What is the WCC Education Promise scholarship?

WCC Education Promise is a two-year, last-dollar scholarship designed to ensure every qualifying student graduating from high school in Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties can get a college degree from Wilkes Community College tuition-free. This scholarship program makes sure every qualifying student is 100% covered for the roughly $2,640 annual cost for tuition and institutional fees.

How does it work?

Students complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and get whatever federal and state aid they are qualified to receive to cover their tuition and fees. Then, WCC Education Promise covers 100% of the balance students owe for their tuition and institutional fees. Students and their families are responsible for other costs associated with going to college, such as buying books, individual class fees, and general living expenses. Students may pursue other scholarships to cover those costs.

  • Fall Deadline for WCC Scholarship Application and FAFSA: September 1
  • Fall Acceptance and Post-Acceptance Deadline: September 15
  • Spring Deadline for WCC Scholarship Application and FAFSA: February 1
  • Spring Acceptance and Post-Acceptance Deadline: February 15

Am I eligible?

WCC Education Promise is available to 2024 high school graduates who meet these requirements:

  • Graduated from a public, private, or home school institution in Wilkes, Ashe, or Alleghany County in 2024.
  • Reside in Wilkes, Ashe, or Alleghany.
    • Residency means:
      • Graduate from service area high school (public, private, or home school) and
      • > 1 year living Wilkes, Ashe, Alleghany, or Watauga (appeals may be considered, such as a student relocating during senior year).
    • Students who fulfill the residency requirements stated above but who are classified as out-of-state for tuition purposes, including DACA students, may receive the maximum scholarship amount equivalent to in-state tuition.
  • Complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
  • Complete WCC Scholarship Application.
  • Earned a minimum 2.0 unweighted GPA in high school.
  • Be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as determined by WCC’s guidelines.
  • Enroll in at least 6 credit hours per semester in a program of study at WCC the academic year after high school graduation (fall or spring).

How do I maintain/renew the scholarship?

To maintain and renew the WCC Education Promise scholarship for the full amount, students must:

  • Maintain residency in Wilkes, Ashe, or Alleghany County.
  • Complete FAFSA each year and submit all required documentation for verification.
  • Complete WCC scholarship application each year.
  • Accept your scholarship and complete post-acceptance by the deadlines posted above to be awarded.
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
    • Maintain a minimum college GPA 2.0 (institutional GPA).
    • Complete 67% of credit hours attempted. Completing a course means a D or better. Students must meet the minimum guidelines of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. See the Financial Aid page for additional information.
  • Maintain continuous enrollment by enrolling in at least 6 credit hours in a program of study from semester-to-semester (no gap semesters, with the exception of summer, unless it is required by your program). Eligible students must be registered for all courses in a semester, including minimester courses, before the PRD (see Financial Aid page) to be guaranteed payment for those courses.
  • Students are required to meet with their advisor at least once per semester to review their program/career plan and progress to date, register for classes, and troubleshoot challenges. Additionally, they should take advantage of the Academic Support Center when needed.
  • Adhere to Student Code of Conduct. Any student conduct warning, probation, or suspension of any type as a WCC student could disqualify the student for this scholarship and other scholarships.

Additional Information

  • This scholarship includes certificate, diploma, and/or associate degree credentials for all WCC programs.
  • This scholarship covers tuition and institutional fees; it does not cover course or program-specific fees.
  • This scholarship does not cover tuition and fees for courses outside of chosen credential program, consistent with financial aid standards.
  • Summer courses are covered if they are required for your program; otherwise, they are only covered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Receiving WCC Education Promise does not prevent students from applying for other scholarships, but a student cannot be awarded over the cost of attendance.

Who do I contact for more information?

Contact the WCC Career Coach at your high school or reach out to the WCC Financial Aid Office at 336-838-6237.