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Education is one of the most expensive commodities in today’s world. Most high school graduates seek financial aid in order to pursue a career that needs many years of college. Hence, scholarships emerge as the most desired type of financial aid in this situation. For starters, WGU scholarships are among the many that can help you achieve those dreams.
You will be able to pay off your student loans with the help of one or more WGU scholarships. It is unsurprising that many students leave college with significant loan debt. Their education is threatened by the likelihood of paying back all of the money. Also, it puts a great deal of pressure on them to get decent packages.
This is why, even though they wanted to, most students are unable to pursue careers that do not pay well at entry-level. On the other hand, WGU scholarships are free money that helps students like you to pursue their dreams. By eliminating the financial barrier, WGU scholarships will help you achieve your academic and career goals.
In fact, Western Governors University offers plenty of generous scholarships especially for bright students like you for many courses. See below which WGU scholarships you may be eligible for and how to apply for them.
About Western Governors University
Western Governors University (WGU) is a Millcreek, Utah-based private online university. Fascinatingly, instead of the conventional, cohort-based class model used by most colleges, the university uses an online competency-based learning model.
In fact, the university was established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors. Actually, it took place after an idea to extend education initiatives to the internet was conceived at a 1995 meeting of the Western Governors Association. Furthermore, institutional and professional accreditation bodies such as the NWCCU, ACBSP, CAEP, CAHIIM, CCNE, and the NCATE accredit WGU degree programs.
Generally, WGU has four colleges, each of which offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees. As of October 2014, the four colleges offered 55 bachelor’s, master’s, and post-baccalaureate degree programs, as well as teacher certification training programs.
In particular, program advisors, course teachers, and evaluators are the three categories of faculty that students are working with at WGU.
Specifically, WGU offers online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs through the following colleges:
- Business, College
- Information Technology, College
- Teachers College
- Health Professions, College
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) has granted WGU regional accreditation. Interestingly, WGU claims to be the first and only university to have its accreditation checked and granted by four different regional accreditors.
In other words, WGU’s competency-based programs are regionally accredited. Therefore, they follow the same educational criteria for success, competence, and quality as those found at other more conventional universities, ranging from large state schools to Ivy League institutions.
Moreover, the U.S. Department of Education recognizes regional accreditation bodies—in WGU’s case, the NWCCU—as the authorities on educational quality and the efficacy of institutions in their geographic areas. In fact, the NWCCU granted WGU accreditation because its area includes Utah, WGU’s home state.
List of WGU Scholarships
In fact, WGU maintains a comprehensive scholarship program for eligible students thanks to the generosity of various businesses and foundations, as well as special federal government appropriations.
Actually, scholarships are only one of the many ways that WGU makes it easier for students to achieve their educational objectives and advance their career prospects. However, it’s part of the university’s commitment to its students’ long-term success.
Nevertheless, below you can see a list of the WGU scholarships available to students from various programs, such as nursing, business, and teaching.
WGU Scholarships for Teacher
1. Become a Teacher Scholarship
The WGU Become a Teacher Scholarship is worth up to $4,000. Nevertheless, students can use it toward any of WGU’s Teachers College degree programs leading to teacher licensure. Specifically, these WGU scholarships include a $1,500 stipend that will be applied to this demonstration teaching term.
2. K-12 Partner Scholarship
Worth $2,500 ($625 per term, for up to four terms), the K–12 Partner Scholarship is open to new students in any of the more than 60 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs offered at WGU. Furthermore, it covers programs in K–12 education, business, information technology, and healthcare.
3. WGU Loves Teachers Scholarship
Through June 30th, Western Governors University invites teachers and aspiring teachers to apply for the WGU Loves Teachers Scholarship. In particular, this opportunity is for prospective teachers who want to earn their teacher certification. Besides, it is available for current educators ready to advance their careers.
These scholarships, each valued up to $4,000, are designed to help current teachers improve their skill set in the classroom. Moreover, it helps current teachers move into administration. Alternatively, it assists aspiring teachers in obtaining the required credentials for a rewarding career as an educator as well.
