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Admissions
Traditional Undergraduate
Wisconsin Lutheran College welcomes applications anytime after completion of a student’s junior year in high school. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis.
The admissions committee at Wisconsin Lutheran College evaluates prospective student candidates in terms of both achievement and promise, emphasizing the extent to which students have taken advantage of their educational opportunities. The most successful applicants are those who have completed a strong college preparatory curriculum and have contributed in a significant way to the life of the school, church, or community.
Students admitted after April 1 of their senior year in high school will be considered for Merit Awards on a space-available and funds-available basis.
The college recommends the following high school preparation to those who wish to meet the college’s requirements:
- English: 4 years of study
- Mathematics: 3-4 years of study
- Foreign Language: 3 years of study
- History and Social Science: 3 years of study
- Laboratory Science: 3 years of study
Entrance Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Transfer
Wisconsin Lutheran College accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions on a case by case basis. Although there is no limit to the number of credits which may be transferred, to receive a degree from WLC, transfer students must complete all general education requirements and earn 30 credits in residence, including at least 15 credits of upperdivision courses within the major. Please see the Registrar’s Office for detailed transfer credit policies.
Transfer credit is awarded for those courses in which a student receives a grade of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher. Appeals may be made after the transfer student has successfully completed at least one semester as a full-time student at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Credits accepted for transfer may be used to satisfy WLC degree requirements. However, only grades earned at WLC will be used in computing the student’s cumulative grade point average.
AP, CLEP, IB Policies
To receive credit for Advanced Placement exams, a student must earn at least a score of 3 or 4 and higher depending upon the exam.
To receive credit for CLEP exams, a score of at least 50 or higher is required depending upon the exam. A CLEP exam will not be accepted for credit if it is taken after a higher level course has already been taken in the same discipline.
To receive credit for International Baccalaureate (IB), a student must earn a score of 5 or higher on the higher level exams.
A total of 30 credits may be earned through AP, CLEP, and IB.
Please see the Registrar’s Office for specific score minimums and requirements.
Retroactive Credits
Students may receive retroactive credits in foreign language and calculus if a grade of “B” or better is earned at WLC in a higher level course. For specific policies, please see the Registrar’s Office.
Readmission
Students who honorably withdrew from the college may submit a Special Admission Application form to the director of admissions. Application forms are available from the admissions office and should be completed at least three weeks prior to registration.
Students seeking readmission after academic suspension may apply for readmission after the lapse of two semesters. Their applications will be reviewed by the Academic Cabinet, and they must complete an interview with a college dean before the application is accepted. Upon readmission the student’s previous work shall remain as part of the official academic record, but the academic standing will be determined only on the basis of the credits attempted and grade points earned at Wisconsin Lutheran College following readmission. Students should be aware that employers, graduate schools, and accrediting agencies may evaluate their entire academic record.
International Students
Applicants for undergraduate admission should contact the office of admissions for information and assistance. Three general criteria are considered
- High academic ability
- Positive personal recommendation
- Demonstrated English language ability
International applicants can meet these criteria by providing the following evidence:
- WLC international application for admission and $35 fee
- Letter of recommendation
- Secondary school academic records
(SAT or ACT scores may be required)
- English proficiency as demonstrated by a minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of:
- 550 (paper)
- 213 (computer-based)
- 79 (Internet-based), or
- IELTS score of 6.5
- Financial Affidavit of Support (included with an official bank statement)
Candidates with scores below the minimum may need to complete an ESL program as a condition of acceptance to WLC.
All non-English documents must be accompanied by official English language translations.
The college will issue a student a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant [F-1] Student visa), when the student is admitted, demonstrates proof of financial resources for the first year, and after the deposit for an academic year is paid.
Early Admission Program
The Wisconsin Lutheran College Early Admission Program has been established to permit high school students to enhance their educational experience prior to college. Through this program qualified students may enroll in WLC courses concurrent with their high school program.
