First-Year Scholarships

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 $16,000 annual Black & Gold Scholarship. You may instead qualify for a larger scholarship based on your GPA. Find out which one academic scholarship you qualify for in the chart below.

We encourage students who do not meet the above criteria to apply and if admitted, they would receive the Black & Gold Scholarship. Scholarships are based on the cumulative high school GPA provided at the time of admission and are not subject to subsequent review of transcripts submitted after admission.

Full-time NWU undergraduate students receive an average of $25,000 a year in scholarships and grants––that’s $100,000 over four years. Our admission and financial aid counselors are ready to meet with you to customize your scholarship award.

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 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.

Competitive Scholarships

These NWU scholarships require students to audition or interview for a competitive award.

Minority Student Scholarships

Nebraska Wesleyan offers scholarship programs directed toward minority students.

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 2023 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
• Scholarship Criteria
  • Scholarships are based on the cumulative high school GPA provided at the time of admission and are not subject to subsequent review of transcripts submitted after admission. The weighted GPA is recognized if provided. ACT/SAT test scores are accepted through the December test date of the student’s senior year in high school.