First-Year Scholarships

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Nebraska Wesleyan University
Financial Aid Office, Smith-Curtis 207
5000 Saint Paul Avenue
Lincoln NE 68504
(402) 465-2167 Fax (402) 465-2194
financialaid [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (financialaid[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu)

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First-Year Scholarships

All Admitted Students Qualify for a Scholarship

Every student who is admitted to Nebraska Wesleyan receives one renewable academic scholarship. The following academic scholarships are available to admitted, first-time attending students starting in August 2024:

Scholarship Annual Amount GPA Criteria
Board of Governors $24,000 3.75+
Presidents $22,000 3.5-3.74
Black & Gold $20,000 up to 3.49

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 $27,000 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.

$1,000 Campus or Virtual Visit Grant

You automatically receive this renewable $1,000 grant when you tour campus or arrange a virtual visit. (Limit 1). Schedule your campus visit

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 $65,000. 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.

Scholarship Amount Deadline
Wesleyan Honors Academy Scholarship 100% of your WHA tuition Not applicable
Alumni Legacy Scholarship $1,000, renewable Not applicable
Great Plains United Methodist Scholarship $500 to $2,000, renewable Not applicable
TeamMates Scholarship $1,000 Not applicable
College Possible $1,000 Not applicable
Upward Bound $1,000 Not applicable

Competitive Scholarships

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

Scholarship Amount Deadline
Huge-NWU Scholarship Full tuition, fees, room and board December 1, 2024
Theatre Scholarships $500 to $3,000 Audition dates vary
Music Ensemble Participation Scholarship $500 to $3,000 Audition dates vary
The Bennett Music Scholarship $500 to $3,000 Audition dates vary
The Fosbury Music Scholarship $500 to $3,000 Audition dates vary
The Harrod Music Scholarship $500 to $3,000 Audition dates vary
The Marshall Music Scholarship $500 to $3,000 Audition dates vary

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.