To qualify for participation in the Early Admission Program, a student must have completed all requirements for the junior year of high school. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a registered participant in the State of Wisconsin’s Early College Credit Program whereby high school students may enroll in college courses. Either all or part of the tuition is paid for by the local school district.
Application Procedures: The student must provide the admissions office with the following credentials:
- The completed “Special Admission Application” and the application fee
- Transcript of high school credits
- Recommendation from the high school principal or counselor
Concurrent Enrollment
Concurrent enrollment may assume one of two forms:
- A student enrolled in a degree program at another college may apply for admission to Wisconsin Lutheran College as a special student. Registration normally is limited to one or two courses per semester with the intent of transferring the credits to the degree program at the other institution.
- A student enrolled in a degree program at Wisconsin Lutheran College may apply to the Registrar’s Office for approval to enroll concurrently at another college with the intent of transferring the non-resident credits toward a Wisconsin Lutheran College degree.
Four Year Guarantee
Wisconsin Lutheran College is committed to providing a quality, Christian-based, undergraduate education within the traditional four-year timeframe. Therefore, Wisconsin Lutheran College guarantees that a student who enters as a first-time freshman and enrolls in an average of 16 credits per semester, does not fail or withdraw from any courses, and maintains a 2.50 cumulative grade point average will graduate in four years.
If a student who qualifies for this guarantee does not complete his or her degree requirements in four years, Wisconsin Lutheran College will waive that student’s tuition for the courses needed to complete his or her degree requirements.
Additional provisions:
- A student must select a major prior to registration for his or her fifth semester of study to qualify.
- A student who elects more than one major or minor does not qualify.
- A student who, because of a change of major, is required to go beyond four years to meet his or her degree requirements does not qualify.
- A student enrolled in a program such as Education who must take additional semester(s) to meet certification requirements does not qualify.
- A student who elects to pursue a minor or a pre-professional track (such as pre-med) should do so carefully in order to complete his or her programs within four years.
- For students enrolling in nursing as a major, students will need to be admitted to the nursing major at the end of their first year. Additionally, students need to satisfactorily meet all requirements for continued persistence in their assigned cohort to graduate in four years.
To exercise the guarantee, the student must be approved for the guarantee by the Registrar and apply for financial aid. Any portion of tuition not covered by federal or state gift assistance will be waived by the College.
Financial Aid
Wisconsin Lutheran College provides full-time degree seeking students in the traditional undergraduate program with financial assistance intended to supplement personal and family resources. Students applying for financial aid are considered for all programs for which they are eligible. Financial aid available to students enrolled less than full time is noted below in the individual program descriptions. For financial aid purposes full-time student status is established as a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester; half-time status is a minimum of six credit hours per semester. The amount of financial aid awarded is generally a combination of scholarships, grants, employment, and loans. It is based on the qualified financial need as determined primarily by the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).
Classification of Students
For loan eligibility purposes, a student is classified as a freshman if he or she meets the entrance requirements, as a sophomore when 30 credits have been earned, as a junior when 60 credits have been earned, and as a senior when 92 credits have been earned.
Determination of need: The aid for which a student qualifies is calculated as follows:
- Cost of attending WLC (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses) less family contribution (an estimate of a family’s capacity over time to absorb some costs of education) equals qualified financial need (the aid for which a student is applying).
Not all financial aid is based on need. Merit-based aid is available for the student with superior academic achievement or special talent in the fine arts.
How to Apply
Students applying for merit-based aid alone need only submit a WLC Financial Aid Application. All other filers need to complete the steps below.
- Submit a WLC Financial Aid Application to the college financial aid office.
- Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) listing Wisconsin Lutheran College as the recipient of the application information (WLC’s federal school code is 014658). Filing the FAFSA can be done electronically at www.fafsa.gov.
Review of Information. After receiving FAFSA results from the federal processor, the financial aid office will review all statements pertaining to a student’s financial situation. At that time, necessary adjustments for any errors in calculation or special circumstances will be noted. If necessary, the student and family will be contacted.
