WGU Scholarships 2026
WGU scholarships are tuition-reduction awards, typically ranging from $500 to several thousand dollars, that WGU (Western Governors University) offers to new and current students to help offset its flat-rate, per-term tuition. Unlike a lump-sum award, most WGU scholarships are split into a set amount per term and credited directly against your tuition balance for as long as the award lasts. Here’s every scholarship type available, who qualifies, and exactly how and when to apply.
How WGU Scholarships Work
WGU scholarships don’t work like a traditional one-time check. Because WGU charges tuition per six-month term rather than per credit hour, most awards are divided into a set dollar amount per term and applied directly against what you owe so a $2,000 scholarship spread across a four-term program might reduce each term’s bill by $500 rather than arriving as a single payout.
Why this matters: because the award is applied term-by-term, staying enrolled and in good standing matters for continuing to receive it a scholarship isn’t guaranteed to disburse automatically if you pause or withdraw between terms.
General Eligibility Requirements
Most WGU scholarships share a common eligibility baseline before you even look at a specific award’s criteria:
- You must be provisionally accepted as a WGU student Portal (admitted, even if not yet fully enrolled)
- Most scholarships require a FAFSA on file, unless you’re not eligible to apply for federal aid
- You can typically receive one WGU scholarship award per degree if you qualify for more than one, WGU’s scholarship committee selects which single award (if any) you receive
- New-student scholarships must be applied for within a specific window tied to your program start date (see Scholarship Deadlines below)
Types of WGU Scholarships
WGU maintains a rotating slate of general scholarships, plus a smaller number of employer- or affiliation-specific awards. As of this writing, the general scholarship lineup includes, per WGU’s official scholarships page:
- Priority Applicant Scholarship: for students who move quickly through the early stages of the application process.
- Back to School Scholarship: targeted at students starting or returning to their degree around the traditional back-to-school period.
- New Year Scholarship: for students beginning a program around the new year.
- Online Access Scholarship: aimed at students who might otherwise face barriers to affording online education.
- School of Technology Finish Line Scholarship: for IT students close to completing their bachelor’s degree.
- Master Your Future Scholarship: supports students pursuing a master’s-level program.
- Finish Strong Scholarship: for current students nearing the end of their degree.
- Rise Above Scholarship: supports students who’ve overcome significant personal or financial hardship.
- Employer- and affiliation-specific awards: for example, the Cleveland Clinic Caregiver Scholarship ($4,000), open to Cleveland Clinic employees pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s in a health, business, or IT program.
Note: WGU’s scholarship lineup changes by term some awards are seasonal, and new employer-partnership scholarships are added periodically. Always check the current scholarships page rather than relying on any single list, including this one.
How to Apply for a WGU Scholarship
1. Get provisionally accepted.
You need to have completed WGU’s admissions application before a scholarship application is possible — scholarships aren’t a pre-admission incentive.
2. File your FAFSA.
Most scholarships require this on file first, even if you’re not ultimately relying on federal aid to cover tuition.
Log in to the Scholarship Portal.
Once provisionally accepted, WGU opens scholarship applications through your WGU student account.
4. Apply within your eligibility window.
New students apply within the window tied to their program start date (see below); current students can apply anytime after their first term is complete.
5. Wait for the scholarship committee’s decision.
If you qualify for multiple scholarships, the committee determines which single award you’ll receive.
Scholarship Deadlines
Unlike WGU’s rolling monthly WGU enrollment, scholarship applications run on a fixed window relative to your program start date, per WGU’s official scholarship guidance:
| Student Type | Application Window |
| New students | 90 days before your program start date, up to 30 days after it |
| Current students | Any time after completing their first term (must be at least 30 days past their original start date) |
A worked example: if your program start date is December 1, your window to apply for a new-student scholarship opens around September 2 (90 days prior) and stays open through December 31 (30 days after). Missing that window means waiting until you’re a current student to reapply for a different scholarship, since new-student awards are tied specifically to that start-date range.
Scholarships vs. FAFSA vs. State Grants
Scholarships are only one piece of WGU’s financial aid picture, and it helps to know how they interact:
Employer tuition assistance (where applicable) can often be combined with a scholarship, since it’s not classified as a WGU-administered scholarship award.
