First-Year Scholarships
On this page:
- About First-Year Scholarships
- Accepting a Scholarship
- Understanding Your Scholarship Award/Cost Estimation Worksheet
- Financial Aid Terms to Know
About First-Year Scholarships
Wright State is committed to ensuring a college education is accessible and affordable. With one of the lowest tuition rates in the state among four-year universities, robust scholarships for financial need and academic scholarships, and the Wright Tuition Program which locks in the cost of tuition, fees, housing, and meals, Wright State is a smart investment in your future.
The first step in receiving a Wright State scholarship is to apply for admission. To maximize their financial aid dollars, students should also file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
To be eligible for first-year scholarships, graduating seniors must apply and enroll at Wright State University directly from high school as first-time, full-time students for Fall 2023. First-year scholarships are for domestic students. For more information on our enrollment, renewable, and institutionally funded scholarship policies, visit our scholarship policies webpage. International students interested in scholarship opportunities should visit our Undergraduate International Scholarship webpage.
Green and Gold Scholarship
All first-time students admitted to Wright State will be considered for the Green and Gold scholarship; no additional application is needed. Students with a 3.2 high school GPA at the time of application and who apply by the priority deadlines are eligible for a scholarship in the ranges listed below. The priority admission application deadlines are November 1, 2022, and February 1, 2023. Funds will continue to be awarded as available after these dates but are not guaranteed. Scholarship offers will begin in December 2022.
Students who qualify for the Green and Gold scholarship are encouraged to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students can receive Green and Gold Scholarships for a total of 8 semesters of full-time undergraduate study as long as they continue to meet certain criteria.
| Cumulative High School GPA | Ohio Resident (Annual Amount) |
Non-Ohio (Annual Amount) |
|---|---|---|
|
3.2 - 3.49 |
$1,000 - $3,000 |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
|
3.5 - 3.79 |
$1,500 - $6,000 |
$6,000 - $8,000 |
|
3.8+ |
$2,000 - $8,000 |
$8,000 |
*The Non-Ohio Green and Gold Scholarship is designed for students who are assessed the out-of-state tuition surcharge. Students’ scholarships will be reevaluated if, at any time during enrollment, they are no longer assessed the out-of-state surcharge.
Don’t meet the above GPA ranges? Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for need-based financial aid and other institutional scholarships.
Dunbar Scholar
The Dunbar Scholar award is an annual scholarship for students who have a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA and apply by the priority application deadlines of November 1, 2022, or February 1, 2023, and are a member of an under-represented group (African American, Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latino, or Native American/Alaskan Native). The $1,000 Dunbar Scholar annual scholarship is renewable. Students can receive the Dunbar Scholar award for a total of 8 semesters of full-time undergraduate study as long as they continue to meet certain criteria. No additional application is needed. Funds will continue to be awarded, as available, for students applying after the priority deadlines. Award offers will begin in December 2022.
Wright Start Scholarship
First-time students who are admitted to Wright State for Fall 2023, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 0 -10,000 are eligible to receive the Wright Start Scholarship. The Wright Start Scholarship is valued at $1,000 annually and is renewable. Students can receive the Wright Start Scholarship for a total of 8 semesters of full-time undergraduate study as long as they continue to meet certain criteria. Students must apply for admission and complete the FAFSA by the priority deadlines of November 1, 2022, or February 1, 2023. Funds will continue to be awarded, as available, for students applying after the priority deadlines. Award offers will begin in December 2022.
Take Flight Program
Wright State invites academically-accomplished students with demonstrated financial need to participate in the Take Flight program. This program covers the cost of up to 18 credit hours of in-state undergraduate tuition for qualifying students. To fund the program, Wright State combines federal and state grant funds along with institutional grants and/or scholarships to meet the cost of in-state tuition. Institutional scholarships and grants awarded as a part of the Take Flight program are renewable. Students can remain in the Take Flight Program for a total of 8 semesters of full-time undergraduate study as long as they continue to meet certain criteria.
In addition to financial aid, students in the Take Flight program have a dedicated success team, including an academic advisor, success coach, and career consultant, as well as other unique benefits.
To be considered for the program, students must meet the following:
- Enroll as a first-time student at the Dayton campus beginning Fall 2023
- Be an Ohio resident
- Have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.2 or higher
- Have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 2,190 or less as determined by the FAFSA (For more information about determining Estimated Family Contribution, including an estimator tool, visit studentaid.gov/aid-estimator.)
