Warrior Way Back
The Warrior Way Back (WWB) program offers debt forgiveness to returning students with an outstanding balance of $4,000 or less due to Wayne State University (WSU). If you have a balance that is preventing you from pursuing your degree at Wayne State, please apply to the Warrior Way Back program. You could be eligible for up to $4,000 of forgiveness! Debt is forgiven over the course of four semesters, or when you graduate (whichever happens first).
How do I qualify for the program?
To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements.
- You must have a WSU cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher.
- You must not have enrolled in any class at WSU for the past two or more years.
- You must not have earned a bachelor's degree at any institution
- You must have a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file.
- Your eligible outstanding forgivable balance owed to WSU must be $4000 or less.
- Housing balances still owed on the student account are not eligible for forgiveness.
There is no limit to how many students may join the program.
What if I'm not sure what my balance is?
Please contact Student Accounts Receivable (SAR) directly to find out how much your balance is. The balance that appears on Academica may not be accurate for older charges, so it's important to contact the SAR office to get the most accurate information. They can also tell you what steps to take to get your balance down to the $4,000 threshold, if necessary.
What if I don't meet the requirements for the Warrior Way Back program?
Support is available even if you do not meet these criteria. We want to see you achieve your goals if you are not eligible for forgiveness and need to find a different way to return, a returning student without a past-due balance or you're an adult learner just starting your journey at Wayne State we offer resources to help you succeed. Additionally, we offer programs to help if you have experienced academic challenges.
Our dedicated team of staff is ready to provide you with comprehensive, holistic support including programs, career coaching, academic advising, networking, and more. To find out more, please get in touch with our Adult Learner success team. We are committed to helping you achieve your goals!
How do I get started with the Warrior Way Back program?
We recommend that you complete the application as soon as possible so you have plenty of time to prepare for your return. You should also submit official copies of transcripts from any outside institutions at that time. From there, the onboarding process can take a few weeks to complete. To ensure timely registration, please complete an application as early as possible. Warrior Way Back students may not register after the semester begins. Deadlines for applying to the program are as follows:
Fall: Aug. 1
Winter: Dec. 1
Spring/summer: April 1
To begin the application process, apply to the Warrior Way Back program and make an appointment with a Warrior Way Back advisor.
Once you have been approved for the Warrior Way Back program, you will be notified by e-mail and prompted to set an appointment with the Warrior Way Back advisor to complete the onboarding process.
How does the program work?
Warrior Way Back debt is forgiven in quarters over the course of four academically successful semesters (or at the time of graduation, whichever comes first). In this program, "academic success" is defined as earning a "C" or better in each course, completing at least 6 credits each semester, and meeting with an advisor twice each term. Additionally, you must stay current on your new WSU balance once you are registered. The Warrior Way Back program does not provide financial assistance or scholarships for newly accrued tuition and fees.
Have questions?
Please send us an email at warriorwayback@wayne.edu or set up an appointment to learn more.
Program mission
The mission of the Warrior Way Back program is not only to identify a pathway for you to come back to Wayne State but to support you as an adult learner throughout your educational journey. While enrolled in the Warrior Way Back program, you will:
- Understand your individual financial aid situation and the necessary next steps to receive aid.
- Understand your academic progress, remaining requirements and timeline to graduation.
- Establish and develop ongoing relationships with a support network not limited to advisors, financial aid, career services and the adult learner community.