Scholarships and aid

In addition to offering the lowest tuition among Michigan's research college, Wayne State University offers several scholarship and financial aid opportunities to help students fund their education. In 2022, we awarded nearly $335 million in financial aid to our students through federal, state, institutional and private financial aid programs and scholarships. 

Explore the opportunities we offer and take the next steps to apply for and claim your financial aid support. 

Scholarships 

Wayne State University offers merit scholarships to incoming transfer students to recognize your scholastic achievement. You are eligible for consideration for one or more of these transfer student awards if you have graduated from high school and earned credits from another college or university.

Some scholarships require you to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For information on the steps to submit the FAFSA and types of aid available, see below or visit our Financial Aid site.

Transfer scholarships 

• WSU Transfer Scholarships
• WSU Departmental Scholarships
• WSU Private Scholarships
• External Scholarships

Applying for financial aid 

You do not need to wait to register for classes in order to apply for financial aid. If you have not received an award and are unsure whether you will have enough funding, please contact a financial aid officer at studentservice@wayne.edu or 313-577-2100.

Steps to apply for financial aid

1. File the FAFSA

• Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year, using our school code (002329). The FAFSA is available beginning Oct. 1 through June 30 each year. Use your most recent tax return.
• If you have already received aid for the current year, we will review your financial aid history to determine your current eligibility.

2. Review your awards and requirements via Academica

• Log in to Academica to accept your awards and check your requirements.
• You will be updated on your financial aid status via an email sent to your Wayne State account.
• If you used Federal Pell Grants or borrowed student loans at another school and then transfer to Wayne State mid-year, those awards may need to be revised.   

3. Complete all requirements

• Incomplete requirements will delay processing. Additional documentation may be required if you are selected for verification or there is a discrepancy in your information.
• Some aid programs have additional requirements, such as entrance loan counseling and promissory notes.