Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ

Catamount Commitment for first-year students is available if you enroll at Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵto earn an undergraduate degree and:

1. You are still completing or have completed high school or its equivalent
2. You have not attempted college coursework since completion of high (with the exception of the summer immediately following spring graduation from high school)

NOTE: The amount of college credit hours earned while in high school does not change your student type from first year to transfer. Credit hours have no bearing on student type but on student classification (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior). The timing of high school completion determines student type, not the amount of college coursework completed.

For timely first-year applicants from NC in WCU's fall Class

  

Eligibility: Who is considered for Catamount Commitment?

• North Carolina students.
• Undergraduate students pursuing their first undergraduate degree.
• First-year students (no college coursework completed after high school graduation).
  • Early College students are eligible for consideration provided they apply as first-year students and meet all other eligibility requirements.
• Students in a Cullowhee-based major (no online/distance learning programs).
• Students enrolling fulltime (12 credit hours per semester).
• Students beginning Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵcoursework Fall 2024 (may begin early in one of WCU’s Summer Bridge Programs).

Action Steps: What do I need to do?

• Apply for admission by Jan. 2^nd priority action deadline.
• Submit the FAFSA (or request an exemption) by March 15^th.
• Complete Catamount Commitment Terms and Conditions by May 1^st to accept your program offer.
• Submit official copies of your final high school and college (if applicable) transcripts by July 15^th.

Renewability:  How do I keep the funding?

• Maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA at WCU.
• Earn at least 12 credit hours each fall and spring semester (15 to 17 credit hours per semester is considered to be a normal load).
• Remain in good academic standing.
• Submit the Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵscholarship application by February 1^st each year (scholarships.wcu.edu).
• Submit the FAFSA (or request an exemption) by March 15^th each year.
• Complete Catamount Commitment Terms and Conditions by May 1^st each year.

Program Features:  What does the program offer?

• Early notification of expected amount of financial assistance from Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ(within 2 weeks of admission offer).
• Funding amount is based on your weighted high school GPA.
• Renewable funding for eight consecutive semesters (Fall/spring semesters only. Funding is not available in the summer.).
• If you complete your undergraduate degree in fewer than eight semesters, you can use remaining semesters of eligibility for graduate school at WCU.

Program Terms and Conditions

• Students must be offered admission to Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵand must meet the UNC System (MCR) and (MER).
• Final award level amount will be based on the weighted GPA on the student’s final high school transcript.
• To assist other deserving students with access and affordability, award amounts are subject to change based upon financial aid, other Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵscholarships, and outside scholarships when a student’s full aid package exceeds WCU’s Cost of Attendance (COA).
• Students must complete all required steps by stated deadlines in order for the program offer to be valid.
• Recipients must read and sign a Catamount Commitment Agreement to signify they have read, understand, and agree to the terms and conditions of the program.