Financial Aid Package. Once a student’s need is determined, it will be met with various types of financial aid available to the student. Most financial aid packages will consist of three types of assistance: gift aid (scholarships/grants), employment (federal work-study), and loans. These are listed and described in the next sections. Every effort will be made to arrange a combination of these various sources of aid to equal a student’s total calculated need.
Notification and Acceptance of Award. Award notifications for new students will be sent beginning December 15 to those who have filed all required forms before the December 1 priority deadline. After that, new students will receive award notifications within two weeks after the financial aid office has received the necessary completed forms. Students will have until May 1, or 15 days after receipt of award, to respond to their award. Upon request, deadline extensions may be granted through the college’s financial aid office. If a student fails to respond by the deadline, WLC cannot guarantee the receipt of any funds offered in the aid award.
Adjustment of Aid Award. Students who receive private (non-WLC) scholarships, grants, or loans are required to report these funds to the financial aid office. In certain cases, federal and state regulations may require an adjustment to the student’s financial aid package to prevent an over-award. Adjustments may also be made if there are changes in a family’s financial situation during the academic year or if a student’s enrollment or housing status changes.
Scholarships and Grants
All of the following scholarships and grants are non-repayable. Students may apply for all scholarships and grants for which they qualify. All merit scholarships and grants are based on an unweighted GPA.
Merit Scholarships/Grants
Scholarships are awarded to full-time undergraduate students for academic achievement and merit based upon their success in high school and on the ACT admissions test. The Presidential Scholarship, Academic Scholarship, Collegiate Scholarship, and Foundation Scholarship are mutually exclusive.
Presidential Scholarship
Presidential scholarships are merit-based and awarded by the college to selected incoming freshmen with an ACT composite of 27 or SAT score of 1210 and who have a cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.70. The award is $15,000 per year and is renewable for three years at the same amount provided that the presidential scholar maintains a 3.00 cumulative grade point average at WLC.
Academic Scholarship
Incoming freshmen who have a composite ACT score of at least 23 or SAT score of 1060 AND a cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.30 are eligible to receive an Academic scholarship. Academic scholarships are $13,000 per year and are renewable for three years at the same amount as long as the student maintains a 2.750 cumulative GPA at WLC.
Collegiate Scholarship
Collegiate Scholarships are awarded to first-time, full-time freshmen who have a composite ACT score of 21 or SAT score of 980 OR a cumulative high school GPA of 2.7. Collegiate Scholarships are $11,000 per year and are renewable for three years at the same amount as long as the student maintains a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA.
Foundation Scholarship
Endowed Scholarships
Numerous scholarships in varying amounts have been established by private donors. Scholarships are awarded on a combination of both need and merit.
Partners in Christian Education Scholarship
The Partners in Christian Education Scholarships is a $2,000 per year scholarship awarded to first-time, full-time freshmen graduating from a Christian high school.
Fine Arts Scholarship
These scholarships are awarded to incoming students who have exceptional talent in the areas of art, music, or theater. Although a student may apply in more than one area, a recipient may receive only one Fine Arts Scholarship. A portfolio for art and an audition for music or theater scholarships is required, along with an application and letters of reference. Scholarships vary in amount from $1,000 to $2,000. Music scholarships also include free private music lessons.
Homeschool Scholarship
First-time, full-time freshmen who were homeschooled for high school. The award is $1,000 per year.
Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship
A $2,250 scholarship for valedictorians of Wisconsin high schools. One-half of the scholarship is funded by the state and the other half by Wisconsin Lutheran College.
Special Scholarships
Donors and foundations provide annual funds for special scholarships for upper-classmen. Recipients are recommended by the academic department and approved by the financial aid committee.
Transfer Scholarship
Incoming students with 18 or more transferable credits with a cumulative college GPA of at least 3.00 receive the Level I scholarship of $9,000. Those students with a cumulative college GPA of at least 3.50 receive the Level II scholarship of $11,000. Transfer scholarships are renewable as long as the student is maintaining satisfactory progress at WLC.
