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. If you're a current or returning Wayne State student, here are some tools that may be available for you. 

Scholarships 

You are considered a current WSU undergraduate student if you meet the following criteria:

• You have earned credit through classes at Wayne State as a student admitted to an undergraduate degree program
• You are currently enrolled in Wayne State undergraduate classes

There are several scholarships that require you to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For information on the steps to submit the FAFSA and the types of aid available, visit our Financial Aid website.

• Departmental scholarships
• WSU private scholarships
• External scholarships

Retaining your WSU academic scholarship

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

• File 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.