Merit Based Scholarships

Applications are accepted between September 1 and October 30 each year for spring semester awards.

PLEASE NOTE: Merit based scholarships are only available for selected programs. Click here for the list of programs.

Application Guidelines

• All scholarships require a GPA of at least 2.0 and a minimum enrollment of 6 credit hours during the semester(s) in which the scholarship is awarded.
• Applicants only need to submit ONE application per cycle to be considered for any and all eligible scholarships.
• Scholarships awarded through the Wake Tech Foundation are only for use at Wake Technical Community College.
• Scholarships are granted awards and do not require re-payment unless the terms of the scholarship are violated.
• Foundation scholarships are available for new, returning and continuing students.
• Financial Need scholarships are currently offered only to students enrolled (or enrolling) in curriculum courses.
• All scholarships are competitive; based on a variety of scholarship criteria established by the donor.
• If awarded a scholarship, you must meet the enrollment and GPA criteria for each award semester.

Selection Process for merit-based scholarships only:

Merit based scholarships are awarded for exceptional academic performance at Wake Tech. Students must have completed at least one semester at Wake Tech before applying for this type of scholarship, in order to have an established GPA on file with the college. Most merit-based scholarships have a GPA requirement of at least a 2.5. Many prefer a 3.0 or higher.

All applications are reviewed by a committee comprised of deans, department heads, faculty and administrators relevant to the academic program for which the scholarship has been established.

These committees assign each application a numerical score based on several factors, including grammar (spelling and punctuation), content (whether you have answered the question), and organization of thought (is your answer clear and easy to understand). The committee will also consider your educational performance (GPA, credits completed, etc.), goals (professional and personal), and reason for deserving the scholarship. Community involvement is also considered, but to a lesser extent.

The selection committee will also consider how you answer the question regarding plans to give back to the college or community, as well as whether you are working full or part-time while pursuing your education and maintaining a high level of achievement. 

PLEASE NOTE: If you are applying for a merit-based scholarship, you are NOT required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).