BUILD Scholars Program

Innovation and academic excellence are key to training the next generation of doctors, researchers and scientists. That's why Wayne State is proud to be a part of REBUILD Detroit, a partnership among Detroit institutions supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as part of its national BUILD (Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity) program.

Award benefits

  • Students will have zero out-of-pocket expenses for tuition and standard fees (matriculation, registration and student service fees) for up to 30 credits each fall and winter and 6 credits during the spring-summer through the BUILD Tuition Pledge Program.
  • All students will also receive a BUILD Program Activity Award up to $5,000 to assist with other costs.

BUILD eligibility and application

To retain eligibility

BUILD program participation is renewable for up to four consecutive years provided you continue to meet eligibility requirements.

  • Maintain full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours each semester) during the fall and winter semesters
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
  • Submit an updated FAFSA every year, if you are a US citizen or eligible noncitizen
  • Meet the terms and conditions of your WSU merit scholarship
  • Meet the academic terms and conditions for the BUILD program

What does the BUILD Tuition Pledge Program cover?

The BUILD Tuition Pledge Program award covers any gap between tuition and standard fees and other federal, state, and WSU scholarships and grants. If you also qualified for one of the other tuition pledge awards (Heart of Detroit, Wayne Access, and Detroit Promise), your BUILD Tuition Pledge Program participation will take priority.

Additional charges such as course materials fees, support fees, and room and board are not covered. The BUILD Program Activity Award may be used to assist with these other costs. Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, Federal Parent PLUS loans, and private/alternative loans can also be used to assist with housing and other expenses.