First-Time Freshmen Scholarships for Fall 2023
Information Applicable to Beginning Freshmen Fall 2023
First-time freshmen refers to either graduating high school seniors or students who have not earned any college credit after high school graduation (with the exception of summer credit at the institution of Fall entry).
To be considered for guaranteed scholarships, students must plan to enroll full-time at WKU in the Summer or Fall semester of 2023, which will require a complete application with the Admissions Office.
Students submitted WKU application prior to 12/31/22 but are admitted prior to 3/15/23
Students who submitted the application for admission on or before December 31, 2022 may still be eligible to receive scholarship aid, even if all documents needed to make a decision did not arrive by December 31st. To receive the full scholarship award amounts, students must have submitted the online application for admission by December 31st and submit all necessary documents immediately. We will continue awarding scholarships to this group of students until the earlier of either (1) March 15, 2023 or (2) funds are exhausted.
Students applied after 12/31/22 AND admitted prior to 3/15/23
While the deadline for full consideration for Academic Merit Awards and Targeted Awards (including the Cornelius Martin Award, Governor’s Scholars Award, etc.) has passed, WKU is making available a limited number of $2,000 Hilltopper Scholarships for students who missed the December 31st deadline but would have qualified for an academic scholarship. Funding for these scholarships is limited, so send all necessary documents as early as possible in order to be considered for this extension.
The Border State Scholarship will still be offered to students residing in these states as long as they apply and are admitted prior to the start of the Fall term, as long as funds permit.
Students not admitted by the priority deadline could still be offered scholarships, but this is not guaranteed.
Scholarship Details
Cherry Presidential Scholarship
Eligibility & Application
Students with a minimum 3.8 unweighted high school GPA and a minimum composite 29 ACT (1350 SAT) qualify to compete for WKU’s most prestigious scholarship, the Cherry Presidential Scholarship.
To be considered for the Cherry Presidential Scholarship, students must have a complete application package on file by December 1st, 2021. A complete application package includes the following:
-
Must be Applied AND admitted to WKU by December 1st
-
Official high school transcript received by December 1st
-
ACT or SAT scores received by December 1st
All students that submit the materials listed above by the deadline are eligible to compete for the Cherry Presidential Scholarship.
Below is a timeline for the Cherry Presidential Scholarship Process
Any applicant admitted to WKU with an unweighted High School GPA of a 3.8 or higher AND an ACT score of a composite 29+ is eligible to compete for the Cherry Presidential Scholarship.
All eligible candidates will be invited to attend a Cherry Presidential Interview Day.
Candidates will participate in interviews, informative sessions and optional campus tours as part of the Cherry Presidential Interview Day.
Winners of the Cherry Presidential Scholarship will be notified no later than January 30th.
Cherry Presidential Scholars Program - New for 2023
The Cherry Presidential Scholars will form a recognized academic community on campus, enhancing WKU while pursuing opportunities for personal and professional growth. The Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will oversee the appointment of a Faculty Mentor for each cohort of Cherry Presidential Scholars. The mentor will serve as a resource for the Scholars in planning and executing an enrichment experience related to their studies or career aspirations.
Opportunities include:
- Research Projects
- International student exchange
- Community Engagement and Outreach
- Internships Serving as a mentor
Award & Notification
Those selected to receive the Cherry Presidential Scholarship will receive an annual award up to $16,000 ($64,000 over a four year period).
Cherry Presidential Scholarship recipients will be notified of their award no later than January 2023.
Students selected to receive the Cherry Presidential Scholarship as an upgrade in place of an Academic Merit Scholarship, may also be eligible for Targeted Awards and TOPDollar awards, up to Cost of Attendance. In the event a student’s total award package exceeds Cost of Attendance, the Cherry Presidential Scholartuition-incentive-programship award may be reduced.
The Cherry Presidential Scholarship requires full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours each semester at WKU).
Students not selected for the Cherry Presidential Scholarship will be awarded an $8,000 Academic Merit Scholarship. For additional scholarship opportunities, students are highly encouraged to complete the TopDollar scholarship application prior to February 1st.