FAFSA-based federal aid (grants, loans) is separate from scholarships but is usually a prerequisite most scholarships require a FAFSA on file even if you don’t end up using federal loans.
State grants are awarded based on your state of residence and are administered differently from WGU’s own institutional scholarships.
Tips for Winning a WGU Scholarship
Apply as early in your window as possible. Scholarship committees review applications on a rolling basis within each window applying near the close of your 30-day post-start deadline leaves less room for follow-up if something’s missing from your file.
File your FAFSA before starting the scholarship application. Since most awards require it on file, submitting FAFSA late is one of the most common reasons a scholarship application stalls.
Don’t assume one scholarship rules out checking others. Even though you can only receive one award, applying broadly (where you’re eligible) gives the committee more options to match you with the best-fitting one.
Track your program start date precisely. The 90-days-before/30-days-after window is calculated from your specific start date, not a general term start confirm your exact date with your Enrollment Counselor before assuming you’re inside the window.
Ask about employer or industry-specific awards. If you work for a partner organization (like Cleveland Clinic) or fall into a specific hardship or veteran-affiliated category, a targeted award like the Rise Above Scholarship may fit better than a general one.
Reapply as a current student if you miss the new-student window. You’re not permanently locked out once you’re at least 30 days past your start date and have completed your first term, you become eligible to apply again.
FAQs
What scholarships does WGU offer?
WGU offers general scholarships including the Priority Applicant, Back to School, New Year, Online Access, Finish Line, Master Your Future, Finish Strong, and Rise Above scholarships, plus employer- or affiliation-specific awards like the Cleveland Clinic Caregiver Scholarship.
How much are WGU scholarships worth?
Most range from $500 to several thousand dollars, applied term-by-term against tuition rather than as a single lump sum.
Who is eligible for a WGU scholarship?
You must be provisionally accepted as a WGU student, generally have a FAFSA on file, and apply within your eligibility window.
When can I apply for a WGU scholarship?
New students can apply 90 days before their program start date through 30 days after it. Current students can apply anytime after completing their first term.
Can I get more than one WGU scholarship?
No you can receive one scholarship award per degree. If you qualify for multiple, WGU’s scholarship committee selects a single award for you.
Do I need to complete the FAFSA to get a WGU scholarship?
Yes, for most scholarships, unless you’re not eligible to apply for federal financial aid.
How do I apply for a WGU scholarship?
Get provisionally accepted, file your FAFSA, then apply through WGU’s Scholarship Portal in your student account within your eligibility window.
Are WGU scholarships renewable each term?
Most awards are divided into per-term amounts credited against tuition for the length of the scholarship, rather than a one-time payout check your specific award’s terms for exact duration.
Does WGU offer scholarships for military spouses or veterans?
Yes WGU offers scholarships for spouses of active duty military personnel, veterans, guard, and reservists, in addition to its general scholarship lineup.
What is the Rise Above Scholarship?
A WGU scholarship supporting students who’ve overcome significant personal or financial hardship.
What is the Finish Line Scholarship?
A School of Technology scholarship aimed at IT students who are close to completing their bachelor’s degree.
Can current students apply for WGU scholarships, not just new students?
Yes current students become eligible to apply anytime after completing their first term, as long as they’re at least 30 days past their original start date.
Are WGU scholarships different from state grants?
Yes state grants are awarded based on your state of residence and administered separately from WGU’s own institutional scholarships, though both can potentially apply to the same student.
Can I combine a WGU scholarship with employer tuition assistance?
Generally yes, since employer tuition assistance isn’t classified as a WGU-administered scholarship award confirm specifics with your Enrollment Counselor.
Final Thoughts
The biggest mistake applicants make with WGU scholarships isn’t picking the wrong award it’s missing the application window entirely, since it’s tied to a specific start date rather than a general term deadline. I’d suggest marking your 90-day and 30-day cutoffs the moment your start date is confirmed, filing your FAFSA immediately after, and then applying broadly across every scholarship you qualify for. Since WGU’s committee not you decides which single award you receive if you’re eligible for more than one, casting a wide net costs nothing and only improves your odds.