Need-Based Grants
Grants are based on individual criteria as listed below. WLC grants are awarded to full-time students only.
WLC Regents Grant
Grants in varying amounts are reserved for students who demonstrate financial need. The amount may vary from year to year, depending on the federal need analysis and available funds.
WLC Out-of-State Grant
A grant program established to help full-time non-Wisconsin students who have financial need but are ineligible for any state aid. The grants range from $1000 - $3228. and are based upon the same formula as the State of Wisconsin uses.
Pell Grant
A federal grant, the Pell program provides direct grants ranging from $626 to $5,920 The grant amount is based on the expected family contribution established by the FAFSA.
WLC Warrior First Grant
Grants awarded to select students who are first generation college students and have exceptional need.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
A federal program which provides funds for undergraduate students who are Pell recipients with exceptional financial need.
Wisconsin Grant
This program provides grants to students with financial need who are legal residents of the State of Wisconsin, enrolled at least half time, and have good academic standing. Students are eligible for a maximum of ten semesters. Grants range from $1000 - $3228.
Wisconsin Talent Incentive Program (TIP)
A state grant over and above all other forms of financial aid made to Wisconsin students who demonstrate exceptional need and meet certain state determined criteria. Maximum amount of $1,800.
Wisconsin Minority Grant Program
A state grant available to returning upper-classmen who are black, Hispanic, American Indian, Cambodian, Laotian, or Vietnamese; Wisconsin residents; and demonstrate financial need.
Student Employment
Student employment falls into two categories: on-campus and off campus work.
On-campus Employment. Students are employed in a variety of jobs on campus. Interested students contact the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for employment. Students are hired under one of the following programs:
Work Study: There are two types of Work Study. Federal Work Study is a federally funded job in which the government and Wisconsin Lutheran College share the payroll cost of employing a student. Federal Work Study also provides the opportunity to work in community service positions. College Work Study is funded by Wisconsin Lutheran College. Students with lower expected family contributions established by the FAFSA may be eligible for Work Study. It is considered part of a student’s financial aid package. A student cannot earn more than the dollar amount of his or her Work Study award. Students who have been awarded Work Study receive first priority in the job selection process at the beginning of the academic year.
Non-work Study: Students who are ineligible for work study receive their hourly wage through college funding.
Resident Hall Assistants: Upper-classmen interested in becoming involved in the personal growth experience of other students and leadership development may apply for the position of resident hall assistant. Application is made through the residence life office. Compensation is in the form of free room and board and a small monthly stipend.
Off-Campus Employment: Students seeking part-time community employment can check the Library bulletin board for job openings in the area or the online WLC Career Connect website. The college recommends that students limit their employment to no more than 20 hours per week in deference to academic priorities.
Loans
The Federal Direct Loan Program provides low interest loans to students and parents. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education. The program has two main components: Direct Subsidized Unsubsidized Loans for students and Direct PLUS Loans for parents.
Direct Subsidized Loans. Students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by federal regulations. No interest is charged while a student is enrolled at least half-time.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Not based on financial need; interest is charged during all periods, even during the time a student is in school and during grace and deferment periods.
Students may qualify for a combination of the two Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans up to the amounts listed.
| |
All Students |
Dependent Students |
Independent Students |
|
| |
Subsidized |
Total Direct Loan |
Total Direct Loan |
|
| FR |
$3,500 |
$5,500 |
$9,500 |
|
| SO |
$4,500 |
$6,500 |
$10,500 |
|
| JR/SR |
$5,500 |
$7,500 |
$12,500 |
|
Dependent undergraduate students may borrow a maximum total loan enrollment of $31,000 (maximum $23,000 subsidized). Independent undergraduate students are eligible for a maximum total loan amount of $57,500 (maximum $23,000 subsidized).