Disbursement
Scholarship awards are applied toward charges that exist on the student’s WKU account. Scholarships often disburse before the semester begins and always show as a credit on the bill, not to exceed the cost of attendance budget.
In the event that total awards (grants, loans, scholarships) exceed total charges (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books), a refund will be issued to the student up to cost of attendance according to the refund preference he/she selected at my.wku.edu. For more information about the refund process, please visit the Office of the Bursar's website.
Renewal
The Cherry Presidential Scholarship is automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (at the end of the spring semester). Students who fail to meet the renewal GPA of 3.0 can use the summer term to bring up their GPA to the required level to maintain the award at the original value.
The Cherry Presidential Scholarship is renewable for up to 4 consecutive academic years of undergraduate study or completion of a Bachelor's Degree, whichever occurs first.
Academic Merit Awards
Eligibility & Application
Students with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA qualify for WKU’s Academic Merit Awards.
To be considered for an Academic Merit Award, students must have a complete application package on file. A complete application package includes the following:
- Applied AND admitted to WKU
- Submit official high school transcript*
- Submit Composite ACT or SAT scores (If aiming to receive the $8,000 tier)
We encourage all students to apply for additional opportunities at https://www.wku.edu/topdollar/, priority consideration is given for these additional opportunities to applicants who have completed the TopDollar application by February 1 each year.
*NOTE: Students admitted to WKU based upon a self-reported GPA must submit an official high school transcript by August 1st. Estimated scholarship offers up to that point will be confirmed or appropriately adjusted to reflect the award level for which the student qualifies based upon the updated transcript. Scholarships estimated upon a self-reported GPA will not disburse to the student account until an official transcript is received.
Award & Notification
Academic Merit Awards range from $2,500 to $8,000 per academic year ($10,000-$32,000 over a four year period) as demonstrated in the chart below.
Students who qualify for an Academic Merit Award will be notified of their eligibility for this award shortly after being admitted to WKU.
Students receiving an Academic Merit Award may also be eligible for Targeted Awards and TOPDollar awards, up to Cost of Attendance.
Please note that your scholarship may be partially funded using foundation awards.
Academic Merit Awards require full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours each semester at WKU).
Disbursement
Scholarship awards are applied toward charges that exist on the student’s WKU account. Scholarships often disburse before the semester begins and always show as a credit on the bill, not to exceed the cost of attendance budget. In the event that total awards (grants, loans, scholarships) exceed total charges (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books), a refund will be issued to the student up to the cost of attendance according to the refund preference he/she selected at my.wku.edu. For more information about the refund process, please visit the Office of the Bursar's website.
Renewal
Academic Merit Awards are automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (at the end of the spring semester). Students who fail to meet the renewal GPA of 2.5 can use the summer term to bring their GPA up to the required level.
Academic Merit Awards are renewable for up to 4 academic years of undergraduate study or until graduation, whichever occurs first.
Targeted Kentucky Governor's Scholars,
Kentucky Governor's School for Entrepreneurs,
Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts,
National Merit & Achievement Semi-Finalists,
or Rogers Scholars
Eligibility & Application
Students who participated in KY Governor’s Scholars, KY Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs, and KY Governor’s School for the Arts are eligible for an academic scholarship at WKU.
National Merit and Achievement Semi-Finalists and Rogers Scholars are eligible for an academic scholarship at WKU.
These Targeted Awards require a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA.
To be considered for this Targeted Award, students must have a complete application package on file. A complete application package includes the following:
- Applied AND admitted to WKU
- Submit official high school transcript*
We encourage all students to apply for additional opportunities at https://www.wku.edu/topdollar/, priority consideration is given for these additional opportunities to applicants who have completed the TopDollar application by February 1 each year.
*NOTE: Students admitted to WKU based upon a self-reported GPA must submit an official high school transcript by August 1st. Estimated scholarship offers up to that point will be confirmed or appropriately adjusted to reflect the award level for which the student qualifies based upon the updated transcript. Scholarships estimated upon a self-reported GPA will not disburse to the student account until an official transcript is received.
