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The Most Frequently Asked Questions In Reference To Scholarships

 
As an incoming undergraduate student to William Paterson University what scholarship opportunities are available?

There are numerous scholarship opportunities for incoming first-year students and students transferring to William Paterson after beginning their studies at another college or University.  A more detailed description outlining criteria, deadline, application and supporting documentation can be found on the Admissions web page under "Scholarships for Incoming first-year and transfer students", click here to go to Admissions website.

Institutional merit-based Scholarships -  Undergraduate Admissions evaluates applicants for the various Institutional Scholarships.  All admitted students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships and no separate application is required.

Freshmen awards: Trustee, Talent Trustee, University Honors College, Academic Excellence, and Educational Enrichment. 

Transfer awards: Transfer Presidential, University Honors College, New Jersey Residents Attending New Jersey Community Colleges: NJ STARS and Phi Theta Kappa Presidential.

Applicants who meet respective scholarship criteria are sent letters with scholarship offering.  It is strongly recommended that those students who seek scholarships and/or may be eligible for a merit-based scholarship apply to William Paterson University early (prior to January 1st) with all supporting documentation.

Foundation and Academic Departmental scholarships and awards – There are very few Foundation and Alumni Association Scholarships available to incoming students, however if after viewing the Office of Scholarships website and finding one that is applicable, the student is to forward via email, a letter of interest to vasqueza@wpunj.edu .   The letter should indicate why the student feels he/she is deserving of a scholarship opportunity and list academic accomplishments as well as community and extracurricular involvement.  The Foundation Scholarship committee meets in the summer to review and award these scholarships.  For an Academic Departmental Scholarship, contact the individual indicated on the website.
   

What are the requirements to maintain Institutional merit-based scholarships and/or Foundation and Academic Departmental scholarships and awards?

 Institutional scholarships are automatically renewed annually based on specified cumulative grade point average, satisfactory academic progress and pursuit toward graduation and full-time undergraduate status. For each scholarship there is a specified GPA requirement, funding limit and/or enrollment requirement.  Please refer directly to our Institutional Scholarship Programs' Requirements.

Foundation and Academic Departmental scholarships are typically for one year and criteria set forth must be maintained from one semester to the next. For the majority of these scholarships, students are to reapply in the spring semester through an online scholarship application to be considered for the respective scholarship the next academic year.
   

Are currently enrolled students at William Paterson University eligible for the various Institutional merit-based scholarships such as: Academic Excellence, Educational Enrichment, Presidential and Trustee?

 No, only incoming first-year and transfer students are eligible for the above Institutional merit-based scholarships.

   
As a currently enrolled student at William Paterson University what scholarship opportunities are available?

Currently enrolled students are eligible for William Paterson University Foundation and Alumni Association scholarships.  These scholarships have all been established through the generosity of charitable-minded alumni and friends, private donors, businesses, foundations and corporations.   In particular, the Foundation and Alumni Association offers more than 200 scholarships, and awards over $450,000 annually.  Scholarship awards range from $250 - $5,000 and are based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, service to the University or community and financial status.  We encourage all students who may qualify for scholarships and/or financial aid to apply !

In addition, the Office of Scholarships researches and seeks information regarding outside scholarships. (A variety of reference books are available for review and up to date scholarship opportunities are posted outside the Office of Scholarships as well as a comprehensive scholarship database is updated regularly). For a full listing of currently available outside scholarships , go to "Outside Scholarship Opportunities".

   
How does one apply for a William Paterson University Foundation and Alumni Association and scholarship?

Each year, in the spring semester,  a full slate of William Paterson University Foundation and Alumni Association scholarships is announced by the Office of Scholarships. Currently enrolled William Paterson University students can apply for these scholarships by completing an online scholarship application at http://www.wpunj.edu/scholarships/. This one application enables the student to compete for all available Foundation and Alumni Association scholarships. The application requires a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or University administrator and an essay of 300 words or less describing how a William Paterson University scholarship would influence his/her goals. This process begins mid March. Deadline for submission is the end of April and by July 15th notification is sent to all students who applied whether they were or were not awarded a scholarship.
 
How does one find scholarship opportunities?

Scholarship opportunities can be found through the following sources:
  • High School seniors should seek out scholarship information from their college office and/or guidance counselor. Most high schools have a full list of scholarships available to students entering college.
  • A variety of national or community-based organizations can be a resource to those seeking scholarship information. These include: Public libraries; local foundations, churches & businesses; organizations of color such as the Urban League/NAACP; Women’s clubs or organizations; Fraternities & Sororities; and Fraternal organizations such as Kiwanis/Lions/ELKS/Masons.
  • The Web is another great source for scholarship information.
  • When applying to a College or University, students should inquire about institutional and departmental scholarships. Personal advocacy and applying early with all supporting documentation increases your chances for an award.
  • Complete a Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This important form determines eligibility for various federal and state grants as well as loans.
   
Is there set criteria for obtaining a scholarship?

There are many scholarships available to students with widely varied criteria. There are scholarships based on career goals, academic record, creative ability, writing ability, research skills, religious or ethnic background, military or organizational involvement, athletic success, U. S. citizenship or residence and financial need. There are even some scholarships that are determined by pure luck in random drawings. However, the process for obtaining one of the many scholarships available requires time and effort on the part of the student. An applicant can expect to wait for a response anywhere from six months to a full year from the time of application. It is highly recommended that the high school student begin the process early in his/her senior year and the college student apply one year prior to expectation of receiving a scholarship.
   
Is there a limit to how many scholarships a student can receive in a year?

There are very few exceptions to the limit of scholarships a student can receive per year. However, resources cannot exceed eductional costs.
   
What is the difference between Financial Aid and Scholarships?

Financial aid eligibility for state and federal grants and loans is determined by a federal formula that takes into account income, assets and family comparison; a student must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA form). As noted above, scholarship eligibility is based on varied criteria and there may not be a financial need requirement.
   
Is it advisable to apply for a scholarship that requires a fee?

The Office of Scholarships does not recommend paying a fee to apply for a scholarship---it is advisable that the student research the organization and make sure it is reputable. You may contact the Office of Scholarships with questions.