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
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 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.
Due to the partnership with Marshall University, students in the aviation program are limited in scholarship eligibility.
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. (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).
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 at: http://wlufoundation.org/scholarships/
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.