WGU Scholarships Nursing & Health
1. ANPD Excellence in Nursing Education Scholarship
This scholarship, worth $2,500, is available for ANPD members looking to earn a WGU online bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in nursing or healthcare.
2. Cleveland Clinic Caregiver Scholarship
WGU would like to celebrate some of the hard-working, compassionate healthcare professionals with the Cleveland Clinic Caregiver Scholarship. In particular, it is worth $4,000.
Then, with this scholarship, Cleveland Clinic employees have an opportunity to expand their career potential by earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a health, business, or information technology program.
3. Health Services Coordination Scholarship
These WGU scholarships, each valued up to $3,000, are designed to help students who are eager to advance their careers in the healthcare field. Furthermore, they will be able to earn a WGU bachelor’s degree in health services coordination. Besides, they position themselves to make a positive difference in the lives of patients and clients.
4. WGU Healthcare Partners Fund
WGU Healthcare Partners Fund is available for employees of partner institutions. Valued up to $2,500, the financial aids are designed for employees of WGU’s partner hospitals and healthcare organizations. Specifically, they are for those who wish to advance their education to become educators, managers, and leaders in vital healthcare fields.
5. Linda Knodel Leaders in Nursing and Health Scholarship
Honoring the leadership of Linda Knodel, former AONE President, WGU announces the Linda Knodel Leaders in Nursing and Health Scholarship. In fact, the university will award this scholarship quarterly to a new MSN or health leadership student at WGU.
Specifically, it is for those who exemplify the spirit and commitment to leadership exemplified by Linda in her work with AONE. This scholarship is valued at up to $5,000.
6. Margaret McClure Scholarship
To honor Margaret McClure’s service and leadership, WGU is pleased to offer the Margaret McClure Scholarship. Basically, it is a prestigious award worth up to $5,000 toward tuition in most of WGU’s College of Health Professions degree programs.
Four recipients will be selected, one per quarter, for their demonstrated activism or innovation in nursing that improves patient outcomes.
7. Nurses Appreciation Scholarship
Through June 30th, WGU invites nurses who are ready to earn a bachelor’s or master’s nursing degree to apply for the Nurses Appreciation Scholarship. In fact, Western Governors University will award up to 200 scholarships to motivated nurses who are ready to take on the increasing challenges of today’s healthcare practice.
Fascinatingly, the scholarship amount this year is increased by $1,500 from 2020. WGU expects it can help meet the needs of nationwide nurses who have been gravely impacted last year.
8. WGU Excellence in Health Information Management Scholarship
Finally, these WGU scholarships are designed to help experienced IT or healthcare professionals attend college online to move into the high-demand field of health information management. In particular, it is amounting up to $2,500.
WGU Business Scholarships
1. Advance Your Career in Accounting Scholarship
With the Advance Your Career in Accounting Scholarship, WGU will award half a million dollars in scholarships for up to 1,000 recipients. The university hopes it will assist them to embark on new or advanced careers in accounting.
Interestingly, WGU will award scholarships to new students in WGU’s bachelor’s or master’s degrees in accounting. Furthermore, it is worth up to $5,000.
2. Business Ready Scholarship
Western Governors University offers up to 100 Business Ready Scholarships to aspiring business professionals who want to earn a WGU business bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, this scholarship is specifically for students who reside in one of the following states:
- Indiana,
- Ohio,
- Kentucky,
- Michigan,
- West Virginia, and
- Western Pennsylvania.
3. Cleveland Clinic Caregiver Scholarship
WGU would like to celebrate some of the hard-working, compassionate healthcare professionals with the Cleveland Clinic Caregiver Scholarship. In particular, it is valued at up to $4,000.
Then, with this scholarship, Cleveland Clinic employees have an opportunity to expand their career potential by earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a health, business, or information technology program.
4. Dominion Energy Scholarship
WGU teams up with Dominion Energy to help students earn the business or IT degree that they need to advance their careers.
In particular, the $2,500 Dominion Energy Scholarship is for any residents of Utah and Southwest Wyoming. Moreover, it’s available for those who are entering or returning students in any of WGU’s IT or business bachelor’s or master’s degree programs.
