Financial Aid

Available Grants & Academic Scholarships

NOTE: When you complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA, you are applying for all federal, state and university grants and loans offered at WCSU.

*Post-Baccalaureate students (those pursuing a second bachelor’s degree or a post-bachelor’s certificate) are not eligible to receive undergraduate need-based aid. You may, however, be eligible for private scholarships, Federal Direct Loans, private education loans, and non-federal work study student employment opportunities on campus.

Federal Pell Grant (Pell)

The Pell Grant was established as a basic access program for students from low and middle income families. To qualify for a Pell Grant, the student must:

  1. Be matriculated.
  2. Be registered at least half-time.
  3. Be enrolled, or accepted for enrollment, in an eligible program as an undergraduate student at the institution.
  4. Meet one of the following citizenship criteria:
    1. Be a U.S. citizen.
    2. Be a permanent resident of the U.S.; or
    3. Provide evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service that he/she is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose, with the intention of becoming a citizen or permanent resident; or
    4. Be a permanent resident of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands or the Northern Mariana Islands.
  5. Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress according to the standards and practices of the institution.
  6. Not owe a refund on a Pell Grant, Supplement Grant or State Student Incentive received to meet the cost of attending the institution;
  7. Not be in default on any National Defense/Direct Student Loan (also known as Perkins Loan), Stafford Student Loan, or Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) received to meet the cost of attending the institution.
  8. Not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance during the period covered by this grant.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are awarded to students pursuing a first baccalaureate degree. Awards range from $100 to $4,000 per academic year. The conditions to be met in order to qualify for a supplemental grant are the same as those listed under Pell Grant above.

These funds are awarded to students who demonstrate the greatest financial need as determined by the FAFSA. As such, priority is given to students with full-time enrollment.

Roberta B. Willis Scholarship

Awarded to CT residents who attend Western Connecticut State University as a full time student.  Recipient must demonstrate financial need and have a federal Expected Family Contribution (EFC) within the allowable range.

Eligibility formula: Tuition & Fees (T&F) + $1,200 Books/Supplies (B/S) – Pell Grant – Tuition/Fees gift aid = Willis Eligibility

(up to $4,500 need-based annual award amount for full-time students only)

Connecticut State University Grant Aid (CSUG)

Public Act 76-181 authorizes the Board of Trustees for the State University to allocate funds to be given as grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled as matriculated students in a degree granting program. WCSU limits the awarding of these funds to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree.  Students pursuing a second undergraduate or a graduate degree are ineligible.

These funds are awarded to students who demonstrate the greatest financial need as determined by the FAFSA. As such, priority is given to students with full-time enrollment.

Note: This fund, in combination with other grants, scholarships, and educational assistance awarded to you, may not exceed direct university billed cost(s) of Tuition & Fees and Room & Board (if you are living on-campus).

Back on Track Scholarship (BACK)

Awarded to reentry students (in Spring 2024) who attend as a full-time student to assist with degree completion. $500, non-renewable award.

These funds require full-time status and completion of the FAFSA/AACTUS.

Note: This fund, in combination with other grants, scholarships, and educational assistance awarded to you, may not exceed direct university billed cost(s) of Tuition & Fees and Room & Board (if you are living on-campus).

 

Academic Scholarships

The following merit scholarships are available to incoming freshmen upon admission to WCSU. Incoming students who have been accepted by February 1  will be considered.

In order to receive a scholarship, students must complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) or the AACTUS if they are undocumented, and all financial aid requirements.

Note:  These funds, in combination with other grants, scholarships, and educational assistance awarded to you, may not exceed direct university billed cost(s) of Tuition & Fees and Room & Board (if you are living on campus).

Presidential Merit Scholarship

The Presidential Merit Scholarship is awarded to students who achieved the highest standard of scholastic achievement.  The scholarship awards up to $10,000 annually and is renewable each semester for up to eight semesters.

Connecticut State University (CSU) Trustee Scholarship

The Trustee Scholarship awards up to $4,000 annually. It is renewable each year for up to eight semesters.

Honors Scholarship

The Honors Scholarship awards up to $2,000 annually. It is renewable each year for up to eight semesters.

Academic Scholarship Appeal

The Office of Financial Aid & Student Employment notifies students of failure to meet requirements of the Merit, CSU Trustee, or Honors Scholarships. Students have the right to submit an appeal request within 10 business days of notification. Late and/or incomplete requests will not be considered. The appeal pertains only to the monetary scholarship, not participation in the Honors Program.

 

Additional Scholarships

RaiseMe

Students in High School can earn Micro-Scholarships to Western Connecticut State University on RaiseMe.

We partnered with RaiseMe to offer micro-scholarships that recognize your achievements as you progress through high school, allowing high school students to start earning money for college before they even apply to college. The amount you earn on RaiseMe from WCSU will be your guaranteed minimum amount of institutional aid if you are admitted into The Kathwari Honors Program – you may receive even more in your scholarship or financial aid package once we review your completed application for admission . Click here to learn more.

 

Updated: 11/13/23