The interest rate for a 2018-19 subsidized loan is a fixed rate of 4.45%. The interest rate for an unsubsidized loan is a fixed rate of 4.45% for undergraduates and 6.00% for graduate students. A 1.069% origination fee is subtracted from the loan amount.
Direct PLUS Loan. This program makes loans available to parents of dependent students. These federally insured loans enable parents to borrow the total cost of education, minus other financial aid, for each student who is enrolled at least half time. The interest rate for each PLUS loan is a fixed rate at 7.00%. Origination fees of 4.276% are subtracted from the loan. In conjunction with the Direct PLUS Loan, WLC offers its PLUS Partner Program where WLC pays a portion of the interest while the student is enrolled at WLC.
Veterans
Students eligible for educational benefits from the Veterans Affairs(VA) should apply for entitlement through their local county veterans’ service offices or through any regional office of the VA prior to college registration. The VA will issue a Certificate of Eligibility. The student must send a copy of this to the WLC Financial Aid Office.
WLC is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Veterans who receive post 9-11 GI bill benefits and have full tuition and fees covered in addition to a monthly housing allowance will not be eligible for institutional aid.
Students receiving educational benefits from the VA must report immediately any change of program (adds, drops, withdrawal) to the college registrar’s office. The VA will be notified of any condition which would affect entitlement such as low grade point average, change in program, or probationary status.
Other Financial Assistance
Other sources of financial aid include the Department of Health and Social Services, private corporations or foundations, and civic organizations which sponsor scholarship programs.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Financial Aid Recipient
In accordance with federal regulations, Wisconsin Lutheran College requires that a student be making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree to be eligible for financial aid. Satisfactory academic progress is monitored both by a qualitative standard (GPA) and a quantitative standard (pace by which a student is completing his or her degree). Satisfactory academic progress will be reviewed at the end of each term of attendance including summer. All enrolled semesters are counted towards a student’s maximum number of semesters of eligibility even if a student doesn’t receive Title IV aid.
Qualitative
- A student must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 at the end of each term of attendance except the first term of attendance where a 1.75 minimum cumulative GPA is required. Students who do not meet this requirement will be placed on financial aid warning for the next term of attendance.
- A student on financial aid warning is eligible for financial aid, but the student must reestablish a minimum cumulative GPA by the end of the term. A student who does not reestablish the minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA will be placed on financial aid suspension and will not be eligible for financial aid for the next term of attendance.
Quantitative
Federal regulations determine the maximum time frame to complete a degree is within 150% of the length of the degree program. In accordance with this policy, WLC students must successfully complete at least 67% of their cumulative credits attempted.*
- A student not meeting the minimum percentage of credits attempted will be placed on financial aid warning for their next term of attendance.
- A student on financial warning is still eligible for financial aid but the student must complete enough credits to meet the minimum percent by the end of the term. A student who does not complete enough credits to meet the minimum percent during the financial aid warning term will be placed on financial aid suspension and will not be eligible for financial aid for the next term of attendance.
*Further Details
- A student’s enrollment level is determined by what he or she is registered for as of the second Friday of each term.
- Attempted credits include all credit bearing courses - successfully completed credits (grades A -D), grades of F, incompletes (I), withdrawals (W), and repeated courses. Withdrawals (W) are not included in a student’s grade point average and only replaced grades are included for repeated courses.
- Transfer credits accepted from other schools will be counted toward completion of the degree program as both hours attempted and hours completed regardless of whether aid was received for the courses and regardless of their treatment in a student’s current WLC degree requirements.
- Non-credit remedial courses do not earn academic credit and are not eligible for financial aid payment. As such, they are not evaluated in the review of the student’s satisfactory academic progress.
- Students who change majors or are seeking second undergraduate degrees are subject to the maximum timeframe component for undergraduate study
Appeals
Students may appeal the suspension of their financial aid eligibility. Appeals should be submitted in writing to the financial aid office, addressed to the financial aid director. Students will be able to file an appeal due to extenuating circumstances such as health reasons, injuries, death of relative, family emergencies or other documented extenuating circumstances. Appeals must include why the student failed to make satisfactory progress and what has changed in the student’s situation that will allow them to make satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation point. Students are limited to two suspension appeal requests throughout their enrollment at WLC.
