Scholarships
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I have to complete a separate application for each scholarship?
- What is the deadline to apply for scholarships?
- I was awarded the Western Commitment Scholarship through Admissions. Do I still need to fill out a scholarship application?
- When will I hear about WIU scholarships?
- Will I be notified either way about my scholarship application?
- To whom should a private scholarship check be mailed?
- My private scholarship provider needs information from WIU. Can you provide this?
- How do I receive my scholarship?
- Will a scholarship affect my financial aid (grants/loans) from the FAFSA?
- Will I get a financial aid refund?
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Who do I contact if I have not yet received my scholarship?
Do I have to complete a separate application for each scholarship
Incoming freshman and new transfer students need to complete only one application* to be considered for scholarships. The Scholarship Office will share your application with your major department if department scholarships are available. Once a GPA has been established at WIU, current students will complete individual applications according to specified criteria per scholarship.
*There is a limited number of geographic-based incoming freshman and new transfer scholarships that require an application.
What is the deadline to apply for scholarships?
For incoming freshman, the deadlines are:
- December 1 for ACT 30 and above
- February 15 for all ACT scores (includes all applications after December 1)
For new transfer students: May 1
Current students: Deadlines vary for each scholarship
I was awarded the Western Commitment Scholarship through Admissions. Do I still need to fill out a scholarship application?
WIU Foundation scholarships are funded by donors and are separate from the Western Commitment Scholarship through the Admissions Office. Students who complete the Scholarship Application for Entering Freshman may receive Foundation highly competitive academic-based scholarships in addition to the Western Commitment Scholarship.
When will I hear about WIU scholarships?
For incoming freshman, scholarship letters will be mailed (postal service) after the scholarship committee has made their decision, usually in March and April. For transfer students, letters will be mailed in May and June. Current students at WIU will be notified of scholarships according to the deadline dates set forth by specific scholarship criteria.
Will I be notified either way about my scholarship application?
Incoming freshman and new transfer students will receive a written decision in the mail. In some cases, regret letters may be delayed as scholarships are re-awarded. For current students it will depend on the scholarship and the department.
To whom should a private scholarship check be mailed?
A scholarship check from a private provider should be mailed to:
WIU Foundation Sherman 303 1 University CircleMacomb, IL 61455
My private scholarship provider needs information from WIU. Can you provide this?
Enrollment verification request forms can be submitted through the Registrar’s Office or Foundation Office and will be completed after the 10th day of class. Be sure to include your name, WIU ID#, and scholarship provider mailing address on the form.
Billing statements can be printed through your STARS after the first bill is produced in August. Transcripts can also be request through STARS.
How do I receive my scholarship?
Unless specified otherwise, the scholarship will be applied to your university account as a credit on your bill. The first university bill is produced each August. The credit should appear on this bill if the Scholarship Office has received notification at least a week prior. After the first bill, expect the credit to be applied within 3-5 days after receipt of scholarship notification in the Scholarship Office.
There a rare instances where scholarships, such as book awards, or private scholarships will be disbursed directly to the student. If you receive a direct payment from a private scholarship, you are required to notify the Financial Aid Office of this scholarship.
Will a scholarship affect my financial aid (grants/loans) from the FAFSA?
You should check with the Financial Aid Office to see if your scholarship will affect your federal or state financial aid.
Will I get a financial aid refund?
If the scholarship credit applied to your university account creates a credit balance (excess after the bill is paid), you will receive a refund. It is important to have established Direct Deposit to ensure a timely refund to your designated bank account. Direct Deposit will also be used to award scholarships requiring direct payment, such as book scholarships. Most refunds are direct deposited within 3 working days of the credit to your university account.
Who do I contact if I have not yet received my scholarship?
If you have not received an expected WIU scholarship, you should contact the Scholarship Office, SC-Office@wiu.edu or call (309) 298-2001. For private scholarships, please contact the scholarship provider.
Foundation and department scholarships that require an application are available on the Scholarship Portal.
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