Scholarships

Kentucky Wesleyan College Scholarships

A Kentucky Wesleyan education continually proves to be a great value for students who want an academically competitive atmosphere at an affordable cost. Ranking among the best private liberal arts schools in our field, we strive to remain one of the most economically priced institutions. Our students are rewarded for a strong academic background through our generous scholarship programs.

  • First-Year (Freshmen) Merit/Academic Scholarships (For domestic and international students)

    • Each new undergraduate student (domestic or international) is awarded an academic/merit scholarship when that student is admitted into Kentucky Wesleyan College. Eligibility for these varying scholarship amounts are based on the student’s cumulative high school grade point average (GPA).
    • Academic scholarship upgrades are possible if a student has an improved 7th semester cumulative GPA. The student must submit the new transcripts to his/her admissions counselor for a possible scholarship upgrade.
    • Academic scholarships are solely for tuition, for a maximum of eight full-time semesters, and only for undergraduate degrees in full-time student status (at least 12 credit hours per semester). Merit scholarships, their respective monetary values, and the GPA requirements are subject to change by Kentucky Wesleyan College at any time.
    • To retain any academic scholarship, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Some scholarships include specific GPA requirements.
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    • Wesleyan Scholars Program
      Students who meet the academic requirements and have been admitted to the College are invited to participate in the Wesleyan Scholars Program. This invitation-only scholarship competition guarantees students the opportunity to compete for additional scholarship dollars that range from a $2,500 increase up to full tuition. Certain awards are only available through the Wesleyan Scholars Program, indicated with †.

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    • James Graham Brown Scholarship† (full tuition for four years)
      Eligibility: High School Cumulative GPA 3.6 or greater with participation in Wesleyan Scholars Program. Student must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
      Are eligible for two additional non-academic awards.

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    • Jack T. Wells Scholarship† (full tuition for four years)
      Eligibility: High School Cumulative GPA 3.6 or greater with participation in Wesleyan Scholars Program. Student must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
      Are eligible for two additional non-academic awards.

    •  

    • Winchester Scholarship†: $20,000 per year ($80,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: High School Cumulative GPA 3.6 or greater with participation in Wesleyan Scholars Program. Student must maintain a 2.8 GPA.

    •  

    • Founders Scholarship†: $17,500 per year ($70,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: High School Cumulative GPA 3.6 or greater with participation in Wesleyan Scholars Program. Student must maintain a 2.8 GPA.

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    • Trustees Scholarship: $15,000 per year ($60,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: High School Cumulative GPA 4.0 or greater, or minimum 3.6 with participation in Wesleyan Scholars Program. Student must maintain a 2.8 GPA.

       

      Presidential Scholarship: $12,500 per year ($50,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: High School Cumulative GPA 3.75 to 3.99, or minimum 3.6 with participation in Wesleyan Scholars Program. Student must maintain a 2.8 GPA.

       

      Deans Scholarship: $9,000 per year ($36,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: High School Cumulative GPA 3.5 to 3.74, or minimum 3.6 with participation in Wesleyan Scholars Program

       

      Millersburg Scholarship: $8,000 per year ($32,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: High School Cumulative GPA 3.49 or less

       

      Wesleyan Scholarship: $6,000 per year ($24,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: High School Cumulative GPA 3.24 or less

    •  
    • Additional First-Year Scholarships

      Two additional scholarships/awards may be combined with the one academic/merit scholarship (total of three), not to exceed the total of direct costs. Completing a FAFSA is required.

    • Only scholarships/awards designated with an asterisk (*) can be added on top of the three total scholarships, not to exceed the total of direct costs.

       

      Athletic Scholarship: Determined by each Coach in his/her sport.
      Awards: Vary in amount but do not exceed the total of direct costs.
      Apply: No application necessary. These are awarded by coaches.

       

      *Campus Visit Grant: $1,000 per year (up to $4,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: Students who have an official campus visit through admissions or athletics, will receive a $1,000 campus visit grant. Visits can be scheduled at www.kwc.edu/visit.
      Apply: No application necessary. These are awarded based on meeting the criteria.

       

      Rogers’ Fellows Scholarship: Full Tuition, Fees, Room & Board: $45,220 per year 2023 costs (up to $180,880 over four years). Awardees cannot receive any other KWC scholarship or award.
      Eligibility: Must be a graduate of the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada and have a High School Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 with demonstrated co-curricular   interests, leadership, and public service. First generation students preferred (not mandatory)
      Apply: Complete the scholarship application here.

      The Rogers Foundation, an educational non-profit, was established by James E. Rogers, a Kentucky-born, long-time Las Vegas resident. It is open to college-bound residents of Southern Nevada who wish to attend Kentucky Wesleyan. The Rogers Foundation offers at least 10 annual full scholarships. Applicants must apply to Kentucky Wesleyan College and be accepted to be eligible for these scholarships.  Scholarship applications are available on the Rogers Foundation website; awarded funds will be distributed to students via the Kentucky Wesleyan Financial Aid Department.

