Scholarships
Find out how you can earn merit- and need-based scholarships to support your journey at WLU.
WLU
Scholarships
West Liberty University offers a wide range of scholarships to support undergraduate students. Awards are based on academic achievement, enrollment status, residency, program of study, and donor-defined criteria.
Important to Know
- Many scholarships are automatically considered with admission
- Most scholarships require a FAFSA each academic year
- Some awards require a separate application and deadline
Getting
Started
Applying for scholarships at West Liberty is a multi-step process. Understanding how awards are determined will help you maximize your opportunities.
Step 1: Apply for Admission
Most academic scholarships are automatically considered once you apply and are admitted to West Liberty University.
Step 2: Submit the FAFSA
A valid FAFSA must be on file each academic year to receive or renew most scholarships.
Step 3: Complete Additional Applications (If Required)
Some scholarships—such as foundation, departmental, aviation, and named awards—require a separate application and may have specific deadlines.
Step 4: Meet Renewal Requirements
To maintain most scholarships, students must:
• Be enrolled full time
• Earn 30 undergraduate credit hours per academic year
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA (typically 3.25)
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements
Academic
Scholarships
Academic scholarships are awarded automatically to eligible first-time freshmen based on academic credentials. A FAFSA is required each year.
The highest academic distinction at WLU, named in honor of former President Dr. Paul N. Elbin.
- Minimum 3.75 GPA
- ACT 27+ or SAT 1290+
- Annual Award (In-State): $4,000
- Annual Award (Out-of-State): $12,000
Recognizes first-time freshmen with outstanding academic achievement and strong standardized test performance.
- Minimum 3.75 GPA
- ACT 24–26 or SAT 1160–1280
- Annual Award (In-State): $3,000
- Annual Award (Out-of-State): $7,500
Supports high-achieving first-time freshmen with strong academic records as they begin their studies at West Liberty University.
- Minimum 3.75 GPA
- ACT 22–23 or SAT 1100–1150
- Annual Award: $2,000
Awards academically motivated students who demonstrate solid academic performance and college readiness.
- Minimum 3.50 GPA
- ACT 22+ or SAT 1100+
- Annual Award: $1,000
Supports students with strong academic potential by providing accessible financial assistance without a test score requirement.
- Minimum 3.25 GPA
- No ACT/SAT required
- Admission application deadline: March 1
- Annual Award: $500
- Students enrolled in online degree programs are not eligible for academic or athletic scholarships.
- Due to a partnership with Marshall University, aviation students have limited eligibility (see Aviation Scholarships).
Additional
Scholarships
Available to first-time transfer students (excluding former WLU students).
- Minimum 3.25 college GPA
- $2,000 per year, renewable for up to three years
- Renewal requires 30 credits, 3.25 GPA, and SAP compliance
Available to first-time freshmen awarded the WV PROMISE Scholarship.
- $1,000 per year for up to four years
- Cannot be combined with another institutional scholarship of $1,000 or more
- Supersedes the Hilltopper Access Scholarship
Available to international students from select regions.
- Awards determined by the Coordinator of International Student Recruiting
- Contact the Financial Aid Office for details
Foundation
Scholarships
In addition to university‑administered aid, students may be eligible for scholarships provided by the WLU Foundation. The Foundation maintains the most up‑to‑date and comprehensive list of available scholarships.
For information on available awards, eligibility criteria, and application instructions, please visit our foundation site using the link below.
For children and grandchildren of WLU alumni seeking financial support for college.
- Award: $1,500 per year ($750 per semester)
- Deadline: Jun 1, 2026
Recognizes students with strong community service backgrounds and financial need, with preference to Eagle Scouts and Gold Award recipients.
- Award: One-year scholarship (renewable by reapplication)
- Deadline: June 1, 2026
Supports first-time freshmen who have a brother or sister currently enrolled at WLU.
- Award: $1,500 per year
- Eligibility: Legal resident of West Virginia
- Deadline: Jun 1, 2026
Departmental
Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded based on the Audition, personal need, and the needs of the Music Program. Interested students should audition as early as possible for maximum consideration. Award amounts vary.
The various scholarships available in the area of music are listed here. Because named scholarships (de Jaager, Goodnight, Wolf, etc.) are usually granted for eight semesters, not every scholarship is available each year.
To inquire about Scholarships, please contact the Department of Music and Theater: music@westliberty.edu.
The “Music Program Scholarship” is a tuition discount and can be awarded in any amount based on talent, personal need, and the needs of the Music Program.
A “Housing Waiver” is a discount off of WLU on-campus housing fees. Waivers can be awarded in any amount up to the current cost of a residence hall room based on double occupancy. These waivers are offered based on talent, personal need, and the needs of the Music Program. Housing waivers are typically given for four years.
