First-Year Scholarships
On this page:
- About First-Year Scholarships
- Green and Gold Scholarships
- Wright Start Scholarship
- Take Flight Program
- Presidential Scholars
- Deans Scholars
- Honors Scholarships
- Choose Ohio First Scholarship
- Additional Scholarship Opportunities
- ROTC Scholarships
- College of Liberal Arts Talent Scholarships
About First-Year Scholarships
Recognized as a 2024 Best Value among Ohio public universities by the Wall Street Journal, Wright State is committed to ensuring every student has access to excellent, affordable college education. With robust academic and need-based scholarships and the Wright Guarantee Tuition Program, which freezes costs for in-state tuition, fees, housing, and meals for four years, Wright State is a smart investment in your future.
Scholarship offers range from $1,000 to full tuition. The first step in receiving a Wright State scholarship is to apply for admission. To maximize their financial aid dollars, you should also file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
To be eligible for first-year scholarships, graduating high school seniors must apply and enroll at Wright State directly from high school as first-time, full-time students. First-year scholarships are for domestic students. International students interested in scholarship opportunities should visit our Undergraduate International Scholarship webpage.
For more information on our scholarship enrollment and renewable and institutionally funded scholarship policies, visit our scholarship policies webpage.
Green and Gold Scholarship
First-time students enrolling directly from high school and admitted to Wright State for Fall 2025 will be considered for our Green and Gold scholarships; no additional application is needed. Students receiving Green and Gold Scholarships typically have a high school GPA of 3.2 or higher at the time of application. Students should apply by the December 1, 2024 priority or February 1, 2025 general admission deadlines. Funds will continue to be awarded, as available, after these dates but are not guaranteed. Scholarship offers will begin in December 2024.
All students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for need-based financial aid and other institutional scholarships. The 2025-26 FAFSA will be available on December 1, 2024.
Dayton Campus
|
High School GPA1 |
Ohio Resident Amount2 |
Non-Resident Amount2 |
|---|---|---|
|
3.20-3.59 |
Starting at $1,000 |
Starting at $5,000 |
|
3.60-3.99 |
Starting at $2,000 |
Starting at $7,000 |
|
4.00+ |
Starting at $3,000 |
Starting at $10,000 |
Lake Campus
|
High School GPA1 |
Ohio Resident Amount2 |
Non-Resident Amount2 |
|---|---|---|
|
3.20-3.79 |
Starting at $1,000 |
Starting at $5,000 |
|
3.80+ |
Starting at $2,000 |
Starting at $7,000 |
1 Wright State uses the GPA on a student’s transcript at the time of application.
2 Scholarship amounts listed are annual. Offers are subject to change if a student's campus or residency changes. Students can receive Green and Gold Scholarships for a total of 8 semesters of full-time undergraduate study as long as they continue to meet certain criteria.
Wright Start Scholarship
First-time students who are admitted to Wright State for Fall 2025, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and have a Student Aid Index (SAI) less than 10,000 are considered for the Wright Start Scholarship. The Wright Start Scholarship is valued up to $1,500 annually and is renewable as long as the student continues to meet certain criteria. Students should apply by the December 1, 2024 priority or February 1, 2025 general admission deadlines. Funds will be awarded, as available, for students applying after the priority deadlines.
Take Flight Program
Wright State is pleased to offer the Take Flight Program. This is a need-based program for academically accomplished students. The program covers the cost of up to 18 credit hours of in-state undergraduate tuition for qualifying students. To fund the program, Wright State combines federal and state grant funds with institutional grants and/or scholarships to meet the cost of in-state tuition. Institutional scholarships and grants awarded as a part of the Take Flight program are renewable.
Students in the Take Flight program will be provided with a laptop, take part in a summer leadership experience, and have access to other unique benefits. Students will also have a dedicated success team, including a success coach and career consultant.
To be considered for the program, students must meet the following:
- Enroll at Wright State University's Dayton campus directly from high school as a first-time, full-time student for Fall 2025
- Be an Ohio resident and meet all other requirements to be considered an in-state student
- Have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.2 or higher
- Need-based requirements for the incoming 2025-26 Take Flight Program cohort will be released in the Spring of 2025
Ready to Take Flight? To be considered, students should apply by the December 1, 2024 priority or February 1, 2025 general admission deadlines, and complete the 2025- 26 FAFSA, available beginning December 2024. Acceptance into the Take Flight Program will be available for students applying after the priority deadlines. Students will be notified if they are eligible for the Take Flight Program beginning Spring 2025.
Need help filing the FAFSA? Visit wright.edu/fafsa101 to learn more about our FAFSA workshops or to schedule an appointment for one-on-one assistance.
Presidential Scholars
Academically accomplished students who apply as first-time students for Fall 2025 by December 1, 2024, will be considered for the Presidential Scholars program. Five students will be selected for this premier scholarship and leadership opportunity. Presidential Scholars will receive a full-tuition merit scholarship, faculty mentor, priority registration, guaranteed research or internship, and exclusive access to events with the college deans and the university president. If selected, students will also be designated as a President’s Ambassador, a group of premier students committed to Wright State and its mission.
