and Utah. The page also notes that some listed states may have no open awards. Partner awards often require a tie to a specific employer or organization, such as a hospital system or professional association.
How to Apply for WGU Scholarships
The process has two main steps, with a few extras that help.
- Apply for admission. Complete the admissions application and work with your Enrollment Counselor until you’re provisionally accepted.
- Get your MyWGU credentials. WGU sends these after admission, and you need them to open the scholarship application.
- Submit the scholarship application. Do this between 90 days before and 30 days after your degree start date.
- File the FAFSA. A current aid-year FAFSA is required for most awards if you’re eligible to submit one. If you’re not eligible for federal aid, you can still be considered. You can apply for financial aid while you wait for a scholarship decision.
- Consider Scholarship Universe (optional). WGU partners with this third-party aggregator to help students find and apply for other scholarships. Information you enter there is governed by its own Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
How Awards Are Decided and Paid
WGU says its criteria vary by scholarship fund. In general, it considers whether you meet the basic requirements, the quality of your application responses, and financial need, which is a strong consideration for most funds. Some awards also review prior college transcripts.
Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis because new students start every month. WGU says it can often decide within 2–4 weeks.
A student starting a new degree may receive one WGU-funded scholarship. If you qualify for several, the scholarship committee chooses which to award, if any.
Awards aren’t paid as a lump sum. New and returning student scholarships are divided into a set amount per term and credited against tuition. A scholarship will likely cover only part of your costs, so financial aid may help with the rest.
If grades are a concern, this guide on how to apply for a scholarship with a low GPA explains how to present your record honestly.
Final Thoughts
For most applicants, WGU scholarships come down to timing and paperwork: get provisionally accepted, apply within the window, and file the FAFSA if you’re eligible. Because awards, amounts, and deadlines change, check WGU’s official scholarship page and talk to an Enrollment Counselor before you plan your budget. Awards are competitive and not guaranteed, so treat any scholarship as one part of your funding plan.
FAQs
Does WGU give scholarships?
Yes. WGU lists general, partner, program-specific, military, and state scholarships on its official site, funded by the university and outside donors and partners.
Can I apply before I’m accepted?
No. You need provisional acceptance first. WGU sends your MyWGU credentials after you complete the admissions step.
Can I get more than one WGU scholarship?
A student starting a new degree may receive one WGU-funded award. If you qualify for more than one, the scholarship committee chooses. Current students past their first term may apply for additional funding.
Do I need the FAFSA?
Most WGU scholarships require a current FAFSA if you’re eligible to file. If you can’t receive federal aid, you can still be considered.
When will I hear back?
WGU says decisions often come 2–4 weeks after you apply, but timing can vary.
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