Scholarships and Financial Aid
The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA) at Wayne State University annually administers financial aid funds from federal, state, university and private sources. Some financial aid programs are need-based, other programs are non-need based, and awards are given in recognition of special skills, talents, or academic ability. Financial Aid at Wayne State is awarded in the form of a “package” and generally consists of four types of aid: grants, scholarship, loans, and employment.
Financial assistance may be available to new and continuing students in the Library and Information Science Program. Scholarships, graduate student assistantships, work-study opportunities, and Wayne State University student loans are available. Please note that international students are not eligible for financial aid but may be eligible for program scholarships or assistantships.
In addition to the SLIS scholarships, students may also apply for scholarships through the Graduate School and library and information science professional associations. LIS students with strong academic records are successful in receiving Graduate Professional Scholarhships awarded through the Graduate School. Please visit http://www.gradschool.wayne.edu/current/finaid.asp for more information.
Graduate Student Assistantships (GSAs) are available through WSU's Library System. Please visit our Student Employment page for more information - http://www.slis.wayne.edu/current/student-services.php#employment.
Below are the scholarships available to new and continuing LIS students. Students may apply for these awards between December 1 and March 1 each year for the next academic year.
The SLIS Scholarship and Award Applications
Dean’s Merit Scholarship
GPA Requirement: 3.75
Standing: Graduate
Type of Scholarship: Departmental Possess a minimum of 3.75 undergraduate grade point average. Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Be admitted to the Library and Information Science Program. Register for at least six credit hours in the Fall semester. Have completed fewer than 13 hours toward the MLIS degree. Amount varies; generally equivalent to the tuition of one 3-credit hour class.
Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award
Standing: N/A
Type of Scholarship: Departmental Presented to a Library and Information Science Program graduate who has made outstanding contributions to the library and information science field. The award is presented to those who have achieved distinction in the profession based on job performance, service, publications or other relevant professional activity.
Ellison, Sallie Memorial Endowed Scholarship
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Standing: Graduate
Need Based Required
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalAny graduate student enrolled in the Library and Information Science Program. This award encourages continued academic progress and provides assistance to students who reflect Ms. Ellison's dedication to inner city, urban, minority communities and to quality library service; recipients will be selected based upon scholastic achievement with a minimum GPA of 3.0, qualities of character, leadership, and financial need. Amount varies; generally equivalent to the tuition of one 3-credit hour class.
Field, Judith J. Scholarship
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Standing: Graduate
Need Based Required
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalAny graduate student enrolled in the Library and Information Science Program who demonstrates an interest in special librarianship. Recipients are selected on the basis of scholastic achievement with a GPA of at least 3.0, qualities of character, leadership, and financial need.Students must demonstrate a commitment to special librarianship. Amount varies; generally equivalent to the tuition of one 3-credit hour class.
Francis, Gloria A. Memorial Endowed Scholarship
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Standing: Graduate
Need Based Required
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalAny graduate student enrolled in the Library and Information Science Program. Preference given to students with a special interest and expertise in the areas of rare books and archives. Recipients will be selected on the basis of scholastic achievement with a grade point average of at least 3.0 and qualities of character and leadership. Financial need may be considered. The donor assists in the selection of the winner(s). Amount varies; generally equivalent to the tuition of one 3-credit hour class.
Friends of the Roseville Public Library Scholarship
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Standing: Graduate
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalA graduate student enrolled in the Library and Information Science Program with a specialization in public librarianship. Preference will be given to students with demonstrated commitment to serving suburban libraries and Macomb County. Recipients will be selected on the basis of scholastic achievement with a GPA of at least 3.0 and qualities of character and leadership. Amount varies; generally equivalent to the tuition of one 3-credit hour class.
