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.
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.
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.
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.
Institutional merit scholarships are awarded based on a prospective student’s academics. For a first-year student, this includes the most recent high school grade point average (GPA), class rank, and ACT or PSAT score. A transfer student is evaluated based on his/her most recent GPA from the college or university he/she is currently attending. Institutional grants and scholarships must be applied toward tuition. The combination of institutional and state funds, including the Iowa Tuition Grant, cannot exceed tuition.
Financial aid award letters are sent on a rolling basis, as files are complete, starting January 1 for new incoming students and April 1 for returning students. Current Wartburg students can check for any missing documents or the status of their award by accessing Net Partner. Aid is disbursed no earlier than 10 days prior to the start of each term.
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.
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
The College’s highest scholars are awarded either a Regents or Presidential Scholarship. Wartburg evaluates merit based on a combination of a student’s high school grade point average, class rank, and ACT/SAT scores. 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.
Scholarship Day Attendance Award
For students who qualifiy for a Regents or Presidential Scholarship and choose to participate in one of Wartburg’s Knights Scholarship Days.
Wartburg Opportunity Scholarship
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
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.
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
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. Recipients must live on campus to receive full amount of scholarship.
International High Performance Scholarship
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
For full-time students with alumni parent(s) and/or grandparents, and students with a sibling who currently attends or has graduated from Wartburg. Applicable toward tuition. Recipients of the Legacy Grant cannot also receive an Alumni Referral Award. Not based on financial need.
Departmental Visit Day Scholarship
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.
National Merit Finalist Scholarship
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
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.
Ubuntu Grant
For students of varied backgrounds demonstrating academic potential.
McElroy Scholarship / Slife Scholarship
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.
Knight’s Out-of-State Grant
For students residing outside of Iowa.
Transfer Scholarship/Grants
For transfer students who come to Wartburg College with credit earned after high school from another institution of higher learning. Amount based on merit.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
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
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.
Other Scholarship Opportunities
There are additional scholarships available to 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)
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
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
Information regarding each state program can be found at https://educate.iowa.gov/higher-ed/financial-aid/scholarships-grants.
Iowa Tuiton Grant
All Iowa Opportunity Grant
Education and Training Voucher
Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship
Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship
Federal Grants
Federal Pell Grant
For students from low- and middle-income families. Based on financial need.
The amount of the grant each term is based on enrollment the tenth class day of each term. The student must start attendance in each course this is used to determine eligibility, otherwise the grant will be adjusted.
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
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
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 rates are set each year. To view the current interest rates go to https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates.
Federal Direct Parent Loan to Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
A low-interest loan that parents take out on the student’s behalf. Interest rates are set each year. To view the current interest rates go to https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates.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
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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