Need help filing the FAFSA? Visit wright.edu/fafsa101 to learn more about our FAFSA workshops or to schedule an appointment for one-on-one assistance.
Ready to Take Flight? No separate application is required. Students must apply for first-time admission for Fall 2023 and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) beginning October 1, 2022. Visit the Take Flight site for more information about this innovative program.
Presidential Scholars
Academically-accomplished and ambitious students who apply as first-time students for Fall 2023 by February 1, 2023, will be considered for the Presidential Scholars program. Five students will be selected for this premier scholarship and leadership opportunity. Presidential Scholars will receive a full-tuition merit scholarship, faculty mentor, priority registration, guaranteed research or internship, and exclusive access to events with the University Deans and the President. If selected, students will also be designated as a President’s Ambassador, a group of premier students who are committed to Wright State and our mission.
Presidential Scholars Program may be funded in part or in whole through the Green and Gold Scholarships and other institutional aid. Combined institutional aid cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Students can receive scholarships associated with the Presidential Scholars Program for a total of 8 semesters of full-time undergraduate study as long as they continue to meet certain criteria.
Deans Scholars
Academically-accomplished and ambitious students who apply as first-time students for Fall 2023 by February 1, 2023, will be considered for the Deans Scholars program. Each of the undergraduate colleges will select five students to serve as Deans Scholars; in total, 25 students will be selected for the Deans Scholars program for Fall 2023. Deans Scholars will receive a half-tuition merit scholarship, faculty mentor, priority registration, guaranteed research or internship, and exclusive access to events with the University Deans and the President.
The Deans Scholars Program may be funded in part or in whole through the Green and Gold Scholarship and other institutional aid. Students can receive scholarships associated with the Deans Scholars Program for a total of 8 semesters of full-time undergraduate study as long as they continue to meet certain criteria.
Honors Scholarships
Students selected for the University Honors Program can also earn a competitive honors scholarship. Scholarships range from $1,000 to in-state tuition, housing, and meals. Students can receive Honors Scholarships for a total of 8 semesters of full-time undergraduate study as long as they continue to meet certain criteria.
Students should indicate their interest in being admitted into the honors program on their admission application. Once admitted, those who are interested can apply for honors scholarships using the Wright State University online scholarship application. This application allows students to apply for additional scholarship opportunities and will be available once you are admitted into the university. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Students must have a 3.8 high school GPA to be considered for an honors scholarship. Offers will be made by April 1, 2023.
For more information regarding the online application, view the application tips below.
Choose Ohio First Scholarship
Choose Ohio First (COF) scholarships are available to selected undergraduate students pursuing a STEM major or computer science-related major. The COF scholarships are competitive, varying in amounts starting at $1,500 to $5,200 annually.
Students who receive a Choose Ohio First Scholarship become immersed in a cohort model with wrap-around student support services, such as built-in advising, mentoring, co-op and internship opportunities, cohort seminars and events, and research events. Scholarships will be offered beginning in April 2023. Please visit the Choose Ohio First (COF) website for more information.
The Choose Ohio First Ohio Scholarship is sponsored by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
New students can submit ONE online scholarship application to apply for multiple scholarships funded by the Wright State Foundation and the University. Applicants are considered for each competitive scholarship based on the eligibility criteria listed in the descriptions. Students are encouraged to use our scholarship search tool to learn more about the scholarships for which they may qualify. Scholarships range from $300 up to the value of tuition.
The online application is available to admitted students once they are admitted into the university. The deadline to apply for additional scholarship opportunities via the online application for the 2023–24 academic year is February 1, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). For more information regarding the online application, view the application tips below.
How to Apply
New students can access the online scholarship application via the Admissions Portal. The application is available following a student’s acceptance to Wright State.
- Log into the Admissions Portal
- Under Next Steps, select Complete Online Scholarship Application
- Select Start Application
Once submitted, the online scholarship application CANNOT be accessed for edits or changes. Students can monitor the return of the Recommendation Form and make changes to the reference after the application has been submitted. Please note: reference information can only be updated if one is listed at the time the application is submitted. Once in the application, click on the “blue button” titled Recommendations.
