As a residential college, Wartburg supports the concept of a socially, culturally, and economically diverse student body and believes this diversity better prepares students for society. The college provides financial aid to enable students from all segments of society to attend.
Wartburg believes that students should be able to select a school for academic rather than financial reasons. It admits students on academic and personal promise, not the ability to pay.
Financial aid is considered an investment in students as contributors to the college and society. Wartburg’s commitment to students will continue throughout their four-year academic career. (The longevity of institutional funding for transfers will be prorated based on their class status upon enrollment at Wartburg.) Institutional funding to full-time students will not be reduced, provided their family situations remain the same and required maintenance criteria is met. All institutional scholarships and grant funds apply to tuition and are renewable for a maximum of eight terms.
Students applying for need-based programs submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If students or parents are selected for verification by the federal government, the Financial Aid Office will request copies of parent and student tax forms and completion of the verification worksheet.
Most financial aid funds come from the federal government, the State of Iowa, Wartburg College, and private donors. Each aid program has specific eligibility requirements. In general, all students must meet the following requirements to receive financial assistance through Wartburg College:
- Be enrolled on a full-time basis-a minimum of three credits for institutional funds and three and one half course credits for full consideration of federal grants.
- Be enrolled at least half-time (two course credits) for federal loan eligibility.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen for federal assistance.
- Be admitted to Wartburg as a degree-seeking student.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Meet eligibility requirements for each of the aid programs accepted.
- Not be in default on any educational loan or owe a refund for a grant.
- Demonstrate financial need or meet special scholarship requirements.
- The financial aid award is subject to the availability of expected federal and state funds.
Financial aid is available for international students through the Wartburg International Scholarship and other sources. Some matching grants are awarded to students sponsored through government and educational foundation programs.
Students participating in Study Away Programs are eligible for Wartburg College financial aid. Tuition Remission and Tuition Exchange may not be used to study abroad.
Applications for need-based financial aid should be received prior to March 1 of the preceding academic year. Priority is given to students who apply by March 1 and have high qualifications, financial need, and leadership potential. Students from Iowa should also note the July 1 deadline for the Iowa Tuition Grant. Financial aid award letters are sent on a rolling basis, as files are complete, starting January 15 for new incoming students and March 15 for returning students.
Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
Students receiving financial assistance are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) during their enrollment at Wartburg College. This progress is measured by a qualitative and quantitative component. SAP is achieved when a student maintains both the required grade point average and the required completion rate. See the full policy at http://www.wartburg.edu/standards/ Please note that this is the SAP policy for determining financial aid eligibility. Academic policies that relate to probation and suspension from Wartburg College may differ.
Wartburg College Scholarships and Grants
Regents and Presidential Scholarships
$20,000 - $28,000
Annually Wartburg awards over 500 Regents and Presidential Scholarships valued in excess of $22 million. Awards range from $20,000 to $28,000. Wartburg evaluates merit based on a combination of a student’s high school grade point average, class rank, and ACT/SAT score. Typically, students who have a high school minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5, AND rank in the top 25 percent of their high school class, AND have an ACT composite score of 23 (1080 SAT) or higher will receive a Regents or Presidential Scholarship. Students who qualify and choose to participate in one of Wartburg’s Scholarship Days have the opportunity to receive a Scholarship Day attendance Award. All awards are renewable for a maximum of eight terms, contingent upon full-time enrollment and the maintenance of at least a 2.7 cumulative grade point average.
Wartburg Opportunity Scholarship
amount varies
For students with academic potential who meet the admission requirements, but do not qualify for a Presidential or Regents Scholarship. Amounts are determined by academic achievement and communicated in your acceptance letter.
Meistersinger Music Scholarship/Music Ensemble Scholarship
up to $5,000 per year
To qualify, you must respond to an audition invitation and be accepted for admission. Competition is open to music and non-music majors. If your scholarship is for $2500 or above, you must also enroll in music lessons each term. If you audition and receive an amount less than $2500, you will be awarded a Music Ensemble Scholarship. All recipients of a music scholarship must participate in an ensemble. Cannot be combined with a Departmental visit Day scholarship.
All-State Recognition
A $2500 minimum Meistersinger Music Scholarship is awarded to a student who is an All-State participant. An audition is required and gives students the opportunity to increase their Meistersinger scholarship. Please see Meistersinger Music Scholarship description.
Wartburg International Scholarship
amount varies
International students with a TOEFL score of at least 480 may receive awards on the basis of scholastic achievement, participation in co-curricular activities, voluntary community service, and economic need. Awards are renewable by maintaining a 2.0 cumulative grade point average. Recipients must live on campus to receive full amount of scholarship.
International High Performance Scholarship
up to $2,000 per year
International students completing 9, 18, and 27 course credits at Wartburg are eligible to apply. Students must be participating in two or more campus activities and achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above to be considered.
Legacy Grant
$1,500 per year
For full-time students with alumni parent(s) and/or grandparents, and students with a sibling who currently attends or has graduated from Wartburg. Not based on financial need.