Award & Notification
The value of this Targeted Award is $1,500 per academic year ($6,000 over a four year period).
Students who qualify for a Targeted Award will be notified of their eligibility for this award shortly after being admitted to WKU.
Students receiving a Targeted Award may also be eligible for Cherry Presidential, Academic Merit and TOPDollar awards, up to Cost of Attendance.
Targeted Awards require full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours each semester at WKU).
Disbursement
Scholarship awards are applied toward charges that exist on the student’s WKU account. Scholarships often disburse before the semester begins and always show as a credit on the bill, not to exceed the cost of attendance budget. In the event that total awards (grants, loans, scholarships) exceed total charges (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books), a refund will be issued to the student up to the cost of attendance according to the refund preference he/she selected at my.wku.edu. For more information about the refund process, please visit the Office of the Bursar's website.
Renewal
Targeted Awards are automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (at the end of the spring semester). Students who fail to meet the renewal GPA of 2.5 can use the summer term to bring their GPA up to the required level.
Targeted Awards are renewable for up to 4 academic years of undergraduate study or until graduation, whichever occurs first.
Targeted Cornelius A. Martin Scholarship
Eligibility & Application
Underrepresented minority students with a minimum 2.5 unweighted GPA qualify for a Targeted Award.
Students who have a 2.5 up to 2.9 unweighted GPA qualify for $2,000 per academic year.
Students who have a 3.0 or greater unweighted GPA qualify for $3,000 per academic year.
To be considered for this Targeted Award, students must have a complete application package on file. A complete application package includes the following:
- Applied AND admitted to WKU
- Submit official high school transcript*
We encourage all students to apply for additional opportunities at https://www.wku.edu/topdollar/, priority consideration is given for these additional opportunities to applicants who have completed the TopDollar application by February 1 each year.
*NOTE: Students admitted to WKU based upon a self-reported GPA must submit an official high school transcript by August 1st. Estimated scholarship offers up to that point will be confirmed or appropriately adjusted to reflect the award level for which the student qualifies based upon the updated transcript. Scholarships estimated upon a self-reported GPA will not disburse to the student account until an official transcript is received.
Award & Notification
The value of this Targeted Award is $2,000 per academic year ($8,000 over a four year period) or $3,000 per academic year ($12,000 over a four year period).
Students who qualify for a Targeted Award will be notified of their eligibility for this award shortly after being admitted to WKU.
Students receiving a Targeted Award may also be eligible for Cherry Presidential, Academic Merit and TOPDollar awards, up to Cost of Attendance.
Targeted Awards require full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours each semester at WKU).
Disbursement
Scholarship awards are applied toward charges that exist on the student’s WKU account. Scholarships often disburse before the semester begins and always show as a credit on the bill, not to exceed the cost of attendance budget. In the event that total awards (grants, loans, scholarships) exceed total charges (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books), a refund will be issued to the student up to the cost of attendance according to the refund preference he/she selected at my.wku.edu. For more information about the refund process, please visit the Office of the Bursar's website.
Renewal
Targeted Awards are automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (at the end of the spring semester). Students who fail to meet the renewal GPA of 2.5 can use the summer term to bring their GPA up to the required level.
Targeted Awards are renewable for up to 4 academic years of undergraduate study or until graduation, whichever occurs first.
Targeted Gatton & Craft Academy Graduates
Eligibility & Application
Graduates of Gatton Academy or Craft Academy with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA qualify for a Targeted Award.
To be considered for this Targeted Award, students must have a complete application package on file. A complete application package includes the following:
- Applied AND admitted to WKU
- Submit official high school transcript*
We encourage all students to apply for additional opportunities at https://www.wku.edu/topdollar/, priority consideration is given for these additional opportunities to applicants who have completed the TopDollar application by February 1 each year.