Application Tips
- Apply for admission and be admitted to Wright State University. Access the application via the Admissions Portal. If you have forgotten or don’t know the password that is used with your Campus Username (w000abc), please contact the CaTS Help Desk at 937-775-4827, or toll-free at 1-888-775-4827.
- Make a list of all extracurricular activities, volunteer experience, community service, memberships, awards, honors, and other noteworthy items.
- Complete the required essay. The essay will set you apart from the other applicants. Take your time, edit, review, and edit again! Write your essay in Word, then copy and paste it into the application. The essay should: explain your educational goals, professional goals, career aspirations, and commitment to community service, and inform the reader of the ways in which a scholarship award will make a difference in your personal and financial circumstances. The minimum length for the essay is 300 words; essays cannot exceed a length of 600 words.
- Honors scholarships require an additional essay (500-600 words) on the following topic: How and why do you think participation in the University Honors Program will advance your personal and professional goals?
- Recommendation Forms (letters of recommendation) are not required for ALL scholarships but are suggested to help set you apart from other applicants. Recommendations are REQUIRED for students who want to be considered for an honors scholarship. Select a previous or current teacher or counselor who can provide information about your unique qualities and/or exceptional academic abilities. Contact your intended reference prior to listing him/her. Be sure to collect their email address since they will receive a request by email to complete your online recommendation form from notify@ngwebsolutions.com, not from a Wright State University email address. Forms are due by February 8, 2023, by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- Complete the 2023–24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) beginning October 1, 2022. A student’s completed FAFSA should be filed by February 1, 2023, to maximize consideration for financial aid.
ROTC Scholarships
- Award Amount
- Typical awards cover Wright State University tuition and fees; $900/yr book allowance; and a monthly stipend, which will increase each year the student progresses in the program; scholarship winners may also be eligible for a Wright State University room and board scholarship
- Eligibility Criteria
-
3.0 high school cumulative GPA; ACT composite of 26 or SAT composite of 1180 (math and verbal portion only); class ranking in the top 40 percent, and/or outstanding leadership qualities; offers are made to high school seniors and graduates who have not had any full-time college experience; must be a U.S. citizen or able to obtain citizenship within one year
- How to Apply
-
High school students should apply during their senior year at the AFROTC website or contact the Wright State University Air Force ROTC Department. The deadline for applications varies from year to year.
- Application
- AFROTC Website
- Contact
- Wright State University Air Force ROTC Detachment 643
- (937) 775-2730
- Award Amount
- 100 percent tuition and fees; $1,200 book allowance per year; tiered tax-free monthly stipend of $300 to $500; and a possible Wright State University room/board incentive; no obligation until sophomore year
- Eligibility Criteria
-
As a National Partnership in Nursing Education (PNE) school, scholarships are available for qualified pre-nursing incoming freshmen; minimum requirements include a 2.5 cumulative GPA, 19 ACT or 920 SAT, exhibit scholar, athlete, and leader attributes; must be a U.S. citizen, pass a medical exam, and score at least a 60 percent on the Army Physical Fitness Test by the end of Fall semester of your freshmen year of college
- How to Apply
-
Apply online at www.goarmy.com or call 1-800-USA-ROTC between February 1 of your junior year and January 10 of your senior year in high school; designate Wright State University as one of your seven school choices; contact Wright State University Army ROTC at (937) 775-2763 or (937) 775-3841 and/or visit Wright State University Army ROTC. Follow WSU AROTC on Facebook and/or Twitter for the latest news and activities.
- Application
- Application at goarmy.com
- Award Amount
- 100 percent tuition and fees; $1,200 book allowance per year; tiered tax-free monthly stipend of $300 to $500; and a possible Wright State University room/board incentive; no obligation until sophomore year
- Eligibility Criteria
-
Merit-based with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, 19 ACT or 920 SAT, and exhibit scholar, athlete, and leader attributes; must be a U.S. citizen, pass a medical exam, and score at least 60 percent on the Army Physical Fitness Test by the end of Fall semester of your freshman year of college
- How to Apply
-
Apply online at www.goarmy.com or call 1-800-USA-ROTC between February 1 of your junior year and January 10 of your senior year in high school; designate Wright State University as one of your seven school choices; contact Wright State University Army ROTC at (937) 775-2763 or (937) 775-3841 and/or visit Wright State University Army ROTC. Follow WSU AROTC on Facebook and/or Twitter for the latest news and activities.