Departmental Visit Day Scholarship
up to $1,500 per year
For first-year students on the basis of participation in a visit day sponsored by an academic department at Wartburg College. Students are welcome to participate in more than one departmental visit day, including Meistersinger Music Scholarship auditions. Only one visit day/music audition scholarship (Meistersinger Music Scholarship) can be accepted. Not based on financial need. Contact the Admissions Office by the end of September in your senior year to meet the deadlines and to obtain additional information.
State Pageant Award
$1,500 - $2,000 per year
Awarded to Iowa, Colorado, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming State Pageant participants. Winner of each pageant will receive a $2000 scholarship. First runner-up will be awarded a $1500 scholarship.
National Merit Finalist Scholarship
$2,000 per year
Awarded to first-year students who list Wartburg as their first choice with the National Merit Corporation and are selected as finalists.
Leadership and Service Scholarship
$1,000 per year
High School juniors can apply to participate in a summer leadership institute where they study and practice leadership skills and service as a form of community and civic engagement. Upon completion of program requirements, they will receive a $1000 scholarship.
Diversity Grant
amount determined by need
For underrepresented students with academic potential. Based on financial need.
McElroy Scholarship / Slife Scholarship
full tuition
For underrepresented first-year students. Based on recommendation and grade point average. Preference to students from the Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Iowa, area. Recipients must live on campus and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Recipients must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.
Out-of-State Grant
amount varies
For students residing outside of Iowa who demonstrate financial need.
Transfer Scholarship/Grants
$24,000 - $27,000 per year
For transfer students who come to Wartburg College with credit earned after high school from another institution of higher learning. Amount based on merit. Renewable, based on maintaining 2.7 cumulative grade point average.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
up to $1,500 per year for two years
Awarded to transfer students who are active members of Phi Theta Kappa at a two-year institution. Must be accepted for admission and complete a scholarship application, have a minimum 3.3 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, and have completed at least 30 semester hours of transfer credit by the March 1 application deadline. Awards are renewable, based on maintaining a 2.7 cumulative grade point average.
Wartburg College Funded, Endowed Scholarships
amount varies
Numerous scholarships of varying amounts recognizing academic talent, vocational goals, and personal characteristics. Recipients recommended by faculty members. Primarily for upper class students. The scholarship generally replaces previously awarded institutional grant funds.
Wartburg College Grant
amount varies
For students with academic potential who demonstrate financial need or for students with no other scholarship support from Wartburg College.
Other Wartburg Scholarship Opportunities
There are additional scholarships available to prospective students interested in attending Wartburg College. A listing of these scholarships can be found at www.wartburg.edu/scholarships/.
Lutheran Scholarships
Education Partners in Covenant (EPIC)
$200 - $1500 per year
For members of participating congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. A matching funds program between the congregation and the college. Not based on financial need. Wartburg matches up to $750 per year. Applications for matching funds (Church Participation Agreement) must be received by June 1.
Lutheran Summer Music Academy Recognition
$2500 per year
A $2500 minimum Meistersinger Music Scholarship is awarded to a student who is an alumnus of the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival. An audition is required and gives students the opportunity to increase their Meistersinger scholarship. Please see Meistersinger Music Scholarship description.
State Grants and Scholarships
Iowa Tuition Grant
up to $6,200 per year
For Iowa residents who attend an Iowa private college. Must be enrolled at least half-time, show financial need, and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the state deadline, typically July 1. In the event that available state funds are insufficient to pay the full amount of each approved grant, the Iowa College Student Aid Commission has the authority to administratively reduce the award.
Federal Grants
Federal Pell Grant
$795 - $6,345 per year
For students from low- and middle-income families. Based on financial need.
Students must be enrolled in a minimum of three and one half course credits for full consideration each term. Fall and Summer are each considered a term. Winter/May is also considered a term.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
$100 - $500
Awarded to students receiving Pell Grants and demonstrating high financial need. Students whose tuition is guaranteed to be fully funded by other sources are typically not eligible.
Employment
Federal Work Study/Campus Employment
$500-$2,500 per year
Awards are estimates. Earnings are based upon hours worked. Contact the Student Employment Office.
Loans
Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
eligibility determined by class status and need
If approved, aggregate amount up to $23,000 for all undergraduate study. Interest is subsidized as long as the student is enrolled at least half-time. Repayment begins six months after graduation on a monthly basis. Repayment extendable to 10 years with minimum monthly payments of $50. Must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
Same as subsidized Stafford, except not based on financial need, and students are responsible to pay quarterly interest on the loan while in attendance at college or elect to have interest capitalized. Interest rate is fixed at 2.75 percent.
Federal Direct Parent Loan to Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
amount varies
A low-interest loan that parents take out on the student’s behalf. Interest fixed at 5.3 percent. Repayment begins 60 days after loan is disbursed. Repayment extendable to 10 years with a minimum monthly payment of $50. Not based on financial need.
Private Loans
amount varies
Private educational loans are offered to students/parents from a variety of financial institutions to help students finance their education. The various loans differ by interest rate, interest capitalization, guarantee fees, and co-signer options. Information available at www.wartburg.edu/loans/.
Consumer information resources available at: www.wartburg.edu/consumer-information/
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