       

      *Pyles Teachers Scholarship: Minimum of $4,000 per year (minimum of $16,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: For students entering the Teacher Education Program at KWC with at least a High School Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
      Apply: Deadline is November 15. Apply here.
      Maintaining the Scholarship: Must maintain standards of the Teacher Education program including C or higher in all Education and support courses and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and in all Teacher Education core/major areas.

      The Pyles Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of Luellen Pyles, a 1944 graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan, who taught English and Spanish in Ohio and Kentucky public schools from 1944 – 1953.  Pyles, a Maysville, KY resident, was a longtime college trustee whose bequest of over $4 million is one of the largest estate gifts in the College’s history. 

       

      *Kentucky Teacher Scholarship/Loan: Award amounts vary
      Eligibility: A need-based state assistance program. FAFSA and Teacher Scholarship application are required. Full-time enrollment is required with possible exception for final term.
      Apply: Deadline is May 1. Contact the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority for complete details and an application. (1-800-928-8926)

      If teaching obligation is not met, recipients must repay the scholarship with 12 percent interest that accrues from the date of disbursement of each Teacher Scholarship. Contact the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority for complete details. (1-800-928-8926)

       

      *Terry Woodward Scholarship: $1,250 per year (up to $5,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: Student must be in the major of accounting, business administration, economics, or computer information systems, and must remain in one of those majors to continue receiving the scholarship each year.
      Apply: https://kwc.edu/terry-woodward-scholarship-application

      In January of 2000, the employees of Wax Works, Inc. established a special scholarship to honor their CEO, Mr. Terry Woodward. As a result, we award this scholarship to a first-time freshman majoring in a program offered in the Department of Accounting, Business Administration, Economics and Computer Information Systems.

       

      *Music Endowed Scholarship: $1,250 for students entering in the Fall of 2024
      Eligibility: Student must be first-year freshmen or first-year transfer student pursuing a degree in music or a related discipline. They must already be admitted into the entering class at Kentucky Wesleyan College, enrolled full-time, have a high-school or previous college cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and have unmet financial need.
      Scholarship Length: This is a one-time scholarship awarded for a student’s first year only and not renewable.
      Apply: Contact Dr. Patrick Stuckemeyer: patrick.stuckemeyer@kwc.edu

       

      Departmental Scholarships: Award amounts vary
      Eligibility: Awarded in the areas of art, band, education, campus ministries, music, and theatre.
      Apply: No application is needed. Students are awarded based on meeting any scholarship criteria.

       

      Campus Ministries Leadership Scholarship: Award amounts vary
      Eligibility: A renewable scholarship available to eligible faith-based students who have an interest in serving in a leadership role in campus ministries. Award amounts may vary.
      Apply: Interested persons should contact the Vice President of Mission and Culture, Shawn Tomes at stomes@kwc.edu or by calling 270-903-1102.

       

      Kavanaugh Scholarship: Up to $5,000 per year (up to $20,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: Must be a member of a United Methodist congregation and have a High School Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 with an involvement expectation with campus ministries
      Apply: Interested persons should contact the Vice President of Mission and Culture, Shawn Tomes at stomes@kwc.edu or by calling 270-903-1102.

      The Kavanaugh Scholarship, named for the first Kentucky-born Methodist bishop in the Commonwealth, H. H. Kavanaugh, and is a renewable scholarship to eligible students who are members of a United Methodist congregation.  Bishop Kavanaugh presided over the laying of the cornerstone of first building of Kentucky Wesleyan College in February 1858.

       

      United Methodist Minister’s Dependent Scholarship: Up to half of tuition (up to half the cost of tuition after all other scholarships and awards are applied)
      Eligibility: Must be a dependent of an ordained United Methodist minister as verified by a copy of the parent’s ordination certificate.
      Apply: Provide verification to the Office of Financial Aid.

       

      *United Methodist Scholarships: Award amounts vary
      Eligibility: Must be a member of the United Methodist Church and requires a letter from your minister/pastor verifying membership.
      Apply: Provide verification to the Office of Financial Aid.

      For additional scholarship opportunities for United Methodist students, please visit www.gbhem.org and www.umhef.org  

       

      *Legacy Scholarships: $2,500 per year (up to $10,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: Awarded to students who are the children or grandchildren of Kentucky Wesleyan College alumni. Also awarded to students who have a sibling currently attending.
      Apply: No application necessary. These are awarded based on meeting the criteria.

       

      Out-of-State Scholarships: $3,500 per year ($14,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: Home address must be from a state other than Kentucky.
      Apply: No application necessary. These are awarded based on meeting the criteria.

