Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Walden University's Believe & Achieve Scholarship and Other Tuition Assistance Programs
Paying for college can be a significant concern for many students. Fortunately, Walden University offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and tuition-saving options to help make higher education more accessible. These financial aid opportunities can significantly reduce tuition costs, enabling students to pursue their academic and career goals. This article explores the Walden University Believe & Achieve Scholarship, along with other scholarships, grants, and tuition assistance programs, providing a comprehensive guide to eligibility requirements and application processes.
Exploring Financial Aid Options at Walden University
Walden University is committed to helping working professionals overcome financial barriers and achieve their higher education goals. The university offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and federal student loans. By exploring these options, students can find the support they need to continue their education and advance their careers.
Scholarships: Gifts That Don't Need Repaying
Unlike student loans, scholarships for college do not have to be paid back. They are gifts awarded to individuals based on financial need or personal achievements in various areas of life, such as exceptional athletic ability, outstanding academic performance, or dedication to a cause or public service work. Your current employer may even offer a scholarship for your education. Although you may qualify financially for federal and state grants, you can also apply for scholarships as long as the total amount of your scholarships and grants does not exceed the cost of your education.
Finding Scholarships: Best Practices
Finding scholarships for college isn’t difficult, but it does take time. To find scholarships for college that you may be eligible for, follow these helpful best practices:
- Start your search one year before the date you plan to begin your degree program.
- You’ll have a better chance of receiving a scholarship if you apply for scholarships from multiple sources.
- Scholarship programs have strict application deadlines, so be sure to submit yours on time.
- Never pay for information about scholarships. All scholarship information is readily available for free, so there’s no reason to pay for it.
- Contact admissions advisors at the universities or colleges you are considering.
- Continue exploring your options through other sources, such as the Department of Labor’s scholarship search tool, government agency scholarships, a local library’s reference section, foundations, religious or community organizations, local businesses, and civic groups, organizations related to your field of interest, and culturally based organizations.
The Walden University Believe & Achieve Scholarship
Walden University offers the Believe & Achieve Scholarship to eligible students enrolled in various programs. This scholarship provides tuition reductions, making education more affordable. Several categories of students may qualify for this scholarship, each with specific requirements and benefits.
Read also: Walden University MSW Program
Eligibility Criteria and Tuition Reduction Amounts
Here's a breakdown of the eligibility criteria and tuition reduction amounts for various categories under the Believe & Achieve Scholarship:
Armed Forces and Department of Veterans Affairs Employees:
- Eligibility: Armed forces members or employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs who enroll in programs eligible for the Believe & Achieve Scholarship. This also extends to spouses of service members, veterans, or VA employees.
- Tuition Reduction: For programs not eligible for the Believe & Achieve Scholarship, a 15% tuition reduction is available for the life of the program.
Referred by Walden Alumni:
- Eligibility: New students referred by Walden alumni.
- Tuition Reduction: A 5% tuition reduction combined with the Believe & Achieve Scholarship for eligible programs. For programs not eligible for this scholarship, a 15% tuition reduction is offered for the life of the program. This benefit applies to students starting classes on or after February 24, 2025.
Walden Alumni Returning for Further Studies:
- Eligibility: Walden alumni who have completed a degree or certificate program and are returning for their next degree or certificate program.
- Tuition Reduction: A 25% tuition reduction on tuition over the lifetime of their program when they start classes on or after August 25, 2025.
Students Enrolling in Specific Programs:
Read also: Walden University: Campus and Online
- Eligibility: Students enrolling in specific programs such as Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice, MS in Forensic Psychology, PhD in Forensic Psychology, BS in Criminal Justice, and several others.
- Tuition Reduction: Eligible students receive a 5% tuition reduction combined with the Believe & Achieve Scholarship for eligible programs. A 15% tuition reduction is available for the life of the program for programs not eligible for the Believe & Achieve Scholarship.
Family Members Starting Together:
- Eligibility: Two or more family members starting a new Walden program on the same start date.
- Tuition Reduction: Family members enrolling in a program eligible for the Believe & Achieve Scholarship will receive a 5% Walden Family Start Savings tuition reduction for the life of the current program. For programs not eligible, a 15% reduction applies.
Family of Enrolled Students:
- Eligibility: Spouse, parent, or child of an enrolled Walden University student starting classes on or after February 24, 2025.
- Tuition Reduction: Save 25% on tuition over the lifetime of the degree program (excluding certificates).
General Conditions and Exclusions
It's important to note the general conditions and exclusions that apply to the Believe & Achieve Scholarship:
- Tuition reductions apply to tuition only and do not cover books, materials, or other fees.
- Tuition reductions cannot be retroactively applied.
- The scholarship may not be combined with other tuition reductions unless specified.
- Students are responsible for non-tuition costs, including university, program, and custom-related fees and taxes.
Application Process
To apply for the Believe & Achieve Scholarship:
- Contact an Enrollment Specialist for detailed information and application assistance.
- Newly reserved students entering their first term at Walden must demonstrate a need or other extenuating life circumstances to be eligible for certain benefits.
- Selection criteria are based on demonstrated need or other extenuating life circumstances.
Continuing Eligibility
Students will continue to receive the stackable 15% tuition reduction if they remain enrolled in an eligible program. Changing enrollment between eligible programs, or withdrawing for less than a year, does not impact eligibility for the tuition reduction. Students do not lose eligibility by moving to the United States or District of Columbia.
Read also: Walden University: A Detailed Look
Selection Criteria
Walden will review admission application materials and award the tuition reduction automatically to all eligible students.
Application Deadline
See your Enrollment Specialist for deadline information.
Important Note
Walden University reserves the right to change the terms, conditions, and availability of institutional aid at any time without notice.