The Presidential Scholars program may be funded in part or in whole through the Green and Gold Scholarships and other institutional scholarships. Combined institutional aid cannot exceed the cost of tuition.
|
Program |
Ohio Resident Amount1 |
Non-Resident Amount1 |
|---|---|---|
|
Presidential Scholars |
Full Tuition |
Full Tuition |
1 Scholarship amounts listed are annual. Students can receive scholarships associated with the Presidential Scholars program for a total of 8 semesters of full-time undergraduate study as long as they continue to meet certain criteria.
Deans Scholars
Academically accomplished students who apply as first-time students for Fall 2025 by December 1, 2024, will be considered for the Deans Scholars program. Each of the undergraduate colleges will select five students to serve as Deans Scholars. In total, 25 students will be selected for the Deans Scholars program for Fall 2025. Deans Scholars will receive a half-tuition merit scholarship, faculty mentor, priority registration, guaranteed research or internship, and exclusive access to events with the college deans and university president.
The Deans Scholars program may be funded in part or in whole through the Green and Gold Scholarship and other institutional scholarships.
|
Program |
Ohio Resident Amount1 |
Non-Resident Amount1 |
|---|---|---|
|
Deans Scholars |
Half Tuition |
Half Tuition |
1 Scholarship amounts listed are annual. Students can receive scholarships associated with the Deans Scholars program for a total of 8 semesters of full-time undergraduate study as long as they continue to meet certain criteria.
Honors Scholarships
Students selected for the University Honors Program can also earn a competitive honors scholarship. Scholarships range from $1,000 to half in-state tuition. Students can receive Honors Scholarships for a total of 8 semesters of full-time undergraduate study as long as they continue to meet certain criteria.
Students should indicate their interest in being admitted into the honors program on their admission application. Once admitted, those who are interested can apply for honors scholarships using the Wright State University online scholarship application. This application allows students to apply for additional scholarship opportunities, which will be available once they are admitted into the university. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Students must have a 3.8 high school GPA to be considered for an honors scholarship.
For more information on how to apply, view our Application Tips.
Choose Ohio First Scholarship
Choose Ohio First (COF) scholarships are available to select undergraduate students pursuing a STEM major or computer science-related major. The COF scholarships are competitive, varying in amounts starting at $1,500 to $5,200 annually.
Students who receive a Choose Ohio First Scholarship become immersed in a cohort model with student support services such as built-in advising, mentoring, co-op and internship opportunities, cohort seminars, and research events. Please visit the Choose Ohio First (COF) website for more information.
The Choose Ohio First Ohio Scholarship is sponsored by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
New students can submit ONE online scholarship application to apply for multiple scholarships funded by the Wright State Foundation and the university. Applicants are considered for each competitive scholarship based on the eligibility criteria listed in the descriptions. Students are encouraged to use the scholarship search tool to learn more about the scholarships for which they may qualify. Scholarships range from $300 up to full in-state tuition.
The online application is available to students once they are admitted to the university. The deadline to apply for additional scholarship opportunities via the online application for the 2025–26 academic year is February 1, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). For more information regarding the online application, view our application tips.
Application Tips
- Apply for admission and be admitted to Wright State University. Access the application in the Admissions Portal. If you have forgotten or don’t know the password associated with your Campus Username (w000abc), please call the CaTS Help Desk at 937-775-4827, or toll-free at 1-888-775-4827.
- Make a list of all extracurricular activities, volunteer experience, community service, memberships, awards, honors, and other noteworthy items.
- Complete the required essay. The essay will set you apart from the other applicants. Take your time, edit, review, and edit again! Write your essay in Word, then copy and paste it into the application. The essay should explain your educational goals, professional goals, career aspirations, and commitment to community service and inform the reader of the ways in which a scholarship award will make a difference in your personal and financial circumstances. The minimum length for the essay is 300 words; essays cannot exceed 600 words.
- Once submitted, the online scholarship application CANNOT be accessed for edits or changes. Students can monitor the return of the Recommendation Form and make changes to the reference after the application has been submitted. Please note: reference information can only be updated if one is listed when the application is submitted. Once in the application, click on the blue button titled "Manage/Edit Letters of Recommendations."
- Recommendation Forms (letters of recommendation) are not required for ALL scholarships but are suggested to help set you apart from other applicants. Select a previous or current teacher or counselor who can provide information about your unique qualities and/or exceptional academic abilities. Contact your intended reference prior to listing them. Be sure to collect their email address since they will receive a request by email to complete your online recommendation form from notify@ngwebsolutions.com, not from a Wright State email address. Forms are due by February 8, 2025, by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- Complete the 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A student’s completed FAFSA should be filed by February 1, 2025, to maximize consideration for financial aid. The 2025-26 FAFSA opens in December 2024.
