West Liberty University Scholarships
West Liberty University Scholars Program
The West Liberty University Scholars Program was established to attract top academic students. Students entering as a first-time freshman may qualify for one of three designations within the Scholars Program. In addition to receiving a four-year academic scholarship, students receive other benefits under this program. Please note that WLU academic scholarship awarding and renewal information is listed in the next section.
Elbin Scholars
Students accepted for admission with at least a 3.75 high school grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) and at least an ACT composite score of 27 (1290 SAT combined ERW/Math) are designated as Elbin Scholars. The Elbin Scholar designation is the highest scholar designation, and is named in honor of Dr. Paul N. Elbin, who was President of the College for 35 years.
Students admitted as Elbin Scholars receive:
- General studies credit based on ACT sub scores of 27 (630) or higher
- Priority scheduling
- Opportunity to join the Honors College as a freshman
- Transcript designation as an Elbin Scholar Recognition at graduation as an Elbin Scholar
To maintain in the Scholars Program, an Elbin Scholar must maintain full-time enrollment and a 3.25 cumulative GPA.
Presidential Scholars
Students accepted for admission with at least a 3.75 high school grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) and an ACT composite score between 24-26 (1160-1280 SAT combined ERW/Math) are designated as Presidential Scholars.
Students submitted as Presidential Scholars receive:
- General studies credit based on ACT sub scores of 27 (630 SAT) or higher
- Transcript designation as a Presidential Scholar Recognition at graduation as a Presidential Scholar.
To maintain participation in the program, a Presidential Scholar must maintain full-time enrollment and a 3.25 cumulative grade point average.
Foundation Scholars
Students accepted for admission with at least a 3.75 high school grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) and an ACT composite of 22-23 (1100-1150 SAT combined ERW/Math) are designated as Foundation Scholars.
Students admitted as Foundation Scholars receive:
- General studies credit based on ACT sub scores of 27 (630 SAT) or higher
- Transcript designation as a Foundation Scholar Recognition at graduation as a Foundation Scholar
To maintain participation in the program, a Foundation Scholar must maintain full-time enrollment and a 3.25 cumulative grade point average.
Academic Scholarships
All West Liberty University academic scholarship recipients must have a valid FAFSA on file each academic year to be eligible.
2025-2026 Full Ride Elbin Scholarship
4.00 GPA* (on 4.00 scale)
ACT Minimum 30
SAT Minimum 1400
Annual Scholarship
Full Tuition, Mandatory Fees,
Base Housing and Food
Students must apply for admission to WLU by March 1, 2025 to qualify.
*Based on Accepted GPA by the WLU Office of Admissions. Cumulative GPA will be based on official transcripts reflecting all A’s.
Elbin Scholarship
Minimum 3.75 GPA
ACT Score 27+
SAT Score 1290+
Annual Scholarship
In-state – $4,000
Out-of-state – $12,000
Presidential Scholarship
Minimum 3.75 GPA
ACT Score 24-26
SAT Score 1160-1280
Annual Scholarship
In-state – $3,000
Out-of-state – $7,500
Foundation Scholarship
Minimum 3.75 GPA
ACT Score 22-23
SAT Score 1100-1150
Annual Scholarship
$2,000
Black & Gold Scholarship
Minimum 3.50 GPA
ACT Score 22+
SAT Score 1100+
Annual Scholarship
$1,000
Hilltopper Access Scholarship
Minimum 3.25 GPA
No ACT/SAT Test Score Requirement
Admission Application Deadline of March 1
Annual Scholarship
$500
Due to the partnership with Marshall University, students in the aviation program are limited in scholarship eligibility. Because students enrolled in the Bachelors of Science in Aviation Commercial Pilot – Fixed Wing are not eligible for the academic scholarships listed above, West Liberty University has designated scholarships specific to students enrolled in this program.