       We value diversity at Kentucky Wesleyan College – and attracting students from across the United States from a variety of backgrounds and experiences is important to all of our student’s educational experience.

       

      *The Holley Skidmore Scholarship: Award amounts vary
      Eligibility: Awarded to an incoming, full-time enrolled student who demonstrates need and completes the required scholarship.
      Apply: Deadline is August 1. The scholarship is found here.

      Mr. Skidmore ’31 was a loyal alumnus of Kentucky Wesleyan College and endowed a scholarship for students to attend Wesleyan and have a life-changing experience just as he had.

       

      *Independence Bank Scholarship Program: Award amounts vary 
      Eligibility: All scholarship applications will be judged on high school grades to date, ACT scores, extracurricular activity and community involvement, scholarship essays and financial need.
      Apply: www.1776bank.com

      Independence Bank awards over 50 scholarships totaling over $90,000 to area high school seniors. Seniors who wish to apply need to either attend high school or live in one of the following counties: Calloway, Daviess, Franklin, Graves, Hancock, Henderson, Hopkins, Jefferson, McCracken, McLean, Warren, Webster.

       

      *Veterans Benefits
      Kentucky Wesleyan College is a Yellow Ribbon school. To apply for veteran educational benefits, please visit www.gibill.va.gov.

       

      Tuition Remission Program
      Eligibility: Dependents and spouses of full-time or part-time Kentucky Wesleyan College faculty and staff may receive tuition remission for up to 100 percent of the cost of tuition after one year of full-time, continuous service.

      An institutional non-need-based program designed to pay part or all the cost of tuition for qualifying students. Additional information found in the KWC employee/staff handbook.

       

      CIC Tuition Exchange Program
      Eligibility: Dependents and spouses of full-time or part-time Kentucky Wesleyan College faculty and staff and CIC member institutions may receive tuition remission for up to 100 percent of the cost of tuition after one year of full-time service.

      The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is a non-profit organization. Kentucky Wesleyan has been a member since 1975. The purpose of the CIC Tuition Exchange is to benefit the children of faculty and staff at member colleges and universities across the country by offering tuition scholarships. The college is also a member of the Council of Independent Colleges Tuition Exchange program. Additional information is available from the KWC Provost’s office. 

 

  • Transfer Student Merit/Academic Scholarships (For domestic and international students)

    • Each new transfer student (domestic or international) is awarded an academic/merit scholarship when that student is admitted into Kentucky Wesleyan College. Eligibility for these varying scholarship amounts are based on the student’s cumulative grade point average from his/her previous institution(s) (GPA).

      Academic scholarship upgrades are possible if a student has an improved last semester cumulative GPA. The student must submit the new transcripts to his/her admissions counselor for a possible scholarship upgrade.

      Academic scholarships are solely for tuition, for a maximum of eight full-time semesters, and only for undergraduate degrees in full-time student status (at least 12 credit hours per semester). Merit scholarships, their respective monetary values, and the GPA requirements are subject to change by Kentucky Wesleyan College at any time.

      To retain any academic scholarship, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress at KWC and at least a 2.5 overall cumulative GPA. Falling below a 2.5 GPA will result in a loss of the academic scholarship.

    • Distinguished Scholarship: $10,000 per year ($40,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: College Cumulative GPA 3.5 or higher

    • Honors Scholarship: $9,000 per year ($36,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: College Cumulative GPA 3.0 to 3.49

    • Achiever Scholarship: $8,000 per year ($32,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: College Cumulative GPA 2.5 to 2.99

    • Director Scholarship: $6,000 per year ($24,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: College Cumulative GPA 2.49 or lower

    • Additional Transfer Scholarships

      Two additional scholarships/awards may be combined with the one academic/merit scholarship (total of three), not to exceed the total of direct costs. Completing a FAFSA is required.

      Only scholarships/awards designated with an asterisk (*) can be added on top of the three total scholarships, not to exceed the total of direct costs.

      Athletic Scholarship: Determined by each Coach in his/her sport.
      Awards: Vary in amount but do not exceed the total of direct costs.
      Apply: No application necessary. These are awarded by coaches.

       

      Kentucky Community and Technical College System Advantage Scholarship: $5,000 (up to $20,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: For transfer students, not receiving athletic aid, most recently attending a KCTCS institution (not Dual Credit)
      Apply: No application necessary. Verify with the Office of Financial Aid.

       

      *Campus Visit Grant: $1,000 per year (up to $4,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: Students who have an official campus visit through admissions or athletics, will receive a $1,000 campus visit grant. Visits can be scheduled at www.kwc.edu/visit.
      Apply: No application necessary. These are awarded based on meeting the criteria.