- Application
- Application at goarmy.com
- Award Amount
- There are two main types of Army ROTC scholarships these include the National Board AROTC Scholarships and Campus Based Scholarships. These scholarships pay 100% tuition and fees, $1200.00 per year for books and a monthly stipend. Additional incentive money is also available.
- Eligibility Criteria
-
2.5 CGPA, at least 1000 SAT score or 19 on ACT, U.S. Citizen, no felony convictions-for misdemeanors more than $250.00 waiver is required, be between the ages of 18-31 before commissioning, physically fit, and medically qualified.
- Information
- Visit our web page at http://www.wright.edu/army-rotc
- How to Apply
-
For the National Board Scholarship high school seniors apply online at www.goarmy.com/rotc/scholarships.html The National Board window opens in July between the junior and senior year of the high school student and closes in February of the student's senior year. Campus Based Scholarships are for students who enroll in Army ROTC at the college level.
- Application
- Apply online
College of Liberal Arts Talent Scholarships
Wright State University offers various scholarships based on talent. Read below for more details.
- Award Amount
- Amount varies up to $3,000 per year
- Eligibility Criteria
-
Based on a portfolio review with the School of Fine & Performing Arts.
- Renewable?
- Yes; 2 years
- How to Apply
-
Contact the School of Fine & Performing Arts for application process and deadline date.
- Contact
- SoFPA@wright.edu
- Award Amount
- Amount varies from $500 to the value of in-state tuition
- Eligibility Criteria
-
Based on an audition with the School of Fine & Performing Arts.
- How to Apply
-
Contact the School of Fine & Performing Arts Music Program for application process and deadline date.
- Contact
- SoFPA@wright.edu
- Award Amount
- Amount varies from $500 to the value of in-state tuition
- Eligibility Criteria
-
Based on audition/interview with Dance, Motion Pictures, or Theatre Program(s)
- How to Apply
-
Contact the School of Fine and Performing Arts for the application process and deadline date.
- Contact
- SoFPA@wright.edu
- Award Amount
- Amount varies from $500 to the value of in-state tuition
- Eligibility Criteria
-
Based on audition with Department of Theatre, Dance, and Motion Pictures.
- How to Apply
-
Contact the School of Fine and Performing Arts for application process and deadline date
- Contact
- SoFPA@wright.edu
- Award Amount
- Minimum award amount is $1,500
- Eligibility Criteria
-
Be either an Acting or Dance Major and have demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to incoming students from Stivers School for the Arts.
- Deadline Date
- See "How to Apply"
- How to Apply
-
Contact the Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures for more information.
- Additional Information
-
All eligible applicants will be considered
- Award Amount
- Amount varies from $500 to the value of in-state tuition
- Eligibility Criteria
-
Based on audition with School of Music
- How to Apply
-
Contact the School of Fine and Performing Arts for application process and deadline date
- Contact
- SoFPA@wright.edu
- Award Amount
- Amount varies from $500 to the value of in-state tuition
- Eligibility Criteria
-
Based on audition with Department of Theatre, Dance, and Motion Pictures
- How to Apply
-
Contact the School of Fine and Performing Arts for application process and deadline date
- Contact
- SoFPA@wright.edu
Accepting a Scholarship Offer
If you are new to the university, follow these instructions to accept your scholarship online.
- Revisit your Admissions Portal at wright.edu/apply.
- In the Next Steps section, select Access your Student Portal.
- Select the Student and Financial Aid link.
- Select the Financial Aid and Scholarships link.
- Select the Award Notice link.
- Select the Award Overview tab to review your award notice.
- Select the Accept Award Offer tab to accept/decline aid.
Understanding Your Scholarship Award/Cost Estimation Worksheet
If you qualify for a first-year student scholarship, you will be mailed a scholarship award letter and cost estimation worksheet that highlights your estimated cost to attend Wright State. This information is provided to help you budget and plan for your college expenses.
Scholarship Letter
Wright State awards several scholarships to first-year students based on their admission application and FAFSA. The scholarship letter provides information on the scholarships you are eligible to receive. Most of these scholarships are renewable, meaning you are eligible to receive them for up to four years, but some are only awarded for your first year. Please consult your personalized letter for additional information.
Please note: Additional scholarship opportunities are available to new students. Several of these are highlighted at the top of this page.
