2009-2010 WSU Scholarships

Apply Now! The 2009-2010 Scholarship Application is available online.  Over 700 different scholarship programs are awarded through this process. Students who complete the academic scholarship application are considered for all scholarships for which they are eligible.  The 2009-2010 Scholarship Application deadline is January 31, 2009.
Entering freshman and transfer  students should begin to hear of  their awards in mid-March.  Continuing students should begin  to hear of their awards in  late-April.	Those selected to receive an award will begin hearing mid-March.  It is never too late to hear that you are selected for an award (the awarding process continues throughout the year).
You could receive a scholarship for your academic performance, talents, financial need, and or community involvement. WSU encourages students to achieve new heights in intellectual and personal development and is committed to rewarding these achievements through many scholarship programs.

Ten Things You Should Know About Scholarships

1.  Look in multiple places for information.

• Counselors and career centers
• Public and school libraries
• Colleges and universities
• Academic departments
• Local business
• The Internet

2.  Never pay for a scholarship search.

You may receive mailings from companies that offer to do scholarship searches for a fee.  Often they'll charge you to look at the same reference material you could access for free.

3.  Search free web sites for scholarships. 

See our Scholarship Search/Resources page for links and free searches.

Start with your high school or college counselors, career center, or the WSU Office of Scholarship Services.  In some cases, you may need to obtain application material directly from the donor of the scholarship.  When you do request material directly, be sure to indicate the academic year for which you'll be applying and always include your address.

Most scholarships have deadlines starting in October.  By March 15th, 75% of the scholarship deadlines have passed.  Be sure to check whether your application needs to be postmarked by the deadline or received by the deadline.  This difference will affect the timing of your mailing.  Remember to allow yourself time to complete required essays, resumes, and other materials that may have to accompany your application.

Scholarships are available to nearly anyone who is willing to put in the time to research the available sources and follow through with the application processes.  Many scholarship are awarded based on academic merit.  Scholarship donors also focus on other characteristics such as:

• Leadership
• Athletic ability
• Talent in the fine arts
• Abilities in math or foreign languages
• Specific ethnic backgrounds
• Religious affiliation
• Non-traditional students
• Veterans
• Members of 4-H
• Financial need

• Achieve and maintain at least a 3.0 grade-point average (GPA).
• Be involved
• Be a leader
• Discover and nurture your talents

Some scholarships are renewable for multiple years.  You may have to reapply each year, so keep a record of your awards and reapply if needed.  Remember to keep those deadlines in mind !

Sometimes there are limits associated with athletic, ROTC, or tuition-only scholarships, but other than that, go for more awards!  If you have questions about limits, ask the scholarship staff for details.

Just keep in mind that scholarship funding may reduce the amount of aid you will receive.  However, typically it will reduce your loan and work assistance before changing your grants.  Contact the Office of Scholarship Services to find out if your financial aid award may be affected by scholarships.