Western Illinois University launches The Western Way Scholarship program to increase access and promote academic excellence by offering incoming students funds for tuition and mandatory fees.
This initiative is supported by the state of Illinois’ AIM HIGH Western Commitment Program, which will cover fees and tuition for eligible incoming students.
First-year students can get coverage for up to eight consecutive semesters, while students who transfer to the course can get coverage for up to four consecutive semesters. The primary goal of the program is to remove financial barriers for eligible students.
The university’s commitment to breaking down barriers and attracting more students through the implementation of the Western Way. He expressed gratitude to state leaders for their dedication to supporting higher education in Illinois.
To be eligible for The Western Way program, prospective Leathernecks students must be enrolled in WIU as freshmen or transfer students and enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours.
The award will fund a maximum of 15 credit hours. In addition, individuals must meet the eligibility requirements for federal financial aid, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, be Illinois residents who graduated from an Illinois high school, and have at least one parent who is also an Illinois resident, as stated in the FAFSA. And have an annual household income below $81,000 with zero assets, according to the FAFSA.
Doug Fried, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Enrollment, emphasized WIU’s commitment to providing unparalleled educational opportunities as one of the leading regional public institutions in the Midwest through The Western Way program.
Qualified students will receive a financial aid package that includes scholarships and grants covering tuition fees and mandatory on-campus tuition fees that are not already covered by other federal, state, institutional, or private awards, such as the Federal Pell Grant or the Illinois MAP Grant.
Additional financial aid options, such as grants, scholarships, loans, or employment, may be considered to cover other educational expenses, such as housing costs or other out-of-pocket expenses.
Western Way does not include coverage for lodging and meals, books and supplies, and other student-related expenses such as study abroad programs or internships.
For more information about the Western Way program, go to the wiu.edu/westernway website. Interested individuals must apply for admission to WIU and complete either the FAFSA or the Illinois Alternative Financial Aid Application before registering for the Fall 2024 summer semester.