ROTC Scholarships
- Award Amount
- 100 percent tuition and fees; $1,200 book allowance per year; tiered tax-free monthly stipend of $300 to $500; and a possible Wright State University room/board incentive; no obligation until sophomore year
- Eligibility Criteria
-
As a National Partnership in Nursing Education (PNE) school, scholarships are available for qualified pre-nursing incoming freshmen; minimum requirements include a 2.5 cumulative GPA, 19 ACT or 920 SAT, exhibit scholar, athlete, and leader attributes; must be a U.S. citizen, pass a medical exam, and score at least a 60 percent on the Army Physical Fitness Test by the end of Fall semester of your freshmen year of college
- How to Apply
-
Apply online at www.goarmy.com or call 1-800-USA-ROTC between February 1 of your junior year and January 10 of your senior year in high school; designate Wright State University as one of your seven school choices; contact Wright State University Army ROTC at (937) 775-2763 or (937) 775-3841 and/or visit Wright State University Army ROTC. Follow WSU AROTC on Facebook and/or Twitter for the latest news and activities.
- Application
- Application at goarmy.com
- Award Amount
- 100 percent tuition and fees; $1,200 book allowance per year; tiered tax-free monthly stipend of $300 to $500; and a possible Wright State University room/board incentive; no obligation until sophomore year
- Eligibility Criteria
-
Merit-based with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, 19 ACT or 920 SAT, and exhibit scholar, athlete, and leader attributes; must be a U.S. citizen, pass a medical exam, and score at least 60 percent on the Army Physical Fitness Test by the end of Fall semester of your freshman year of college
- How to Apply
-
Apply online at www.goarmy.com or call 1-800-USA-ROTC between February 1 of your junior year and January 10 of your senior year in high school; designate Wright State University as one of your seven school choices; contact Wright State University Army ROTC at (937) 775-2763 or (937) 775-3841 and/or visit Wright State University Army ROTC. Follow WSU AROTC on Facebook and/or Twitter for the latest news and activities.
- Application
- Application at goarmy.com
- Award Amount
- There are two main types of Army ROTC scholarships these include the National Board AROTC Scholarships and Campus Based Scholarships. These scholarships pay 100% tuition and fees, $1200.00 per year for books and a monthly stipend. Additional incentive money is also available.
- Eligibility Criteria
-
2.5 CGPA, at least 1000 SAT score or 19 on ACT, U.S. Citizen, no felony convictions-for misdemeanors more than $250.00 waiver is required, be between the ages of 18-31 before commissioning, physically fit, and medically qualified.
- Information
- Visit our web page at http://www.wright.edu/army-rotc
- How to Apply
-
For the National Board Scholarship high school seniors apply online at www.goarmy.com/rotc/scholarships.html The National Board window opens in July between the junior and senior year of the high school student and closes in February of the student's senior year. Campus Based Scholarships are for students who enroll in Army ROTC at the college level.
- Application
- Apply online
College of Liberal Arts Talent Scholarships
Wright State University offers various scholarships based on talent. Read below for more details.
- Award Amount
- Amount varies up to $3,000 per year
- Eligibility Criteria
-
Based on a portfolio review with the School of Fine & Performing Arts.
- Renewable?
- Yes; 2 years
- How to Apply
-
Contact the School of Fine & Performing Arts for application process and deadline date.
- Contact
- SoFPA@wright.edu
- Award Amount
- Amount varies from $500 to the value of in-state tuition
- Eligibility Criteria
-
Based on an audition with the School of Fine & Performing Arts.
- How to Apply
-
Contact the School of Fine & Performing Arts Music Program for application process and deadline date.
- Contact
- SoFPA@wright.edu
- Award Amount
- Amount varies from $500 to the value of in-state tuition
- Eligibility Criteria
-
Based on audition/interview with Dance, Motion Pictures, or Theatre Program(s)
- How to Apply
-
Contact the School of Fine and Performing Arts for the application process and deadline date.
- Contact
- SoFPA@wright.edu
- Award Amount
- Amount varies from $500 to the value of in-state tuition
- Eligibility Criteria
-
Based on audition with Department of Theatre, Dance, and Motion Pictures.
- How to Apply
-
Contact the School of Fine and Performing Arts for application process and deadline date
- Contact
- SoFPA@wright.edu
- Award Amount
- Minimum award amount is $1,500
- Eligibility Criteria
-
Be either an Acting or Dance Major and have demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to incoming students from Stivers School for the Arts.
- Deadline Date
- See "How to Apply"
- How to Apply
-
Contact the Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures for more information.
- Additional Information
-
All eligible applicants will be considered
- Award Amount
- Amount varies from $500 to the value of in-state tuition
- Eligibility Criteria
-
Based on audition with the Music Program
- How to Apply
-
Contact the School of Fine and Performing Arts for application process and deadline date
- Contact
- SoFPA@wright.edu
- Award Amount
- Amount varies from $500 to the value of in-state tuition
- Eligibility Criteria
-
Based on audition with Department of Theatre, Dance, and Motion Pictures
- How to Apply
-
Contact the School of Fine and Performing Arts for application process and deadline date
- Contact
- SoFPA@wright.edu
