Access SMÂÛ̳ Scholarship Program
The Access SMÂÛ̳ Scholarship Program funds 100% of tuition through federal, state and SMÂÛ̳ merit-based and need-based aid (including the student's Subsidized Federal Direct Loan eligibility) for most first-year and transfer students who qualify for the federal Pell Grant. The program will serve most students whose family adjusted gross incomes are at or below $65,000.
For Access SMÂÛ̳ students, Nebraska Wesleyan first applies state and federal need-based aid, including the student's Subsidized Federal Direct Loan eligibility, to the cost of tuition. SMÂÛ̳ then provides scholarships to fully cover the remaining tuition cost. The student is not required to accept the Subsidized Federal Direct Loan, but the student would be required to cover the difference from other sources. Outside scholarships, family financial resources, the Unsubsidized Federal Direct student loan and on-campus work study may be used for additional educational expenses, such as housing and food, fees and books.
To qualify, a student must:
- have at least a 3.0 GPA in a challenging curriculum at the time of admission
- be federal Pell Grant eligible, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), with a Student Aid Index (SAI) no greater than 7320
- apply and be admitted to SMÂÛ̳ as a first-time, first-year or transfer student beginning 2026
- carry a full-time academic course load of 12-18 credit hours per semester
How to Apply for Access SMÂÛ̳
Step 1 – Apply for admission to Nebraska Wesleyan University
Access SMÂÛ̳ candidates must apply and be admitted as a new first-year or transfer student.
Step 2 – Submit a FAFSA
Interested students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at and add SMÂÛ̳’s school code (002555). If required, recipients must complete the federal verification process to confirm eligibility for the Access SMÂÛ̳ Scholarship Program. While there is no formal closing date, students are strongly encouraged to complete the application for admission and the FAFSA by August 1.
Step 3 – Watch for SAR
Completing the FAFSA will generate the FAFSA Submission Summary on which the Student Aid Index (SAI) is listed. Eligibility will be specified when the financial aid award is formally announced. The SMÂÛ̳ financial aid staff will confirm your official eligibility for the Access SMÂÛ̳ Scholarship Program.
Renewal Process
Access SMÂÛ̳ recipients will remain eligible for up to four years of Access SMÂÛ̳ funding provided they file a FAFSA prior to March 1 each year and remain Pell-eligible with a Student Aid Index (SAI) no greater than the limit established each academic year. Students must also maintain full-time status and at least a 2.0 GPA. Access SMÂÛ̳ funding covers the full cost of tuition after state and federal funds, including the student's Subsidized Federal Direct Loan eligibility, are applied. Outside scholarships, family financial resources, the Unsubsidized Federal Direct student loan and on-campus work study may be used for additional educational expenses, such as housing and food, fees and books.