Southern Wesleyan University offers competitive academic scholarships or grants to incoming freshmen students based on their high school grade point average (GPA), and SAT, ACT, or CLT test scores. Transfer students are also eligible to receive scholarships or grants based on their collegiate grade point average (GPA) and the number of hours transferring to Southern Wesleyan University. We understand it is important to you as you make your decision to attend college to know the cost of attendance as well as the financial aid that you may be eligible for. Our Net Price Calculator will provide you with the estimated direct cost that you are looking for. Our Net Price Calculator is customized to provide an estimate of the aid that you may be eligible for from not only the institution, but the state and federal governments. Your personalized financial aid estimate takes just a few minutes!
Freshmen Academic Scholarships & Grants
Freshman Academic Aid
Based on high school GPA. Renewable for up to four years or 120 SWU credit hours, whichever comes first.
Residential Students
| Scholarship | Amount | GPA |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | $14,000 | 4.3+ |
| Trustee Scholarship | $13,000 | 3.4 – 4.29 |
| Warrior Scholarship | $11,000 | 2.5 – 3.39 |
| Opportunity Scholarship | $10,000 | <2.5 |
Commuter Students
| Scholarship | Amount | GPA |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | $7,000 | 4.3+ |
| Trustee Scholarship | $6,500 | 3.4 – 4.29 |
| Warrior Scholarship | $5,500 | 2.5 – 3.39 |
| Opportunity Scholarship | $5,000 | <2.5 |
SWU Fellows (Palmetto Fellows Recipients) - $5,000 per year
Awarded to South Carolina students who have been designated as a South Carolina Palmetto Fellow. The $5,000 SWU Fellows scholarship will be in addition to freshman academic aid.
SWU Fellows Full Scholarship
All South Carolina SWU Fellows recipients will have the opportunity to complete an application for a competitive, full scholarship of tuition, required fees, room (double room), and board. There will be five SWU Fellows Full Scholarships awarded each year. South Carolina residents who have been/will be confirmed South Carolina Palmetto Fellows by the SC Commission on Higher Education as a result of meeting the criteria below may apply:
- 1200 SAT or 25 ACT
- 3.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Top 6% of class
OR
- 1400 SAT or 31 ACT
- 4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
out-of-state SWU Fellows - $5,000 per year
The Out-of-State SWU Fellows Scholarship of $5,000 will be awarded to five out-of-state students that fulfill the requirements and complete the application below.
- 1200 SAT or 25 ACT
- 3.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
Out-of-State / International Scholarship - $2,500 per year
Incoming out-of-state/international freshman students receive an additional $2,500 scholarship that is in addition to the academic aid.
Transfer Academic Scholarships & Grants
Transfer Academic Aid
Based on cumulative GPA from all institutions attended. Renewable for up to four years or 120 SWU credit hours, whichever comes first.
| Scholarship | Amount | GPA |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Trustee Scholarship | $9,000 | 3.5 – 4.0 |
| Transfer Warrior Scholarship | $7,000 | 3.0 – 3.49 |
| Transfer Opportunity Scholarship | $5,000 | <3.0 |
SWU Fellows (PALMETTO FELLOWS RECIPIENTS) - $5,000 per year
Awarded to South Carolina students who have been designated as a South Carolina Palmetto Fellow. The $5,000 SWU Fellows scholarship will be in addition to transfer academic aid.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship - $1,000 per year
Five renewable $1,000 per year scholarships are awarded to members of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society who transfer to Southern Wesleyan University’s On-Campus program. The scholarships will be awarded in addition to other sources of eligible institutional aid. Students must submit a copy of their Phi Theta Kappa Society membership. Student must be enrolled as a full-time student in SWU’s On-Campus program. The five scholarships will be awarded on a first-come basis and will be applied once a student has been admitted and completed the financial aid process at SWU.
Other Scholarships and Grants
Athletic Scholarship – Amount Varies
The director of athletics supervises the awarding of scholarships to students with outstanding ability based on their participation in intercollegiate athletics.
Call Me Mister Scholarship – up to $8,000
Awarded to students in teacher education programs who demonstrate a background and desire to work in an underserved, underprivileged or economically disadvantaged area.
CAMPUS CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP – AMOUNT VARIES
Students who have scholarship awards from participation in the Campus Challenge events may contact financial aid to confirm their scholarship amount.
Church Matching Scholarship - up to $1,000
The Church Matching Scholarship creates an avenue for the local church, in conjunction with SWU, to continue being an active part in the lives of their students. SWU will match up to $1,000 per year ($500 per semester) of a gift given from the student's church or church district. Read more about the Church Matching Scholarship.
Donor Scholarships - Amount Varies
Southern Wesleyan University is blessed with many generous donors who wish to invest in student scholarships. Qualifications vary for each donor scholarship, ranging from academic/major, athletic/sport team, need-based, and geographic qualifications. Learn more and apply for SWU Donor Scholarships here.
Music Ensemble Scholarship – Amount Varies
The Department of Music supervises the awarding of scholarships to students based on their ability to participate in music ensembles at Southern Wesleyan University. Music and non-music majors are eligible for this scholarship. Click here to learn more about the scholarship.
Joan and Thomas Phillippe Young Artist Award – up to $1,000
Awarded to the top students who audition for acceptance into the Southern Wesleyan music department. This scholarship is renewable annually to eligible music majors based on continued advancement. Auditions must be completed by April 20.
PBS and PGS Scholarships — $8,000 ($2,000 per year)
Palmetto Boys State (PBS) and Palmetto Girls State (PGS) Scholarships are awarded to all program participants. Participants will be confirmed via the official lists Southern Wesleyan University annually receives from the SC Palmetto Boys and Girls State Organization (PBGSO). SWU Fellow Full Scholarship recipients are not eligible because they receive a full tuition and room and board award from SWU.
POST BA DISCOUNT – 50% TUITION
Awarded to students who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree and have had that degree for at least one year. To be eligible, the student must provide an official transcript from an accredited higher education institution that reflects the conferring of a bachelor’s degree and the date it was conferred. Applies to tuition only; does not include fees.
Wesleyan Bible Bowl (WBB) – Amount Varies
Winners at the area and national levels of the WBB competition will be awarded scholarships equal to the amount won during their competition careers, not to exceed direct university costs.
Wesleyan Loan/Grant Program – $60 per credit hour
The Wesleyan Church provides loan/grant assistance to junior and senior ministerial students at Wesleyan colleges preparing for ordained ministry.
Wesleyan Ministers Dependent Grant - 50% of tuition costs
Wesleyan Ministers Dependent Grant (WMDG) is awarded to dependent students of licensed or ordained Wesleyan ministers who are considered full time by their district; or actively serving career Wesleyan missionaries who are appointed by Global Partners; or under appointment in the district office. Read more about the Wesleyan Ministers Dependent Grant.
Outside Scholarships
- Bold.org
- Cappex Scholarships Database
- FastWeb
- GoodCall
- The College Board
- Scholarships360
- Scholarships for Military Children
- TFS Scholarships
- Scholarships.com
- Sallie Mae Scholarship Search Tool