5. SHRM Leadership Scholarship
Lastly, WGU offers the $2,000 worth of SHRM Leadership Scholarship for the following professionals who are looking to add a bachelor’s or master’s degree to their resume:
- National leaders of Society for Human Resource Management
- Regional leaders of Society for Human Resource Management
- Chapter leaders of Society for Human Resource Management
WGU I.T. Scholarships
1. Cleveland Clinic Caregiver Scholarship
WGU would like to celebrate some of the hard-working, compassionate healthcare professionals with the Cleveland Clinic Caregiver Scholarship. In particular, it is worth $4,000.
Then, with this scholarship, Cleveland Clinic employees have an opportunity to expand their career potential by earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a health, business, or information technology program.
2. Code Your Own Path Scholarship
Secondly, the Code Your Own Path Scholarship is worth up to $5,000 toward any of WGU’s College of Information Technology degree programs.
3. Dominion Energy Scholarship
WGU teams up with Dominion Energy to help students earn the business or IT degree that they need to advance their careers.
In particular, the $2,500 Dominion Energy Scholarship is available for any residents of Utah and Southwest Wyoming. Moreover, it’s available for those who are entering or returning students in any of WGU’s IT or business bachelor’s or master’s degree programs.
4. WGU Cybersecurity Scholarship
The WGU Cybersecurity Scholarship is worth up to $5,000. Next, recipients can use it toward WGU’s already-low tuition in a master’s or bachelor’s cybersecurity degree program.
WGU General Scholarships
1. WGU Community College Partner Scholarship
Western Governors University offers $2,500 worth of WGU Community College Partner Scholarship. Furthermore, it is available for partner community college graduates and staff looking to earn a WGU bachelor’s or master’s degree in the following courses:
- Information Technology,
- Business,
- Teacher Education, or
- Nursing.
2. Essential Workers Scholarship
WGU provides Essential Workers Scholarship to honor the essential workers for their unwavering commitment to helping the communities through the pandemic. Particularly, it is valued at up to $3,000. Then, students can use it to pay for the tuition toward any WGU bachelor’s or master’s degree in the following courses:
- Business,
- Information Technology,
- Health Professions, or
- Nursing.
3. Online Access Scholarship
WGU is committed to increasing access to education, making it possible for individuals to improve their lives and the lives of their families by earning a college degree online. Thus, to reach this goal, the university offers the Online Access Scholarship.
It will cover the cost of installing and accessing the internet for students who might not otherwise be able to get online. Also, it will provide recipients with a refurbished laptop, complete with a webcam.
4. WGU Alumni Master’s Scholarship
This is an exclusive scholarship available to WGU alums who wish to pursue a master’s degree. For WGU grads who are considering pursuing another degree, now is the perfect time to apply. In particular, the winners will receive up to $2,000 toward their graduate degree.
5. Administrative Professionals Scholarship
This year, WGU wants to make Administrative Professionals Week extra special and help them unlock their full potential in the workplace. Hence, to celebrate them, WGU offers the Administrative Professionals Scholarship.
The university will award multiple scholarships—each valued up to $4,000—to the following motivated professionals:
- Executive assistants,
- Secretaries,
- Receptionists, and
- Other administrative support professionals.
Hopefully, it will assist them to be ready to achieve the dream of a college degree in business, information technology, education, or health professions.
6. Master Your Future Scholarship
Master Your Future Scholarship are for students who seek a master’s degree from WGU.
7. WGU Institutional Partner Fund
WGU offers the WGU Institutional Partners Fund for employees or residents of WGU’s partner institutions who wish to advance their education in the business, education, information technology, or healthcare fields.
These scholarships, each valued up to $2,000, are designed for employees or residents of WGU’s institutional partners (many of which are listed below), as well as:
- Bright Horizons EdAssist clients,
- International Scholarship and Tuition Services (ISTS) clients,
- Edcor clients,
- GP Strategies clients,
- Scholarship America’s Tuition Assistance clients, and
- com transfer students and staff.
8. Apprenticeship Career Advancement Scholarship
This scholarship, valued at up to $6,000, is available for community college graduates who have completed an apprenticeship program. Furthermore, they must want to earn a WGU bachelor’s degree in information technology, business, teacher education, or healthcare.