Grazier, Margaret Hayes Endowed Scholarship
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Standing: Graduate
Need Based Required
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalAny graduate student enrolled in the LIS Program who demonstrates an interest in school library media or youth services. Recipients are selected on the basis of scholastic achievement; a grade point average of at least 3.0; qualities of character and leadership, and financial need. Amount varies; generally equivalent to the tuition of one 3-credit hour class.
Holley, Robert P. Endowed Scholarship
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Standing: Graduate
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalAny graduate student admitted to the Library and Information Science Program. Strong preference will be given to minority applicants, especially inner city, urban students who show an interest in a career in academic libraries. Recipients will be selected on the basis of high scholastic achievement and desirable qualities of character and leadership. Amount varies; generally equivalent to the tuition of one 3-credit hour class.
Knapp, Patricia B. Award
GPA Requirement: N/A (Based on academic achievement)
Standing: Graduate
Type of Scholarship: Departmental Awarded each year to the graduating student who has demonstrated a high level of scholarship and shows promise of success in a career in library and information service. The recipient shall be selected on the basis of demonstrated scholastic achievement, evidence of research capability and professional commitment.
Larson, Miriam T. Memorial Endowed Scholarship
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Standing: Graduate
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalAny graduate student enrolled in the Library and Information Science Program who has declared a specialization in health sciences/medical libraries. Recipients shall be selected on the basis of scholastic achievement with a grade point average of at least 3.0 and qualities of character and leadership. Students must demonstrate a commitment to the health sciences and/or medical libraries profession. Amount varies; generally equivalent to the tuition of one 3-credit hour class.
Library and Information Science Alumni Award
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Standing: Graduate
Need Based Required
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalAny graduate student enrolled in the Library and Information Science Program who has completed at least six (6) credit hours. Recipients must possess a grade point average of 3.6 or higher, be active in student associations and activities, submit a letter of recommendation from at least one faculty member as well as a pipeline transcript record, agree to remain in the Program until completion of the degree and complete the degree within 6 years. The Library and Information Science Alumni Association (LISAA) assists in the selection of the scholarship winner(s). Scholarship winners will be appointed as the LIS student representative on the LISAA board. Recipients will be selected based upon scholarship, qualities of character, leadership, and financial need. Amount varies; generally equivalent to the tuition of one 3-credit hour class.
LIS General Scholarship
GPA Requirement: N/A (Based on academic achievement)
Standing: Graduate
Need Based Required
Type of Scholarship: Departmental Any graduate student enrolled in the Library and Information Science Program. Supported by alumnae and other friends of the Program, general scholarships recognize students who demonstrate academic achievement, potential for leadership, and financial need.
Pepper, Roger S. and Muriel A. Endowed Scholarship
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Standing: Graduate
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalAward of variable amount, which recognizes scholastic achievement (minimum 3.0 GPA) and provides financial assistant to full-time or part-time graduate or undergraduate students enrolled in or accepted for study in the Library and Information Science program. Applicants need not demonstrate financial need. Award established by Alice and Barbara Pepper in memory of their parents, Roger S. and Muriel A. Pepper.
Phillips, Edith B. Endowed Scholarship
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Standing: Graduate
Need Based Required
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalAny graduate student enrolled in the Library and Information Science Program who demonstrates an interest in technical services. Recipients will be selected based upon scholastic achievement with a minimum grade point average of a 3.0, qualities of character and leadership, and financial need. Amount varies; generally equivalent to the tuition of one 3-credit hour class.
Rockall, Diane M. Scholarship
GPA Requirement: 3.5
Standing: Graduate
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalAny graduate student enrolled in the Library and Information Science Program. Recipients will be selected based on scholastic achievement (minimum grade point average of 3.5) and financial need. Amount varies; generally equivalent to the tuition of one 3-credit hour class.
Russell, Clara Lulis Memorial Scholarship
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Standing: Graduate
Need Based Required
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalPreference will be given to students who exemplify capacity to overcome life obstacles similar to Mrs. Russell's. They must be enrolled in the Library and Information Science Program and pursuing public librarianship. Recipients are selected on the basis of scholastic achievement with a GPA of at least 3.0, qualities of character, leadership, and financial need. Amount varies; generally equivalent to the tuition of one 3-credit hour class.
