Scholarships - Kansas Wesleyan University

Scholarships for Kansas Residents

Note that the following scholarships may not be combined, or “stacked”, with any other KWU scholarship or grant offer. However, the academic matrix and power awards make up a portion of each scholarship.

Ad Astra Scholarship

This is an offer of $60,000 in undergraduate scholarships over four years ($15,000 per year). This scholarship is open to any graduate from a Kansas high school or home school, those who transfer from a college in Kansas or state resident.

Saline County Scholarship

This is an offer of $70,000 in undergraduate scholarships over four years ($17,500 per year). Any high school/home school student who resides at an address in Saline County and is new to KWU is eligible.

Central Kansas Scholarship

This is an offer of $70,000 in undergraduate scholarships over four years ($17,500 per year). Any high school or home school student who resides at an address in the following counties: McPherson, Ottawa, Ellsworth, Lincoln, Dickinson, Marion, Reno, Cloud, Harvey or Sedgwick is eligible.

Transfer Scholarship Opportunity!

KWU has launched a special, significant scholarship for transfer, non-activity Nursing students! For the Fall 2022 junior cohort class, junior transfer students who qualify for admission and enter KWU with a 3.5 GPA or better are guaranteed $25,000 of institutional aid for the year! Have a 3.0 GPA and want a new place to learn? You are assured of $22,500!

The priority placement deadline to lock in your space is April 15!

Recipients are not eligible to receive aid for participation in fine arts or intercollegiate athletics, and must meet admissions standards to both KWU and the Nursing program.

Learn more about KWU scholarships by clicking here!

Legacy and UMC Member Scholarships

KWU welcomes students with a historical tie to the university, whether it be through our long association with the United Methodist Church or by welcoming legacy students, those whose parents and grandparents have attended the university (or others with a KWU tie) in the past. Both of the below scholarships are valid for the cost of tuition only.

50% Legacy Scholarships

This 50% tuition scholarship is available to children and grandchildren of Kansas Wesleyan University, Marymount College or St. Mary of the Plains College alumni. Recipient must be a full-time, on-ground new undergraduate student. This scholarship may not be combined with any other KWU scholarship or grant offer.

50% United Methodist Scholarship

This 50% tuition scholarship is available to all members of the United Methodist Church. The scholarship opportunity applies to full-time, on-ground new undergraduate students. This scholarship may not be combined with any other KWU scholarship or grant offer.

Valedictorian Scholarship

The KWU Valedictorian Scholarship recognizes Kansas resident graduating high school seniors that have achieved Valedictorian status (per high school counselor) with a minimum GPA of 3.9. Home school students are eligible as well. All applicants must have a minimum composite score of 25 on the ACT or SAT equivalent.

Note: Full-tuition scholarship winners are required to live on campus while receiving this scholarship. (Students receiving the full tuition and who are eligible to receive the Kansas Comprehensive Grant, those funds make up a portion of the full-tuition scholarship and are not eligible to receive any other KWU scholarship or grant.)

Stein Strings Scholarship

The Stein Strings Scholarship guarantees strings players – new to KWU from a Saline County school – at least $20,000 per year in institutional aid!

The scholarship honors the late Eric Stein, who founded the Salina Symphony and was a longtime instructor at Marymount College.

General Scholarships

Over 98% of our full-time students receive financial aid. Our initial financial aid calculations are based on cumulative GPA and, in the case of transfer students, the number of hours transferring in. This is true for both domestic and international students.

Presidential Scholarship

$12,000 (off-campus $9,000)
High school seniors with cumulative GPA of 3.5
Transfer students with GPA of 3.5 in 24 or more transferring graded credit hours

Dean’s Scholarship

$10,000 (off-campus $7,000)
High school seniors with cumulative GPA of 3.0
Transfer students with GPA of 3.0 in 24 or more transferring graded credit hours

University Scholarship

$8,000 (off-campus $5,000)
High school seniors with cumulative GPA of 2.5
Transfer students with GPA of 2.5 in 24 or more transferring graded credit hours

Discretionary Scholarships

Offered through activities such as: Debate and Forensics, Music (to include vocal, orchestra, band, The Howl, Rise Up! and Campus Ministry), Athletics, fine arts, or academics. Amounts vary and are determined by coaches or sponsors. Students are only eligible to receive one discretionary scholarship.

Promise Scholarship

$6,000 (off-campus $3,000)
Transfer students with GPA of 2.0 in 24 or more transferring graded credit hours

State Line Grant

Any high school or home school students from Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado and Oklahoma qualify for a $2,000 State Line Grant.

Kansas Wesleyan University Award

Students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for this award. In addition, this award also may be awarded to applicants whose interests or background are underrepresented at Kansas Wesleyan University.

Scholarship Competitions

Multiple scholarship competitions are held each year at Kansas Wesleyan, giving incoming students opportunities to distinguish themselves before their KWU careers even begin!

Eisenhower Scholarship Competition

The scholarship competition is a biannual event [November (Virtual) and January(Virtual)] for students in their senior year of high school who meet the invitation requirements. Students must have a 3.5 cumulative GPA. The competition is designed to recognize first-time, first-year, undergraduate students who exhibit academic achievement, community service, and leadership. This scholarship will cover the full tuition cost for on-campus students for completion of undergraduate degree. Students receiving the full tuition and who are eligible to receive the Kansas Comprehensive Grant, those funds make up a portion of the full-tuition scholarship and are not eligible to receive any other KWU scholarship or grant.

The Rebecca Chopp Transfer Scholarship Competition is an annual event held in March for students who have completed at least 24 hours of transfer course work. Students must have a 2.75 cumulative GPA. The competition is designed to recognize new transfer students who exhibit academic achievement, community service, and leadership. This scholarship will cover the full tuition cost for on-campus students, or 75% of tuition costs for off-campus students, for the completion of the undergraduate degree. Students receiving the full tuition and who are eligible to receive the Kansas Comprehensive Grant, those funds make up a portion of the full-tuition scholarship and are not eligible to receive any other KWU scholarship or grant.

Bill McMosley Music Scholarship Competition

Wesleyan’s music competition is a biannual event for students who are interested in participating in vocal and instrumental. Multiple scholarships will be presented.

Transfer Nursing Scholarship

The scholarship is designed to recognize new transfer students who exhibit academic achievement and leadership. All new transfer students are eligible if they have been accepted into both the university and Nursing Program. A cumulative 3.0 GPA is required.

Gary Harmon Scholarship Competition

The scholarship competition will focus on students entering KWU for Debate and Forensics, in honor of the school’s longtime coach. Multiple scholarships will be presented.

DECA Scholarship Competition

This scholarship competition will focus on students joining DECA. Multiple scholarships will be awarded.

Dr. Dorothy Hanna Scholarship Competition

This scholarship competition is in honor of long-time KWU professor, Dr. Dorothy Hanna. Multiple scholarships will be awarded to incoming STEM student(s).