*NOTE: Students admitted to WKU based upon a self-reported GPA must submit an official high school transcript by August 1st. Estimated scholarship offers up to that point will be confirmed or appropriately adjusted to reflect the award level for which the student qualifies based upon the updated transcript. Scholarships estimated upon a self-reported GPA will not disburse to the student account until an official transcript is received.
Award & Notification
The value of this Targeted Award is $10,000 per academic year ($40,000 over a four year period).
Students who qualify for a Targeted Award will be notified of their eligibility for this award shortly after being admitted to WKU.
Students receiving a Targeted Award may also be eligible for Academic Merit and TOPDollar awards, up to Cost of Attendance.
Targeted Awards require full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours each semester at WKU).
Disbursement
Scholarship awards are applied toward charges that exist on the student’s WKU account. Scholarships often disburse before the semester begins and always show as a credit on the bill, not to exceed the cost of attendance budget. In the event that total awards (grants, loans, scholarships) exceed total charges (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books), a refund will be issued to the student up to the cost of attendance according to the refund preference he/she selected at my.wku.edu. For more information about the refund process, please visit the Office of the Bursar's website.
Renewal
Targeted Awards are automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (at the end of the spring semester). Students who fail to meet the renewal GPA of 3.0 can use the summer term to bring their GPA up to the required level.
Targeted Awards are renewable for up to 4 academic years of undergraduate study or until graduation, whichever occurs first.
The Hilltopper Guarantee
WKU remains committed to making higher education a viable path for all students across the state who desire a college degree, regardless of their economic conditions.
Starting Fall 2021, WKU will guarantee 100% tuition coverage for any first-time freshman student from Kentucky who receives Pell Grant assistance and has at least a 3.0 high school unweighted/cumulative GPA.
Eligibility & Application
To be considered for this award, students must meet the following requirements:
- Applied AND admitted to WKU
- Have submitted an official high school transcript*
- Have a minimum 3.0 high school unweighted/cumulative GPA
- Be a PELL grant recipient
- Be a KY Resident
- Be enrolled full-time (12+ credit hours) at WKU
We encourage all students to apply for additional opportunities at https://www.wku.edu/topdollar/, priority consideration is given for these additional opportunities to applicants who have completed the TopDollar application by February 1 each year.
*NOTE: Students admitted to WKU based upon a self-reported GPA must submit an official high school transcript by August 1st. Estimated scholarship offers up to that point will be confirmed or appropriately adjusted to reflect the award level for which the student qualifies based upon the updated transcript. Scholarships estimated upon a self-reported GPA will not disburse to the student account until an official transcript is received.
Award & Notification
This award will be calculated and applied automatically if a student is not receiving sufficient gift aid* to cover published cost of WKU tuition only. This award does not cover any fees associated with tuition (i.e., course fees, program fees), housing, meals, and books.
The final award amount will vary per student.
The student’s tuition is covered at a 100% based on gift aid and scholarships.
The Hilltopper Guarantee award requires full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours each semester at WKU).
This award applies only to Fall/Spring tuition charges.
Does not apply to students receiving military rate tuition or any reduced rate that is less than the cost of in-state tuition.
*Gift aid that is considered in calculating needed discount includes federal, state, institutional, and foundation awards such as: Pell, SEOG, CAP, KEES, Tuition Waivers, Vocational Rehabilitation, VA/Military Education Benefits, Institutional Scholarships, WKU Foundation, College Heights Foundation, etc. Gift aid does not include student loans which may still be used to pay for a student's housing, books or other expenses.
Disbursement
Scholarship awards are applied toward charges that exist on the student’s WKU account. Scholarships often disburse before the semester begins and always show as a credit on the bill, not to exceed the cost of attendance budget. In the event that total awards (grants, loans, scholarships) exceed total charges (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books), a refund will be issued to the student up to the cost of attendance according to the refund preference he/she selected at my.wku.edu. For more information about the refund process, please visit the Office of the Bursar's website.
Renewal
The Hilltopper Guarantee is automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (at the end of the spring semester), and continued Pell eligibility. Students who fail to meet the renewal GPA of 2.5 can use the summer term to bring their GPA up to the required level.