Cost Estimation Worksheet
Below is a sample of the cost estimate and additional information on how to interpret your expected costs. This estimate is calculated using Wright State's 2022–23 tuition and fees and federal/state financial aid criteria. It is subject to change once the costs and criteria for the 2023–24 academic year are finalized. Beginning in March, official financial aid offers will be released to new, first-year students, provided you have submitted your FAFSA and completed all outstanding financial aid requirements.
Section 1: Annual Costs
This section provides an estimate of total annual charges for full-time (12–18 credit hours) students. Your actual costs may vary depending on your number of credit hours and whether you live on or off campus. Since you are billed separately for Fall and Spring Semesters, this cost will be split in half for each term. Books are not provided by the university and do not appear on your bill. However, as they are critical to your academic success, a ballpark estimate is included to help you plan for expenses.
Section 2: Gift Aid
This section includes information on scholarships and grants that do not need to be repaid. Any federal grants shown are estimated using 2021–22 criteria and are based on the data you provided on your FAFSA.
Please note: Wright State colleges and departments may offer scholarships based on your admission application or online competitive scholarship application. These offers can occur throughout the year and may impact your financial aid award. Your most current financial aid offer will be available in WINGS Express.
Section 3: Cost Minus Gift Aid
This section takes your total annual costs and deducts any gift-aid awards you are eligible to receive. This is essentially the total amount you could expect to pay, depending on where you choose to live and is often lower than the published price.
Section 4: Self-help aid
This section shows your estimated self-help aid if you've filed your FAFSA. Self-help aid includes loans and work-study awards. Loans are a valuable tool that can help you with your educational goals. Make a smart choice by borrowing only what you need. Loans must be repaid, with interest, even if you do not graduate.
Federal Work-Study is a program that provides part-time employment to help pay for educational expenses. Students are paid directly and funds are not applied to a student's bill to cover direct costs. Federal Work-Study will be included in your official award offer, released beginning in March if you are eligible.
Section 5: Out of pocket
This section shows your total annual costs after deducting any estimated gift and self-help aid you may be eligible to receive. This is the estimated amount you can expect to owe to Wright State and the additional funds you will need to purchase books.
If your out-of-pocket cost is a negative number, then your total financial aid exceeds your anticipated costs. In this case, if you accept the full amount of your financial aid, you will be able to use the excess amount to pay for other education expenses.
If your out-of-pocket cost is a positive number, then you can expect to receive a bill each semester. Divide the total amount of your out-of-pocket cost but two to get a better idea of what your bill will be each semester.
There are several options you can explore to cover your remaining expenses.
- Payment Plans: Spread out the cost of your education through a flexible, affordable payment plan.
- Loan Options: Loans can help students and parents bridge the gap between your financial aid award and the remaining balance.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
On the backside of your cost estimation worksheet, you will find additional information on:
- Accepting your scholarship award before the June 1 deadline
- Applying for additional competitive scholarship opportunities through our online scholarship application before the February 1 deadline
- Reviewing the scholarship terms you must meet in order to maintain your renewable scholarship offer
- Checking the status of your FAFSA and completion of your financial aid requirements
Check out our Financial Aid Need To Know page for information on your next steps in the financial aid process.
Financial Aid Terms to Know
Net Cost/Net Price: An estimate of the actual cost a student and their family need to pay in a given year to cover education expenses for the student to attend a particular school. Net price is determined by taking costs and subtracting any grants and scholarships (gift aid) for which the student may be eligible.
Expected Family Contribution: A number used by your school to calculate the amount of federal student aid you are eligible to receive. It is based on the financial information provided in your FAFSA. This is not the amount of money your family will have to pay for college, nor is it the amount of federal student aid you will receive.
Gift Aid: Includes grants and scholarships. This aid does not need to be repaid.
Self-Help Aid: Includes loans and work-study.
- Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid, with interest. Loans from the federal government typically have a lower interest rate than loans from private lenders. Federal loans, listed from most advantageous to least advantageous are called Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Parent PLUS Loans.
- Work-study is a federal student aid program that provides part-time employment while you are enrolled in school and wages can be used to pay for your educational expenses. You must seek out and apply for work-study jobs and the availability of jobs can vary. Students are paid directly for the hours worked and the amount earned can not exceed the total amount offered during the award year.
