Scholarships at WSSU
A Winston-Salem State University education is an investment in your future - and scholarships can help make that investment even more affordable.
WSSU offers scholarship opportunities for incoming and current students, from premier awards recognizing outstanding academic achievement and leadership to hundreds of opportunities matched through Scholarship Universe. Explore your opportunities. Know your deadlines. Take the next step.
Cheatham-White Scholars Program
2027 application now open through December 8, 2026.
WSSU's premier scholarship opportunity for exceptional incoming first-time freshmen with a 4.0 or higher weighted cumulative GPA who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, service and character. A fully funded four-year WSSU experience:
Tuition & Fees • On Campus Housing • Meals • Books • Laptop • Summer Enrichment
An Honors Experience
More than a fully funded scholarship, Cheatham-White is a four-year scholar experience designed to cultivate academic excellence, leadership, service and global perspective.
WSSU Merit Scholarships
2027 application now open through December 8, 2026.
WSSU's merit scholarships recognize outstanding incoming freshmen who have demonstrated strong academic achievement. Incoming first-time freshmen with a 3.75 or higher weighted cumulative GPA may be eligible for merit scholarship consideration.
- Chancellor Scholarships | $12,000 per academic year
- Provost Scholarships | $7,000 per academic year
Important: Merit scholarship awards are coordinated with other financial aid and will not exceed applicable direct costs. Award amounts may be adjusted based on other grants, scholarships or financial aid received.
How to be considered
You must have already been accepted to WSSU and received your offer of admission. Qualifying students will receive an invitation to apply for Merit Scholarships through their RamAdmission portal and via email. Students complete one WSSU Merit Scholarship Application and are considered for both award levels. You do not need to choose which scholarship to apply for.
Apply to WSSU Now →
Applicants for WSSU Merit Scholarships will submit two essays, two letters of recommendation, and a video clip as part of their application. Notification of decisions are expected to be made in January 2027.
Find More Scholarships Through Scholarship Universe
One profile. More scholarship possibilities.
Scholarship Universe is WSSU's scholarship matching platform. It connects students with scholarship opportunities based on their individual profiles and qualifications.
WSSU Scholarship Opportunities
Each spring, WSSU opens its annual institutional scholarship application through Scholarship Universe. Students complete one application to be considered for multiple WSSU scholarship opportunities.
2027 application period: March 2027
Don't wait until the application opens. Make sure your Scholarship Universe profile is complete and up to date.External Scholarship Matches
Scholarship Universe also connects students with external scholarships offered by organizations outside WSSU.
Students may continue exploring and applying for matched external scholarships throughout the year. New opportunities and deadlines change regularly, so keep your profile current and check your matches often.
North Carolina resident? Don't miss Next NC.
Eligible North Carolina students from households with an annual income of $80,000 or less may qualify for the Next NC Scholarship, providing at least $5,000 toward tuition and fees at WSSU.There's no separate Next NC application.Complete the FAFSA to be considered for Next NC and other federal, state and institutional financial aid.
Learn About Next NC & Financial Aid →
Keep Looking for Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships are also available from foundations, businesses, community organizations, professional associations and other organizations outside WSSU.
Start with Scholarship Universe. Your profile can help match you with external opportunities for which you may qualify.
WSSU may also share select scholarship opportunities received directly from outside organizations that are not currently available through Scholarship Universe.
Explore Additional Scholarship Opportunities →
External scholarships are offered and administered by organizations outside Winston-Salem State University. Carefully review eligibility requirements, deadlines and terms provided by each sponsoring organization.
Scholarships Happen Throughout the Year
Scholarship opportunities don't all follow the same timeline. Knowing when to look — and when to act — can help you make the most of every opportunity.
Fall
Explore Premier & Merit Scholarships
Incoming freshmen should explore Cheatham-White and WSSU merit opportunities early.
FAFSA Season
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible, including for Next NC consideration if eligible.
Spring
Apply for WSSU Scholarships
Complete WSSU's annual institutional scholarship application through Scholarship Universe.
Year-Round
Keep Searching
Keep your Scholarship Universe profile current and explore external opportunities.
Make Every Opportunity Count
Scholarships are one part of making college affordable. Grants, financial aid and other resources can also help reduce what you and your family pay for your WSSU education.