       

      *Kentucky Teacher Scholarship/Loan: Award amounts vary
      Eligibility: A need-based state assistance program. FAFSA and Teacher Scholarship application are required. Full-time enrollment is required with possible exception for final term.
      Apply: Deadline is May 1. Contact the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority for complete details and an application. (1-800-928-8926)

      If teaching obligation is not met, recipients must repay the scholarship with 12 percent interest that accrues from the date of disbursement of each Teacher Scholarship. Contact the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority for complete details. (1-800-928-8926)

       

      *Terry Woodward Scholarship: $1,250 per year (up to $5,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: Student must be in the major of accounting, business administration, economics, or computer information systems, and must remain in one of those majors to continue receiving the scholarship each year.
      Apply: https://kwc.edu/terry-woodward-scholarship-application

      In January of 2000, the employees of Wax Works, Inc. established a special scholarship to honor their CEO, Mr. Terry Woodward. As a result, we award this scholarship to a first-time freshman majoring in a program offered in the Department of Accounting, Business Administration, Economics and Computer Information Systems.

       

      *Music Endowed Scholarship: $1,250 for students entering in the Fall of 2024
      Eligibility: Student must be first-year freshmen or first-year transfer student pursuing a degree in music or a related discipline. They must already be admitted into the entering class at Kentucky Wesleyan College, enrolled full-time, have a high-school or previous college cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and have unmet financial need.
      Scholarship Length: This is a one-time scholarship awarded for a student’s first year only and not renewable.
      Apply: Contact Dr. Patrick Stuckemeyer: patrick.stuckemeyer@kwc.edu

       

      Departmental Scholarships: Award amounts vary
      Eligibility: Awarded in the areas of art, band, education, campus ministries, music, and theatre.
      Apply: No application is needed. Students are awarded based on meeting any scholarship criteria.

       

      Campus Ministries Leadership Scholarship: Award amounts vary
      Eligibility: A renewable scholarship available to eligible faith-based students who have an interest in serving in a leadership role in campus ministries. Award amounts may vary.
      Apply: Interested persons should contact the Vice President of Mission and Culture, Shawn Tomes at stomes@kwc.edu or by calling 270-903-1102.

       

      Kavanaugh Scholarship: Up to $5,000 per year (up to $20,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: Must be a member of a United Methodist congregation and have a High School Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 with an involvement expectation with campus ministries
      Apply: Interested persons should contact the Vice President of Mission and Culture, Shawn Tomes at stomes@kwc.edu or by calling 270-903-1102.

      The Kavanaugh Scholarship, named for the first Kentucky-born Methodist bishop in the Commonwealth, H. H. Kavanaugh, and is a renewable scholarship to eligible students who are members of a United Methodist congregation.  Bishop Kavanaugh presided over the laying of the cornerstone of first building of Kentucky Wesleyan College in February 1858.

       

      United Methodist Minister’s Dependent Scholarship: Up to half of tuition (up to half the cost of tuition after all other scholarships and awards are applied)
      Eligibility: Must be a dependent of an ordained United Methodist minister as verified by a copy of the parent’s ordination certificate.
      Apply: Provide verification to the Office of Financial Aid.

       

      *United Methodist Scholarships: Award amounts vary
      Eligibility: Must be a member of the United Methodist Church and requires a letter from your minister/pastor verifying membership.
      Apply: Provide verification to the Office of Financial Aid.

      For additional scholarship opportunities for United Methodist students, please visit www.gbhem.org and www.umhef.org  

       

      *Legacy Scholarships: $2,500 per year (up to $10,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: Awarded to students who are the children or grandchildren of Kentucky Wesleyan College alumni. Also awarded to students who have a sibling currently attending.
      Apply: No application necessary. These are awarded based on meeting the criteria.

       

      Out-of-State Scholarships: $3,500 per year ($14,000 over four years)
      Eligibility: Home address must be from a state other than Kentucky.
      Apply: No application necessary. These are awarded based on meeting the criteria.

      We value diversity at Kentucky Wesleyan College – and attracting students from across the United States from a variety of backgrounds and experiences is important to all of our student’s educational experience.

       

      *Veterans Benefits
      Kentucky Wesleyan College is a Yellow Ribbon school. To apply for veteran educational benefits, please visit www.gibill.va.gov.

 

  • Additional Assistance for International Students

    • Employment in F1 Status
      Students in F1 Status may only obtain on-campus work. Students may work on campus for no more than 20 hours per week while school is in session and 40 hours per week during school breaks. Students must have a social security number to work.

    • On-Campus Student Employment
      A variety of positions may be available in departments throughout the campus. Available positions are posted by Human Resources, and the student is responsible for securing employment on their own.

    • The Career Center
      The Career Center can assist international students in identifying off-campus jobs or career related positions. These experiences may provide students with the opportunity to earn money while gaining valuable career related experience. International students must have a social security number to work off campus.