The Hilltopper Guarantee is renewable for up to 4 academic years of undergraduate study or until graduation, whichever occurs first.
For more information about the Hilltopper Guarantee Award, please click here.
WKU Border State Scholarship
Starting Fall 2021, first-time freshmen students who are residents of any state that borders Kentucky can attend WKU for the in-state tuition rate.
Eligibility & Application
To be considered for this award, students must be a resident of one of Kentucky's seven contiguous states (TN, IN, OH, IL, WV, VA and MO)* and meet the following requirements:
- Applied AND admitted to WKU
- Have submitted an official high school transcript**
- Be enrolled full-time (12+ credit hours) at WKU
We encourage all students to apply for additional opportunities at https://www.wku.edu/topdollar/, priority consideration is given for these additional opportunities to applicants who have completed the TopDollar application by February 1 each year.
*NOTE1: As previously indicated above, this fee assessment will be based on state of residence to include Kentucky's seven contiguous states which are TN, IN, OH, IL, WV, VA, and MO. Student will be assessed the published TIP tuition rate and will receive the WKU Border State Scholarship yielding a net tuition expense equal to the published in-state tuition rate. For more information, please visit https://www.wku.edu/border.
**NOTE2: Students admitted to WKU based upon a self-reported GPA must submit an official high school transcript by August 1st. Estimated scholarship offers up to that point will be confirmed or appropriately adjusted to reflect the award level for which the student qualifies based upon the updated transcript. Scholarships estimated upon a self-reported GPA will not disburse to the student account until an official transcript is received.
Award & Notification
Student will be assessed the published TIP tuition rate and will receive the WKU Border State Scholarship yielding a net tuition expense equal to the published in-state tuition rate.
Students receiving this award may also be eligible for Cherry Presidential, Academic Merit and TOPDollar awards, up to Cost of Attendance.
The WKU Border State Scholarship requires full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours each semester at WKU).
Does not apply to students receiving military rate tuition or any reduced rate that is less than the cost of in-state tuition.
Disbursement
Scholarship awards are applied toward charges that exist on the student’s WKU account. Scholarships often disburse before the semester begins and always show as a credit on the bill, not to exceed the cost of attendance budget. In the event that total awards (grants, loans, scholarships) exceed total charges (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books), a refund will be issued to the student up to the cost of attendance according to the refund preference he/she selected at my.wku.edu. For more information about the refund process, please visit the Office of the Bursar's website.
Renewal
The WKU Border State Scholarship is automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (at the end of the spring semester). Students who fail to meet the renewal GPA of 2.5 can use the summer term to bring their GPA up to the required level.
The WKU Border State Scholarship is renewable for up to 4 academic years of undergraduate study or until graduation, whichever occurs first.
For more information about the WKU Border State Scholarship, please click here.
Tuition Incentive Program Scholarship
Eligibility & Application
Starting Fall 2021, Non-Resident students (excluding those residing in eligible surrounding states receiving a WKU Border State Scholarship) may qualify for a Tuition Incentive Program Scholarship.
To be considered for this award, students must meet the following requirements:
- Applied AND admitted to WKU
- Have submitted an official high school transcript*
- Have Non-Resident status (excluding TN, IN, OH, IL, WV, VA and MO)
- Be enrolled full-time (12+ credit hours) at WKU
- Be a recipient of any University Scholarship
We encourage all students to apply for additional opportunities at https://www.wku.edu/topdollar/, priority consideration is given for these additional opportunities to applicants who have completed the TopDollar application by February 1 each year.
*NOTE: Students admitted to WKU based upon a self-reported GPA must submit an official high school transcript by August 1st. Estimated scholarship offers up to that point will be confirmed or appropriately adjusted to reflect the award level for which the student qualifies based upon the updated transcript. Scholarships estimated upon a self-reported GPA will not disburse to the student account until an official transcript is received.
Award & Notification
Students who qualify for a Tuition Incentive Program Scholarship will be notified of their eligibility for this award shortly after being admitted to WKU.
