Scholarships and Grants
Your initial minimum undergraduate scholarship offer is just the start. You may qualify for additional awards and scholarships. Check out the options below and learn about the criteria for each.
NOTE: These scholarships are for incoming students for the 2025-26 academic year.
| Mark Your Calendars! 2024-25 KNIGHTS SCHOLARSHIP DAYS: Nov. 10, Jan. 19, Feb. 23 |
ACADEMIC MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Regents and Presidential Scholarships
Wartburg evaluates merit-based scholarships on a student’s high school grade point average. Typically, students who have a high school minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and are in the top 25 percent of their high school class will receive a Regents or Presidential Scholarship. Students who qualify and choose to participate in one of Wartburg’s Knights Scholarship Days have the opportunity to increase their Regents or Presidential Scholarship. All awards are based on merit and not financial need, are renewable for a maximum of eight terms contingent upon full-time enrollment.
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.
Knights Out-of State-Grant
For students residing outside Iowa who demonstrate academic potential.
Scholarship Day Attendance Award
For students who qualify and choose to participate in one of Wartburg’s Knights Scholarship Days.
Exploring Majors Weeks and Visit Days
Students are eligible to receive a one-time visit award for $1,000 per year for four years upon enrollment at Wartburg. Music scholarships are considered visit awards.
Orange Grant
Must submit FAFSA to be eligible. Based on adjusted gross income. Minimum award is $1,000 per year.
SPECIAL INTEREST & TALENT SCHOLARSHIPS
McElroy Scholarship / Slife Scholarship
For first-year underrepresented students, based on recommendation and grade point average. Preference to students from the Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Iowa, area. Renewable based on academic performance. Recipients are required to live on campus.
Meistersinger Music Scholarship/Music Ensemble Scholarship
To qualify, students (both music and nonmusic majors) must respond to an audition invitation and be accepted for admission. Students who receive less than $2,500 (a Music Ensemble Scholarship) must participate in an ensemble to maintain their scholarship. Students who receive $2,500 or more (a Meistersinger Music Scholarship) must participate in an ensemble and enroll in music lessons each term. Students who live 350-plus miles away may submit a video audition. All auditions must be completed by April 15. Music scholarships are considered visit awards.
A select few students of exceptional musical ability will be considered for endowed music scholarships up to $10,000
per year, replacing all other music scholarships.
All-State and/or Lutheran Summer Music Academy Recognition
A $2,500 minimum Meistersinger Music Scholarship is awarded to a student who is an All State participant and/or an alumnus of the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival. An audition is required and gives students the opportunity to increase their Meistersinger scholarship amount. Please see Meistersinger Music Scholarship description.
Ubuntu Grant
For students of varied backgrounds demonstrating academic potential.
Wartburg College Funded, Endowed Scholarships
A total of 655 scholarships recognizing academic talents, vocational goals and personal characteristics. Recipients recommended by academic departments. Primarily for upper-class students. Other awards may be affected by the receipt of a funded or endowed scholarship.
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 academic year.
LEGACY AWARDS
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.
Tuition Exchange Program for Imports up to full tuition, renewable
Dependents of employees at other higher education institutions may qualify for the tuition exchange program.
OTHER OPTIONS
Yellow Ribbon Program
Grant assistance for U.S. military veterans. Through the VA education benefits a qualifying veteran can receive the value of in-state public university tuition. This program allows that amount to be applied toward private college tuition and Wartburg College will pay up to 50 percent of the remaining tuition costs. Wartburg’s funds will then be matched by the US Department of Veteran Affairs. The VA education benefits also provides veterans with a housing allowance (the amount based on location) and an annual allowance of up to $1,000 for books and supplies. In addition, veterans also qualify for fixed-rate federal loans to cover other expenses. For more information, contact the Wartburg College financial aid office at 319 352-8262 or email finaid@wartburg.edu.
PELL GRANT up to $7,395 per year
For students from low-and middle-income families who show financial need and are degree seeking. You must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Amounts are determined by the U.S. Department of Education.
SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT up to $500
Awarded to students receiving Pell Grants and demonstrating high financial need.
TEACH GRANT up to $4000 per year
For students interested in a full-time teaching career and committed to teaching for at least four years in a high-need subject area at a school that serves low-income families. Students may receive up to $16,000 for undergraduate study. Part-time students are eligible, but the maximum grant will be pro-rated based on enrollment status. If students do not fulfill stated teaching requirements, the grant will be converted to a loan with interest. Eligibility Requirements (PDF). TEACH Grant Initial and Subsequent Counseling
Other Federal Aid:
FEDERAL WORK STUDY/CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT $500- $2500 per year
Awards are estimates. Earnings are based upon hours worked. Preference to early applicants. Once accepted and registered for classes, students may apply online for campus employment.
ALL IOWA OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP
(amount varies, maximum for 2025-26 is $5,334)
- Iowa resident
- Must meet priority award considerations listed on the state’s website such as aging out of Iowa’s foster care system or the State Training School, adopted after age 16, children of deceased public safety workers, graduated from an alternative high school/programs, or participated in certain TRIO or GEAR UP programs
- Must have graduated from an eligible Iowa high school or completed a high school equivalency diploma within the last 2 years
- Be a first-time college freshman (unless you are renewing your scholarship award)
- Plan to enroll for at least 10.5 course credits in a program leading to an undergraduate degree, diploma or certificate
- Need-based Grant
- More details can be found here.
FUTURE READY IOWA GRANT
(amount determined by Iowa Legislature and funds available)
- Iowa resident
- Must have at least half of the credits completed towards a bachelor’s degree that leads to a high-demand job
- Must have not been enrolled in postsecondary education for two or more years
- Must have applied for all other available aid
- Plan to enroll at least half-time
- See more details and requirements available here.
IOWA TUITION GRANT
(up to $8,500 per year, determined by Iowa Legislature and funds available)
- Iowa resident
- Enroll at one of Iowa’s eligible private colleges or universities
- Priority is given to applicants with the greatest need
- Enroll in an undergraduate program
- See more details and requirements available here.
GEAR UP Iowa
The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) Iowa was created to significantly increase the number of low-income and underrepresented students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Participants in the year round program will discover the importance of education, improve academic skills, identify career interests, and explore college opportunities.
While filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most important step in applying for financial aid, it is important to search for additional scholarship opportunities. Many schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations offer scholarships. These scholarships can help you manage expenses and reduce the need for student loans. Be careful when searching for other scholarships and remember that you should never have to pay to find scholarships or other types of financial aid.Try these free sources of information about scholarships:
- Wartburg Financial Aid Office
- Wartburg College Financial Literacy Facebook Page
- Your high school counselor
- Your employer or your parents’ employers
- Religious or community organizations
- Local businesses or civic groups
- Federal Student Aid
- Iowa Department of Education
Outside Scholarship and Funding Opportunities
*Wartburg College does not endorse these scholarship programs. They are only provided as a resource.
Wartburg is committed to you now and will continue this commitment throughout your four-year academic career. The longevity of institutional funding for transfer students will be prorated based on their class status upon enrollment at Wartburg.