All ACT portions of one ACT testing date are used for the composite score – West Liberty University does not super-score. The SAT scores are based off of the ERW and Math portions only beginning with the March 2016 tests. West Liberty will convert any “old SAT tests scores” that were taking prior to the March 2016 tests. West Liberty University does not calculate the Optional Writing portion of the test.
To maintain a scholarship, a student must earn 30 undergraduate hours in the academic year each year, earn a 3.25 cumulative GPA, meet all SAP requirements and have a valid FAFSA on file. If you are receiving an undergraduate academic scholarship, it can only be applied towards tuition and certain fees. It cannot be applied to any other charges. It may be canceled or reduced if you receive any other tuition based award. If your award contains a “Housing Scholarship,” you can only receive this if you live in a campus owned residence hall. It cannot be applied to any other charges. It may be canceled or reduced if you receive any other housing award. International students are eligible for the Elbin Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, Foundation Scholarship or the Black & Gold Scholarship only.
WLU Academic Scholarships can ONLY be appealed in two specific circumstances. Please contact our office directly for details.
Additional Academic Scholarships
University Scholarship – Transfers
Offered to first-time transfer students (previous West Liberty Students not eligible) with a minimum college grade point average of a 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale). The scholarship will be $2000 per year renewable for up to three years. Student must complete 30 hours in the academic year, maintain a 3.25 GPA and meet all SAP requirements for renewal.
Promise Plus Scholarship
Offered to any student enrolling as a first-time freshman at West Liberty, who has been awarded the WV PROMISE Scholarship. In addition to the PROMISE Scholarship, the student will receive a guaranteed $1000 a year for four years as long as they meet the renewal requirements. If a student receives another institutional scholarship of at least $1000 for four years, he/she would not be eligible for the PROMISE Plus Scholarship. The PROMISE Plus Scholarship will supersede the Hilltopper Access Scholarship of $500.
International Student Housing Grants
Available to international students from select targeted areas. Awards determined by Coordinator of International Student Recruiting. For more information contact Mihaela Szabo at 304-336-8270; toll free 1-866-WESTLIB x8270
Foundation Scholarships
Various Foundation Scholarships
WLU Foundation Scholarships were established and funded by individuals or organizations to provide an opportunity to WLU students. The WLU Foundation is pleased to manage over 157 scholarship funds. A list of scholarships can be found by clicking here.
Silver Bears Alumni Scholarship
The Silver Bears Scholarship endowment was established by a group of WLU alumni known as the “Silver Bears.” The group decided that they would contribute to a scholarship fund to financially aid children and grandchildren of WLU Alumni. The amount of yearly scholarship will be $1,500, being awarded at $750 per semester. Download the Scholarship Application. The Scholarship application deadline is June 1 each year.
George and Dolly Grim Memorial Scholarship
The successful candidate will have a strong community service background and a financial need as determined by FAFSA – preference to Eagle Scouts and Gold Award. This is a one year scholarship, but a student may reapply for continuation. The donor requests that the candidate to make a non-binding promise to “pay it forward” to some point when they are successful. Please complete the application by June 1 each year.
Undergraduate Scholarships for Siblings
Two Undergraduate Scholarships in the amount of $1500 per year are available for entering first-time freshman for the fall semester. The waivers will be awarded to first-time freshman who will also have a brother or sister enrolled at West Liberty during the fall semester. Students must be a legal resident of West Virginia to apply. For additional information or to request an application click the link below or contact the Financial Aid Office. Application Deadline: June 1.
Departmental Scholarships
The following scholarships are awarded through the department listed. Please contact the person or department named.
Art
Art Scholarship Competition
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
Athletics
Athletic Scholarships
Athletic Scholarships are awarded by the Coach of each sport. Please visit the Athletic Homepage for additional information and contact information for each Coach.
General
Project Best Scholarship
Student with high academic ability who is an employee, spouse, or child of an employee of a participating upper Ohio Valley contractor or participating construction trade union. Contact Project Best at 304.905.8071.
