Tuition and Funding

Graduate students enrolled full-time or half-time are eligible for federal student loans. Students seeking loans must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Federal grants available for undergraduate students are not available for graduate coursework. 

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Teaching and research graduate assistantships are available to a limited number of qualified graduate students.

An assistantship is a paid academic appointment made to a graduate student that involves part-time teaching or research employment.  Students should contact their graduate program director regarding assistantship opportunities. Consideration for possible appointment to an assistantship will be given after a decision has been made concerning admission to a graduate program. Assistantship employment typically ranges from 10-20 hours per week and stipends vary by graduate program. A limited number of in-state and out-of-state tuition remissions are also available to students with an assistantship appointment. 

Established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2011, the Forgivable Education Loans for Service provides financial assistance to qualified students enrolled in an approved education program and committed to working in critical employment shortage professions in North Carolina.

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Graduate students can be considered for a number of scholarships. In order to be considered for scholarships awarded by WCU, you must submit the online scholarship application prior to February 1st for the following fall. Graduate students can be considered for any of WCU's scholarships that do not have criteria limiting them to undergraduate students. 

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Outstanding graduate students are recognized through a variety of awards. Currently available awards include:

Graduate Excellence Awards

The Graduate Excellence Award provides an opportunity for new students in select graduate programs to receive tuition assistance. Awards are available on a competitive basis, in amounts ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 per year. The Graduate Excellence Award may be renewed, based on eligibility criteria set forth by the program.

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Invest in Teachers Award

This award provides support to educators seeking to advance professionally and positively impact students and their field. First-year students in the following WCU graduate education programs are eligible to apply: MAT, MAEd, MSA, MS- Experiential Outdoor Education, EdD. 

Kendall W. King Scholarship Fund (International Students)

The purpose of this scholarship fund is to provide financial support for deserving international students. Contact the Office of International Programs and Services for more information.

Morrill Family Fund for Research in Education

This fund supports research in the improvement of teaching at any educational level. Application forms are available through the College of Education and Allied Professions, and the application deadline is September 1.