Samarjian, Charles Memorial Scholarship
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Standing: Graduate
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalAny graduate or undergraduate student enrolled in or admitted into the Library and Information Science Program with a career interest in antiquarian/rare book librarianship. Recipients shall be selected on the basis of academic achievement with a minimum 3.0 grade point average, qualities of character and leadership. Amount varies; generally equivalent to the tuition of one 3-credit hour class.
Sherwood, Robert L. Scholarship
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Standing: Graduate
Need Based Required
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalA graduate student enrolled in the Library and Information Science Program with a specialization in public librarianship. Preference will be given to students with a demonstrated interest in serving the Herrick District Library or Ottawa and Allegan Counties. Recipients will be selected on the basis of academic achievement with a minimum 3.0 grade point average and qualities of character and leadership. Amount varies; generally equivalent to the tuition of one 3-credit hour class.
Spyers-Duran, Peter and Jane Endowed Scholarship
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Standing: Graduate
Need Based Required
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalAny graduate student enrolled in the Library and Information Science Program. Recipients shall be selected on the basis of scholastic achievement with a grade point average of at least 3.0 and qualities of character and leadership. Amount varies; generally equivalent to the tuition of one 3-credit hour class.
Student Travel Award
Standing: Graduate
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalThe Student Travel Award supports student attendance at a national or regional conference to help students broaden their knowledge of professional associations. Michigan conferences are not eligible. To share their knowledge and experiences with other students, the winner is required to write a short report on the conference for posting to the program discussion list ( lispinf@lisp.wayne.edu).
To be eligible to apply:
- The student must be currently enrolled in the WSU Library and Information Science Program both during the application period and at the time of the travel.
- The student must submit a 500-word essay on how the student will benefit from the Travel Award
Student Writing Award
Standing: N/A
Type of Scholarship: Departmental This annual award is intended to encourage scholarship and excellence in professional communication by recognizing outstanding student essays and projects completed during coursework in the Program. Documents submitted to the competition are usually papers or other media originally created for classroom assignments; original writing may also be submitted.
Award Categories
1. Narrative papers, essays or collection evaluations whose focus is librarianship, information science, and/or associated professional areas.
2. Bibliographic papers, which may take the form of a bibliographic essay, pathfinder, or literature review article.
3. Original computer programs, Websites, or multi-media presentations written to accomplish a specific task or purpose.
Criteria
- Demonstrated originality, creativity, and scholarship.
- Contribution to knowledge in library, archival or information science fields.
- Overall appearance, including presentation and proofreading.
Williams, Carolyn R. Endowed Scholarship
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Standing: Graduate
Need Based Required
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalAny graduate student enrolled in the Library and Information Science Program. Recipients shall be selected on the basis of scholastic achievement with a grade point average of at least 3.0, qualities of character and leadership. Preference will be given to applicants from disadvantaged, underserved, urban communities. Amount varies; generally equivalent to the tuition of one 3-credit hour class.
Wilson, H. W. Scholarship
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Standing: Graduate
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalAny graduate student enrolled in the Library and Information Science Program. Recipients shall be selected on the basis of scholastic achievement with a minimum grade point average of at least 3.0 and qualities of character and leadership. Amount varies; generally equivalent to the tuition of one 3-credit hour class.
Women of Wayne Alumni Scholarships
Standing: N/A
Status: Part-time
Type of Scholarship: DepartmentalEach semester, the Women of Wayne Alumni Association offers Incentive Scholarships for part-time undergraduate, post-degree and graduate women students. The scholarship provides resident tuition assistance for up to seven hours per semester for graduate students.
The deadlines are:
The deadlines are:
- Fall semester: June 15
- Winter semester: October 15
- Spring/summer semester: February 15