9. WGU StraighterLine Scholarship
Western Governors University has partnered with StraighterLine to offer the StraighterLine Scholarship for transfer students. In fact, these scholarships, worth $2,000, are available for excellent students. They must have completed at least four StraighterLine courses who wish to continue their education and earn a degree.
10. Legacy Scholarship
If your parent or spouse graduates from WGU, you are eligible for the Legacy Scholarship, worth up to $2,500 toward a degree of your own. Particularly, each scholarship is worth $625 per six-month term, up to four terms.
Moreover, you can use the scholarship toward any of WGU’s more than 60 undergraduate or graduate degree programs in business, IT, teacher education, or healthcare and nursing.
11. WGU Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
In the same spirit of encouraging scholarship and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth among two-year college students, WGU offers the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Program.
These WGU scholarships, each amounting up to $2,500, are available for Phi Theta Kappa members with an associate’s degree. Specifically, they must want to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree.
12. Harper College Transfer Scholarship
The Harper College Transfer Scholarship is for graduates of Harper College, Illinois, as a part of the WGU–Harper College partnership. Luckily, all graduates of any Harper program are eligible to apply.
13. WGU AmeriCorps Scholarship
Western Governors University teams up with the Corporation for National and Community Service to help AmeriCorps alumni continue the tradition of “Getting Things Done”. In fact, the university expects it will help AmeriCorps alumni use their unique life experience to finish a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
14. WGU Leadership Scholarship
At WGU, the university admits that leaders with strong skills are vital in helping organizations thrive. That’s why the university is offering the WGU Leadership Scholarship, worth up to $5,000, to individuals who are ready to ramp up their careers, show what they have to offer, and take the lead in their chosen field.
15. SAGE Scholarship
The Sage Scholarship is available to help make students’ decision to enroll at WGU a little easier. In fact, it is a competitive scholarship worth up to $2,500 toward the tuition in any of WGU’s bachelor’s or master’s degree programs.
16. WGU Red Cross Partner Scholarship
Additionally, WGU offers the WGU–Red Cross Partner Scholarship for Red Cross employees and volunteers. These scholarships, each valued up to $2,500, are designed for employees and volunteers who wish to advance their education to become educators, managers, and leaders in vital healthcare fields.
17. Western Association of Food Chains Scholarship
This scholarship is available for employees of eligible WAFC partner institutions. Valued up to $2,500, it is designed for employees who wish to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
18. WGU Superhero Within Scholarship
WGU offers a whole arsenal of tools and team members to help students develop their academic superpowers. Specifically, it covers flexible online courses and low flat-rate tuition to respected accreditations and personalized faculty support.
Also, it’s offering the Superhero Within Scholarship, worth up to $2,000 ($500 per term for up to four terms). Besides, students can apply for this scholarship to any of the university’s 60 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
19. I Have a Dream Scholarship
The I Have a Dream Scholarship is for those who have always dreamed of completing their college degrees and advancing their careers but faced challenges that prevented them from moving forward. Also, this scholarship aligns with the university’s mission to increase equity in access and attainment within underserved learner populations.
Western Governors University Military and Veterans Scholarships
WGU Military Appreciation Scholarship
The university offers active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their spouses an opportunity to advance their education, valued up to $2,500.
How to Apply for WGU Scholarships
Ultimately, now that you’ve looked at the scholarships and found one that might apply to you, here’s how you apply.
1. Complete the Admissions Application
First of all, to be considered for any WGU scholarships, you must be provisionally accepted as a WGU student. Hence, complete the admissions application and work with your enrollment counselor to move through the admissions process.
2. Complete the General Scholarship Application
The general application is required for all WGU scholarships. To access the application, you will need your MyWGU student portal credentials, which will be sent to you shortly after the previous step.
In fact, you are eligible to apply for the scholarships within 90 days of starting a degree program, either before or after. Therefore, you must complete the application within 90 days of your intended start date.
3. Log in to Scholarship Portal and Apply
Lastly, finish up by reviewing the recommended opportunities and completing the supplemental application for each scholarship you’d like to be considered for. In fact, you need to submit these additional applications within 5 days of submitting the general application.