Additional Walden University Scholarships and Grants
Walden University offers a variety of scholarships for both new and current students, including merit-based awards and need-based grants.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships at Walden University reward students with strong academic or professional backgrounds. Scholarship amounts can differ, with some covering part of tuition for the entire program. Some merit-based options are tied directly to certain degree programs, like the BS in Criminal Justice or Doctor of Education. For many merit-based awards, eligibility is determined at admission or after a semester of study.
Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships help students who can’t fully afford their education. Many need-based opportunities are open to students in bachelor’s and master’s programs, such as nursing, social work, or the BS in Human Services. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of pursuing an online degree or certificate.
Program-Specific Scholarships
Some scholarships at Walden University are tied to a specific degree or field. Program-specific scholarships may target undergrads or doctoral students in programs like BS in Criminal Justice, Master of Science in Nursing, or Doctor of Social Work. Many scholarships aim to support professions where skilled graduates are in high demand, like healthcare or education.
General Eligibility Requirements for Walden University Scholarships
To qualify for Walden University scholarships, students must meet certain standards.
Academic Standards
Most scholarships at Walden University require students to meet minimum academic standards. Students may need to show strong academic records through transcripts or official records. First-time undergrads need a high school diploma, while graduate programs may ask for a bachelor’s degree.
Enrollment Status
Applicants usually must be actively enrolled at Walden University. New students sometimes qualify for special scholarships just for starting a degree program. If a student withdraws from classes or drops below half-time enrollment, they risk losing their scholarship funds.
Program of Study
Most scholarships at Walden are tied to specific degree programs or fields. Certain Walden university scholarships may also focus on majors like education, nursing, or social work.
Citizenship
Citizens, and eligible noncitizens may face different criteria depending on the scholarship. You can usually find a table of eligibility by program in the Walden University Student Handbook.
Applying for Walden University Scholarships
Most Walden University scholarships require students to complete an online application form. Each scholarship may have its own set of eligibility criteria. Some scholarships need an essay on a specific topic. Applicants should review all requirements before submitting the form.
Required Documents
Walden University scholarship applications often ask for several supporting documents. Some Walden scholarships may ask for extra documents, like proof of financial need or certificates of achievement.
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines for Walden University scholarships can vary by program and award. Students should check the exact dates on the university’s scholarship webpage every year. If the university finds conflicting information in a student’s application, they may ask for more documentation.
Additional Financial Aid Options
Walden University students can lower tuition costs by using a mix of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options. Students at Walden might be eligible for scholarships, grants, and federal or private loans. Many students combine scholarships with federal programs like Pell Grants, state grant aid, and work-study. Each option has its own eligibility rules, so it’s smart to review requirements and apply early. Walden alumni could qualify for alumni tuition savings or discounts.
FAFSA
Fill out the 2024-2025 FAFSA if you are starting your program on or after May 27, 2024. Fill out the 2025-2026 FAFSA if you are starting your program on or after 5/26/2025. Upon receipt of your FAFSA, the FAFSA Processing System will analyze your application and forward a FAFSA Submission Summary (formerly known as Student Air Report) to you and Walden’s Office of Financial Aid within three to five business days. Read the report carefully as it contains important information about your eligibility for aid.
Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application
Applying for financial aid and scholarships starts with staying organized. Seeking out grants and scholarships takes time, but being thorough increases your chances. Walden provides a range of resources to help with financial aid planning and applications. The university’s financial aid office offers detailed guides and webinars. Students can find step-by-step instructions in the Tuition and Financial Aid section.
Tuition Grant for Baldrige National or Alliance Award-Winning Organization Employees
Walden University offers a tuition grant for eligible new students who are employees of a former or current Baldrige national award-winning organization or an Alliance award-winning organization.
Eligibility and Terms
- This offer is only valid for eligible new students who are employees of a former or current Baldrige national award-winning organization or an Alliance award-winning organization.
- This offer is only available to the first 75 eligible students who enroll and are granted admission into Walden.
- Current or former Walden students are not eligible for this offer.
- This offer is not a guarantee that all candidates eligible for the offer will be granted acceptance or admission into Walden.
- The “tuition grant” is a grant of up to $3,000 for bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs.
- The tuition grant is awarded as a $500 tuition-reduction award for each term until the entire tuition grant has been earned or the student is no longer eligible.
- The tuition grant is applicable to tuition only and does not apply toward books, materials, and other supplies or fees needed for a course.
- The tuition grant cannot be used by a student in combination with any other tuition benefit or reduction.
- The student must remain continuously enrolled in the program of their choice to receive the tuition grant.
- The tuition grant may only be used for credit-bearing courses within the recipient’s program.
- Walden may change the tuition grant offered hereunder at any time, but such change will not affect the tuition grant for students who are currently enrolled at Walden and using the existing tuition grant.
- All tuition reductions, grants, or scholarships are subject to specific eligibility requirements.
- This offer may only be combined with Master’s Believe & Achieve Scholarship®.
Tuition Reduction for U.S. Citizens Living Abroad
Walden University offers a tuition reduction for U.S. citizens living abroad (outside of the Caribbean). Walden conducts no checks on citizenship, national origin, and/or whether students receive Title IV funding to determine eligibility for the reduction.
Eligibility and Terms
- Students will continue to receive 25% tuition reduction if they remain enrolled in an eligible program. Withdrawing for less than a year does not impact eligibility for the tuition reduction. Students do not lose eligibility by moving to the United States or District of Columbia.
- Walden will review admission application materials and award the tuition reduction automatically to all eligible students.
- See your Enrollment Specialist for deadline information.
- Walden University reserves the right to change the terms, conditions and availability of institutional aid at any time without notice.
tags: #walden #believe #and #achieve #scholarship #requirements
