WSU Private Scholarships
WSU ScholarshipUniverse
WSU ScholarshipUniverse connects Wayne State University students to internal and external scholarship opportunities. Current and admitted Wayne State University students can log in to search and apply for scholarships.
New WSU scholarships and applications are added as new awards become available. Check back for more opportunities to apply for awards.
Why should I use WSU ScholarshipUniverse instead of another search engine?
- You can apply for internal WSU scholarships and vetted external scholarships.
- Every department on campus will use this platform to post their scholarship opportunities.
- You can find scholarships based on your major, college, academic merit, financial need, and more.
I'm having trouble logging in, do I have to be a student at WSU to use ScholarshipUniverse?
Yes, you will need to be admitted and have established your Academica account and password in order to log in to ScholarshipUniverse and apply for private scholarships. Use your AccessID credentials to login.
Do I need to answer every question?
You do not need to answer every question to be considered for awards. Wayne State is already inserting some data items like GPA, major, and academic level, to automatically match you with award opportunities. The more questions that you answer, the more opportunities you will have for both internal and external awards.
Why don't I see any WSU applications to complete?
Not all WSU scholarships require an application. We will be looking through your answers to questions along with the data we have about your academic program, grade level and GPA to consider you for awards. The more questions that you answer, the more opportunities you will have for both internal and external awards.
How can I increase my chances of receiving an award?
Submit all application materials by the deadline listed. The 2025-26 Scholarship Application will open in December 2024. File the 2025-26 FAFSA to maximize your award options. The deadline for the majority of WSU scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year is March 1, 2025.
External scholarships have various deadlines.
If an award requires that you demonstrate financial need, you must have an annual FAFSA on file for the award year. For example, if you are applying for awards for the 2025-26 academic year, you will need to complete and submit the 2025-26 FAFSA. Use the WSU school code 002329 when you file.
Financial need is demonstrated by subtracting the results of your FAFSA calculation from the estimated cost of attendance. The cost of attendance is a set amount posted on our website in January for the upcoming academic year and includes tuition and fees and allowances for housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses.
How will a private scholarship award impact my other financial aid?
If you have the Wayne State Guarantee, Heart of Detroit or another tuition pledge program, any private scholarship award will be part of that program to ensure your in-state tuition and standard fees are paid. Any scholarship awarded above these costs may be used to pay your other expenses.
Tuition pledge programs include the Wayne State Guarantee, Heart of Detroit, Wayne Access, Born to Be a Warrior and Detroit Promise. These programs are funded through a combination of federal, state, and WSU scholarships and grants to cover the full cost of in-state tuition and standard fees (matriculation, registration, and student service fees). These programs are available in part due to the generosity of our private donors.
If you are awarded a scholarship that can only be used to pay tuition and fees, any other funds designated for tuition and fees may be reduced or cancelled. Awards that are designated for tuition and fees include a portion of the Michigan Education Achievement Scholarship.
The total of all financial aid cannot exceed your estimated cost of attendance, which includes an allowance for housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses.
I was awarded a scholarship, how do I thank the donor?
A private scholarship is offered because of a generous gift by a scholarship donor. The WSU Division of Development & Alumni Affairs will be in touch to assist with a thank-you letter for the donor.
I received a scholarship last year, do I have to reapply or will it be renewed automatically?
If a scholarship is renewable, it will be noted in the criteria. Most scholarships require you to reapply each year.
How are external awards vetted?
ScholarshipUniverse has a full-time Scholarship Research team, who are working through an extensive checklist to confirm a scholarship is legitimate before adding it to the database.
Can I promote my scholarship on your site?
Submit a scholarship opportunity for vetting to campuslogic.
I have more questions about financial aid and scholarships, where can I get more information?
Contact us at studentservice@wayne.edu. More information about the financial aid process is available on our website at wayne.edu/financial-aid.