Scholarships at Western Carolina University

Merit-based endowed scholarship honoring former English department head Mabel Crum for continuing Western Carolina University students majoring in English. Recipients are selected for academic achievement, promise of continued success, participation in English department activities such as Sigma Tau Delta or the creative writing club, and broader civic contributions. Awards generally range from one thousand to two thousand dollars for the academic year and may renew when funding allows if the student keeps a 3.0 major GPA and 2.5 overall GPA while remaining an English major. Apply through the university scholarship portal in MyWCU by the annual February 1 undergraduate deadline.

One-time first-year scholarship rewarding high school seniors who demonstrate meaningful engagement in high school and during the WCU college search process. Admitted first-year students in Cullowhee-based majors who enroll full time may receive one thousand dollars for their first year by completing the ENGAGE application in MyWCU, documenting prior activities, WCU campus visits or events, faculty interactions, and prospective campus organizations. Competitive applicants complete at least three WCU engagement actions such as early admission submission, the university scholarship application, and FAFSA filing. The award is non-renewable but stackable with other aid up to cost of attendance.

School of Nursing award honoring longtime RN to BSN program director Dr. Sharon Jacques for outstanding students in the RN to BSN track at Western Carolina University. Four awards of approximately two hundred fifty dollars are made annually, two in fall and two in spring, and recipients may reapply for a second semester. Eligible applicants need a 3.00 or higher GPA at WCU entry maintained at WCU, enrollment in or completion of the RN to BSN introductory block, and at least one six-hour RN to BSN block during the award term. Preference goes to students without employer tuition support. Applications are due February 1 for fall and October 1 for spring.

School of Music award honoring retired piano professor and former department head Dr. Richard M. Renfro for qualified music education students at Western Carolina University. Recipients are chosen by music faculty based on audition performance, progress toward a music degree, and recommendation for continued study in music education. Students must complete the university scholarship application by February 1 and audition for the School of Music by the last scheduled audition day for full consideration. Awards are renewable when students maintain satisfactory progress toward the music education degree, complete the annual scholarship application, and receive a positive faculty recommendation.

Endowed scholarship established in memory of Daniel Ledford and Mandy Buchanan, Tuscola High School graduates and members of The Pride of the Mountains Marching Band at WCU. The fund supports music majors from Haywood County, North Carolina, who are or have been active participants in the WCU marching band program. Students must audition for the School of Music, gain admission to the university, and submit the WCU scholarship application by February 1. Awards renew contingent on satisfactory progress toward a music degree, continued marching band participation as applicable, and an annual scholarship reapplication with music faculty recommendation.

Talent-based awards for undergraduate members of the WCU marching band program, supported by donations recognizing the ensemble's performances including The Pride of the Mountains. Amounts vary based on the marching band director's recommendation, audition results, and available funding each year. Students must be admitted to the university, participate in marching band as assigned, complete the WCU scholarship application by February 1, and audition for the School of Music when pursuing a music degree. Awards may renew when recipients maintain satisfactory academic and ensemble participation standards and submit the annual university scholarship application before the February 1 deadline.