Financial Aid Probation
A student whose appeal has been approved will be placed on financial aid probation for the next term of attendance. While on financial aid probation, the student must reestablish a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA and complete at least 67% of cumulative credits attempted. Failure to do so will result in suspension of financial aid for the next term of attendance and any future terms until SAP standards are met.
Academic Plan
A student on financial aid probation may have an Academic Plan developed on an individual basis. Plans are developed and monitored by the Dean of Student Success in conjunction with an Academic Dean and the student’s academic advisor. An Academic Plan could include certain performance requirements, a limited credit load, only certain courses to be taken, required meetings with an academic advisor, use of the Academic Success Center, or use of Counseling Services. Failure to meet the Academic Plan requirement will result in suspension of financial aid for the next term of attendance.
Refund and Repayment Policies
Refund and repayment policies apply to a student who withdraws or is terminated during the semester. It does not apply to a student who withdraws from some classes but continues to be enrolled in other classes. A refund is the difference between the amount paid towards institutional charges (including financial aid and/or cash paid) and the amount the school may retain under the appropriate refund policy. Refunds are based on the student’s withdrawal date. The refund process begins with the completion of a student withdrawal form with the Dean of Student Success and Retention
Institutional Refund Policy
Students who withdraw from Wisconsin Lutheran College will receive a prorated refund of educational fees and housing/meal fees, according to the following schedule:
| During first week of classes |
90 percent |
| During second week |
80 percent |
| During third week |
60 percent |
| During fourth week |
40 percent |
| During fifth week |
20 percent |
| After fifth week |
none |
All institutional and state aid funds are prorated and refunded according to the same schedule.
Refunds and the “Return of Title IV Funds”
If a student withdraws or is expelled from Wisconsin Lutheran College, then the school or the student may be required to return some of the federal funds awarded to the student. If the student received financial assistance from outside of the family, then a portion of the refund will be returned to the grant, scholarship or loan source from which the assistance was received. The student may also be eligible for a refund of a portion of the tuition, fees, room and board paid to Wisconsin Lutheran College for the semester. See Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Refund Policy for details.
A student who will be withdrawing should contact the dean of student success and complete a form entitled Student Withdrawal Form to begin the withdrawal process. This procedure will enable Wisconsin Lutheran College to refund the maximum possible institutional charges. The amount to be refunded to the federal government will be calculated from the date a student officially completes the form and withdraws from classes. In case of an unofficial withdrawal, the amount to be refunded will be based on the last date a student was involved in an academically related activity.
The federal “Return of Title IV Funds” formula determines how much of the federal funding was “earned” up to the time of withdrawal and the amount that was disbursed in excess of the earned amount. This “unearned” amount must be returned to the federal government by the university and/or the student.
The federal formula requires a return of Title IV aid if the student received federal financial assistance in the form of a Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, TIP Grant, Iraq Afghanistan Service Grant, Federal Direct Loan, or Federal PLUS Loan and withdrew on or before completing 60% of the semester. The percentage of Title IV aid that is “unearned” and needs to be returned is equal to the number of calendar days remaining in the semester divided by the number of calendar days in the semester. Scheduled breaks of more than four consecutive days are excluded. A post-withdrawal disbursement will be made if a student has eligibility for the Title IV funds. Any unearned Title IV aid must be returned to the federal government within 45 days of the date of the determination of a student’s withdrawal. The order in which funds will be returned are: Unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loans, Subsidized Federal Direct Student Loans, PLUS, Pell, FSEOG and the Iraq/Afghan Grant.
NOTE: If funds are released to a student because of a credit balance on the student’s account, then the student may be required to repay some of the federal grants if the student withdraws. Worksheets used to determine the amount of refund or Return of Title IV aid are available upon request.
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