All Admitted Students Qualify for a Scholarship
Every student who is admitted to Nebraska Wesleyan receives one renewable academic scholarship. All students qualify for the $15,000 Nebraska Strong Scholarship—and will earn a minimum of $60,000 over four years. You may instead qualify for a larger scholarship based on your GPA only or on your combined ACT/SAT and GPA. Find out which one academic scholarship you qualify for in the chart below.
| Scholarship | Annual Amount | GPA Only (Test Optional) Criteria | GPA-only OR ACT/SAT and GPA Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board of Governors | $20,000 | 4.0+ | ACT score of 30+ (SAT 1360+) and GPA 3.75+ |
| Presidents | $18,000 | 3.75-3.99 | ACT composite of 27-29 (SAT 1260-1350) and GPA 3.5+ |
| Black & Gold | $16,000 | 3.5-3.74 | ACT composite of 24-26 (SAT 1160-1250) and GPA 3.0+ |
| Nebraska Strong* | $15,000 | 3.25-3.49 | ACT composite 20-23 (SAT 1030-1150) and GPA 3.0+ |
*Students who do not meet the above criteria are encouraged to apply and if admitted would receive the Nebraska Strong Scholarship.
$1,000 Campus or Virtual Visit Grant
You automatically receive this renewable $1,000 grant when you tour campus or arrange a virtual visit. (Limit 1). Schedule your campus visit.
Two Scholarship Opportunities When You Apply to NWU
- Lead The Way Scholarship – When you apply Early Action by October 15 and submit an essay about your personal goals, you qualify for this $1,000 renewable scholarship.
- $1,000 Event Scholarship – NWU plans scholarship events around areas related to your academic major or career interest. Attend and receive a renewable $1,000 event scholarship. (Limit 1.)
Access NWU Scholarship Program for Pell-eligible Students
The Access NWU Scholarship Program will fully fund tuition through federal, state and NWU merit-based and need-based aid for Nebraska first-time, first-year students who qualify for the federal Pell Grant. The program will serve most students whose family adjusted gross incomes are at or below $60,000. Learn more about the Access NWU Scholarship Program.
Additional First-Year Scholarships
In addition to an academic scholarship, you may be eligible for these NWU scholarships.
| Scholarship | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Wesleyan Honors Academy Scholarship | Up to $3,000 per year | Not applicable |
| Alumni Legacy Scholarshp | $1,000, renewable | Not applicable |
| Great Plains United Methodist Scholarship | $500 to $2,000, renewable | Not applicable |
| TeamMates Scholarship | $1,000 (increases annually) | January 5 |
| College Possible | $1,000 (increases annually) | January 5 |
| Upward Bound | $1,000 (increases annually) | January 5 |
Competitive Scholarships
These NWU scholarships require students to audition or interview for a competitive award.
| Scholarship | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Huge-NWU Scholarship | Full tuition, fees, room and board | December 1, 2020 |
| TeamMates Access Scholarship | Full tuition | January 5, 2021 |
| Theatre Scholarships | $500 to $3,000 | Audition dates vary |
| Music Ensemble Participation Scholarship | $500 to $3,000 | Audition dates vary |
| The Bennett Music Scholarship | $500 to $3,000 | Audition dates vary |
| The Fosbury Music Scholarship | $500 to $3,000 | Audition dates vary |
| The Harrod Music Scholarship | $500 to $3,000 | Audition dates vary |
| The Marshall Music Scholarship | $500 to $3,000 | Audition dates vary |
Minority Student Scholarships
Nebraska Wesleyan offers scholarship programs directed toward minority students.
| Scholarship | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Vaughn Scholarship for Students of Color | Range from $1,000-$4,000 | Not applicable |
Athletic Scholarships at NWU
NWU is a member of the NCAA Division III, which is unique in not awarding athletic scholarships due to its unwavering commitment to the academic success of every student-athlete. At NWU, we reward your scholastic performance with academic scholarships so you can compete in the sport you love—on scholarship in the subject you love.
Fall 2021 Criteria for Admission and Scholarships
- Admission Criteria
- NWU admits students who demonstrate accomplishments in and out of the classroom, as well as leadership potential and other achievements
- ACT composite of 20+ (SAT 1030+) and GPA of 3.0+
- 3.25+ GPA only (test optional)
- Students below an ACT composite of 20+ (SAT 1030+) and GPA of 3.0+ are encouraged to apply
- GPA Only (Test Optional) Criteria for Admission
- 3.25+ GPA only (test optional) . Students may choose not to submit their ACT or SAT scores
- Research shows the highest predictor of success in college is the high school GPA earned over four years and not standardized test scores
- Superscoring your ACT and SAT
- Superscoring is the process of averaging your best subject scores from all ACT or SAT test attempts
- NWU accepts multiple tests for superscoring to increase the composite score and boost scholarship eligibility
- The ACT now offers the opportunity to take one subject test at a time
- NWU accepts individual ACT subject tests and calculates a superscore composite
- Standardized testing scores submitted before January 1 are accepted for superscoring and boosting scholarship eligibility