Music
Various Music Scholarships
The Music Department has their scholarships listed separately on their website.
Aviation Scholarships
All West Liberty University aviation scholarship recipients must have a valid FAFSA on file each academic year to be eligible.
Aviation Academic Scholarship
Minimum 3.75 GPA
ACT Score 24+
SAT Score 1160+
Annual Scholarship
$2,500
Aviation Access Scholarship
Minimum 3.25 GPA
No ACT/SAT Test Score Requirement
Annual Scholarship
$500
To maintain a scholarship, a student must earn 30 undergraduate hours in the academic year each year, earn a 3.25 cumulative GPA, meet all SAP requirements and have a valid FAFSA on file. Aviation scholarships can only be applied towards tuition and certain fees. It cannot be applied to any other charges. It may be canceled or reduced if you receive any other tuition based award. Aviation scholarships are awarded to first time incoming freshmen only.
WLU’s aviation scholarships can ONLY be appealed in two specific circumstances. Please contact our office directly for details.
Joan Stifel Corson Aviation Scholarship
In 2024, following the establishment of WLU’s Aviation Program at the Wheeling Ohio County Airport. the “Joan Stifel Corson Aviation Scholarship” was established by Joan Corson Stamp and Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. in memory of her Joan’s late mother. Joan Stifel Corson learned to fly in her 20’s. Eventually. she had her own Fairchild plane and flew to California and back to Wheeling many winters. She was one of the first women aviators in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. Her father, Arthur C. Stifel. and cousin, E. W. Stifel, spearheaded the building of Stifel Field, Ohio County Airport. The scholarship honors Joan Stifel Corson’s fearless attitude and supports women pursuing a degree in aviation at West Liberty University.
- Female student enrolled in the WLU Aviation Program
- Resident of WV with preference for students from the Northern Panhandle counties (Wetzel. Marshall, Ohio, Brooke, Hancock)
- Maintain full-time college enrollment
- Maintain a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0
- Act as an ambassador for the WLU Aviation Program by attending promotional and/or recruiting events when practical
The amount of the scholarship will be $6000 and will be renewable for up to four years.
Gary E. West Endowed Aviation Scholarship
Gary E. West attended West Liberty University and graduated with a BSBA degree in 1958. Following his graduation, Gary worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 13 years. In 1970, he purchased Valley Welding Supply Company in Wheeling, WV. Gary grew Valley Welding to 55 locations in 10 states – the largest, privately-held distributor of medical gas and welding supply products in the United States. In 1997, under Gary’s leadership as CEO, Valley National Gases, Inc. went public and the company continued to grow with 84 locations in 16 states.
Gary’s success in business was matched by his generosity and philanthropy. Gary and his wife Flip are the most generous benefactors in the history of the University. Highlights include their major gift to the Gary E. West College of Business Scholarship Program, the establishment of the Guy H. and Mary Ann West School of Business Scholarship Endowment, the renovation of West Family Stadium and the construction of the West Family Athletic Complex. The WLU Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center is located adjacent to the WLU campus the land and in a building donated by the Wests.
Gary obtained his pilot’s license in 1982 and was passionate about flying his own aircraft and helicopter. He and Flip routinely flew between their homes in Florida and West Viginia with Gary at the helm. On Flip and Gary’s very first flight from Wheeling to Florida, Gary enlisted Flip as his navigator and handed her the paper charts to track their flight. Gary always prepared and reviewed his flight charts prior to each voyage. As both a pilot and businessperson, Gary was curious, thoughtful, and fearless.
Following Gary’s death in 2023, the “Gary E. West Aviation Scholarship” was established in Gary’s memory by Flip. The scholarship honors Gary’s love for West Liberty University and his passion for flying.
- Enrolled in the WLU Aviation Program
- Maintain full-time college enrollment
- Maintain a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0
- Act as an ambassador for the WLU Aviation Program by attending promotional and/or recruiting events when practical
The amount and number of scholarships awarded will be based on the income available in the fund.