Scholarship amount will be calculated as difference between published Non-Resident tuition rate less published TIP tuition rate.
Students receiving this award may also be eligible for Cherry Presidential , Academic Merit and TOPDollar awards, up to Cost of Attendance.
The Tuition Incentive Program Scholarship requires full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours each semester at WKU).
Disbursement
Scholarship awards are applied toward charges that exist on the student’s WKU account. Scholarships often disburse before the semester begins and always show as a credit on the bill, not to exceed the cost of attendance budget. In the event that total awards (grants, loans, scholarships) exceed total charges (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books), a refund will be issued to the student up to the cost of attendance according to the refund preference he/she selected at my.wku.edu. For more information about the refund process, please visit the Office of the Bursar's website.
Renewal
The Tuition Incentive Program Scholarship is automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (at the end of the spring semester). Students who fail to meet the renewal GPA of 2.5 can use the summer term to bring their GPA up to the required level.
The Tuition Incentive Program Scholarship is renewable for up to 4 academic years of undergraduate study or until graduation, whichever occurs first.
WKU Family Scholarship
Starting Fall 2021, for newly admitted students, Western Kentucky University (WKU) will offer a reduced tuition rate to any qualified, non-resident first-time freshman student whose parent, stepparent or grandparent holds an associate, baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral or specialist degree or has completed a certified program from WKU.
Eligibility & Application
Non-resident first-time freshmen may qualify to attend WKU for the cost of in-state tuition by the WKU Family Scholarship being applied to their assessed tuition charges.
To be considered for this award, students must meet the following requirements:
- Applied AND admitted to WKU
- Have submitted an official high school transcript*
- Not a KY resident
- Be enrolled full-time (12+ credit hours) at WKU
- Have University confirmation of alumni status of the parent, step-parent or grandparent indicated on the application. Once alumni status is confirmed, the student’s residency status will be changed accordingly and the student will be assessed tuition at the reduced tuition rate.
We encourage all students to apply for additional opportunities at https://www.wku.edu/topdollar/, priority consideration is given for these additional opportunities to applicants who have completed the TopDollar application by February 1 each year.
*NOTE: Students admitted to WKU based upon a self-reported GPA must submit an official high school transcript by August 1st. Estimated scholarship offers up to that point will be confirmed or appropriately adjusted to reflect the award level for which the student qualifies based upon the updated transcript. Scholarships estimated upon a self-reported GPA will not disburse to the student account until an official transcript is received.
Award & Notification
Students who qualify for a WKU Family Scholarship will be notified of their eligibility for this award shortly after being admitted to WKU.
Scholarship amount will be calculated and awarded as the difference between published TIP tuition rate less published in-state tuition rate. Student’s net tuition expense is the in-state tuition rate after this scholarship is applied before other University scholarships are added.
Students receiving this award may also be eligible for Cherry Presidential, Academic Merit and TOPDollar awards, up to Cost of Attendance.
The WKU Family Scholarship requires full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours each semester at WKU).
Disbursement
Scholarship awards are applied toward charges that exist on the student’s WKU account. Scholarships often disburse before the semester begins and always show as a credit on the bill, not to exceed the cost of attendance budget. In the event that total awards (grants, loans, scholarships) exceed total charges (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books), a refund will be issued to the student up to the cost of attendance according to the refund preference he/she selected at my.wku.edu. For more information about the refund process, please visit the Office of the Bursar's website.
Renewal
The WKU Family Scholarship is automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (at the end of the spring semester). Students who fail to meet the renewal GPA of 2.5 can use the summer term to bring their GPA up to the required level.
The WKU Family Scholarship is renewable for up to 4 academic years of undergraduate study or until graduation, whichever occurs first.
Not a First-Time Freshman?
WKU offers scholarships options for every type of student.
Contact Us
Student Financial Assistance
317 Potter Hall
Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11018
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1018
- 270-745-2755
- 270-745-6586
- fa.help@wku.edu
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