A $500 Scholarship (in the form of a tuition discount) will be awarded to incoming freshman, transfers and continuing band members regardless of Major. Click Here for more information about the Marching Hilltoppers.
This award is offered to a student entering with a music-related major. The student must have achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA, and a minimum score of 20 on the ACT or 950 on the SAT.
The West Liberty University Foundation announces the establishment and permanent endowment of the Dr. Harald Wiesner Memorial Scholarship which will provide financial support to students enrolled in the WLU Music Degree programs of Music Education, Music Performance, and Music Technology.
This scholarship is awarded to a music major with an emphasis in piano. Other factors that may be considered include talent, scholarship, need, and character.
Students may apply for this scholarship by submitting a letter to the Chairperson of the Department of Music and Theater during the second semester of their freshman year. Recipients must have and maintain a 3.5 GPA and be declared a music major. Preference will be given to students who play a brass instrument.
Awarded every four years to a deserving High School senior who has passed the Music Program Audition and is, or will be, enrolled in a music-related major at West Liberty.
Awarded every four years to a deserving Music Education major. Preference will be given to individuals who play brass instruments. This scholarship is currently on hold but will be given out in the near future.
Four-year scholarship for an incoming freshman, who wishes to major in Art. Students must submit a portfolio of at least six pieces of original work. Contact Chairperson, Department of Arts and Communications. (304) 336-8006
Aviation
Scholarships
Aviation scholarships support students’ academic achievement and program participation. Recipients must have a FAFSA on file, complete 30+ undergraduate hours per year, maintain a 3.25+ GPA, and meet SAP requirements.
Rewards high-achieving first-time freshmen in the Aviation Program.
- Award: $2,500 annually
- Eligibility: Minimum 3.75 GPA, ACT 24+, SAT 1160+
- Application: Contact Aviation Department
Supports Aviation Program students with strong academic potential, no test score required.
- Award: $500 annually
- Eligibility: Minimum 3.25 GPA
- Application: Contact Aviation Department
Supports women pursuing a degree in Aviation who demonstrate leadership, academic achievement, and ambassadorial potential.
- Award: $6,000 annually, renewable up to four years
- Eligibility: Female, WV resident (preference Northern Panhandle), full-time enrollment, minimum 3.0 GPA
Honors students in the Aviation Program who demonstrate academic achievement, full-time enrollment, and commitment to the program.
- Award: Amount varies based on fund availability
- Eligibility: Full-time enrollment, minimum 3.0 GPA, program ambassador
Graduate
Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities for graduate students are limited and typically awarded through external organizations or select programs.
Sallie Mae Graduate Scholarship Portal
- Ongoing external opportunities
- Additional awards may be available through specific academic departments
Graduate students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office for guidance.
Outside
Scholarships
Explore outside scholarships to support your WLU education. Opportunities from external organizations are shared year-round, with varying deadlines and requirements.
Recurring scholarships for undergraduates from a variety of fields and backgrounds.
- Award: Varies
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students
- Deadline: Varies
Supports students pursuing higher education with awards for academic achievement and financial need.
- Award: $10,000
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students
- Deadline: Varies
Provides more than $200,000 in scholarships annually for students in the Ohio Valley region.
- Award: Varies
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students
- Deadline: Varies (Preferred: Feb 23)
Supports children of single parents pursuing higher education.
- Award: $5,000 (two scholarships annually)
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students
- Deadline: November 30
Variety of recurring scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students.
- Award: Varies
- Eligibility: Undergraduate or Graduate students
- Deadline: Varies
Statewide scholarships for students pursuing postsecondary education in West Virginia.
- Award: Varies
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students
- Deadline: Varies
Annual awards recognizing students with strong community engagement.
- Award: $500
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students
- Deadline: Varies
Recurring scholarships specifically for graduate students.
- Award: Varies
- Eligibility: Graduate students
- Deadline: No Deadline
Visit & Win
Scholarship
Attend one of our Campus Visitation Days and have a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship to attend West Liberty University.
West Liberty University offers students the chance to win a $1,000 scholarship by participating in one of our Campus Visitation Days. Visiting campus allows you to see the campus through a student’s perspective, meet faculty and staff, and explore all that WLU has to offer.
Scholarship Details
- Award: $1,000 ($500 per semester)
- Eligibility: Must be eligible for admission and enroll full-time at WLU; current or former students are not eligible (except early entrance students)
- Duration: One-year award, non-renewable, non-transferable
- How Winner is Selected: Drawn from attendees during the Academic & Campus Life Fair; winner must be present
- Maximum Award: Up to the cost of attendance
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.