Tuition, Financial Aid & Scholarships: Transfer & Adult Students

Federal ID Code

BW's Federal ID Code: 003014

Merit Scholarships for Transfer Students

Our transfer scholarships for fall 2026 enrollment are designed to ease your decision to transfer by recognizing your academic progress and helping make a Baldwin Wallace degree more affordable.

These scholarships are based upon a transfer student's cumulative college GPA (taking into account all colleges attended) at the time the student's application is received.

Standard Transfer Merit Scholarships

Cumulative College GPA	Scholarship	Amount Per Year
3.50+	Transfer President's Scholarship	$19,000
3.20-3.49	Transfer Trustees' Scholarship	$16,000
3.00-3.19	Transfer Deans' Scholarship	$14,000
2.75-2.99	Transfer Fellows' Scholarship	$13,000
under 2.75	Transfer Yellow Jacket Success Grant	$12,000

Fresh Start Transfer Merit Scholarships

Students transferring to BW with one year (or less) of college coursework are eligible for Fresh Start Transfer Merit Scholarships — the highest level of scholarships offered by Baldwin Wallace. These are the same scholarship levels offered to first-year students enrolling at BW directly from high school. Open yellow accordion tab for scholarship levels.

Fresh Start Scholarships (One Year or Less of College)

Fresh Start Scholarships are awarded based on the transfer student's high school GPA. A minimum 3.0 cumulative college GPA is required for eligibility. Transfer students who possess less than a 3.0 cumulative college GPA qualify for standard transfer scholarships. See above for details on the Standard Transfer Merit Scholarships.

Cumulative Weighted HIGH SCHOOL GPA	Scholarship	Amount Per Year
3.90+	President's Scholarship	$22,000
3.75-3.89	Trustees' Scholarship	$20,000
3.35-3.74	Deans' Scholarship	$19,000
3.00-3.34	Fellows' Scholarship	$16,000
under 3.00	Yellow Jacket Success Grant	$14,000

Financial Awards for Transfer Students

Special Awards for Transfer Students

Award Name	Amount Per Year	Renewability	Enrollment Status Required
President's Horizon Award In celebration of Baldwin Wallace University's 180th anniversary and the arrival of its 10th president, Lee Fisher, BW proudly introduces the President's Horizon Award — a new scholarship designed to boost affordability and access for incoming students. This renewable $1,845 annual scholarship honors BW's founding year of 1845 and reflects our commitment to making a transformative education accessible to students from all backgrounds. This renewable scholarship is available to incoming first-year and transfer students who first enroll at BW in August 2026. This award will support students in the most in-demand academic programs. Students will be notified of eligibility at the time of admission.	$1,845	Renewable for up to three years	Full-time enrollment
Associate Award Awarded to transfer students who have earned an approved associate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. This award is added on top of a student's merit scholarship.	$2,500	Renewable for up to three years	Full-time enrollment
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Phi Theta Kappa is a national honor society for students attending two-year colleges. Recipients of this scholarship are PTK members who transfer to BW with a minimum of a 3.25 GPA. Students must show verification of their membership at the point of admission.	$1,000	Renewable for up to two years	Part-time or full-time enrollment
Transfer Impact Award Awarded to four full-time transfer students each fall and one each spring. Students must complete an Impact Award application and one-page statement addressing how a BW education will help them make an impact. Applicants for fall enrollment must submit their statement and complete their application by June 15. Applicants for spring enrollment must submit their statement and complete their application by November 15. Apply for the Transfer Impact Award >	$2,500	Renewable for up to four years	Full-time enrollment
Alumni Award Awarded to children and grandchildren of BW alumni. There is also a part-time award for BW alumni, their spouses and their adult children if they are enrolled part-time at BW in undergraduate coursework.	$2,000	Renewable for up to four years	Full-time enrollment
Sibling Award Awarded to siblings who are both enrolled as full-time undergraduate students at BW.	$2,000	Renewable for up to four years	Full-time enrollment
Come Live the Experience (CLE) Grant Awarded to full-time liberal arts majors who reside outside of Ohio.	$5,000	Renewable for up to four years	Full-time enrollment
Boesel Award - Business Majors Awarded to a limited number of outstanding transfer students who plan to complete a major in the school of business at BW. The number and amount of awards vary. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0+ at BW.	Amount Varies	Renewable for up to three years	Full-time enrollment
Choose Ohio First Transfer Scholarship - STEM Majors The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) has granted BW funds to award Choose Ohio First Transfer Scholarships to incoming transfer students who are Ohio residents coming to BW from two-year institutions with a minimum college GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to students who have an associate degree. To qualify, students must be majoring in biology, business information systems, chemistry, computer science, cybersecurity analyst, digital media and design: interactive design, engineering, environmental science, mathematics - applied, mathematics - pure, neuroscience, nursing, physics, public health - including the primary healthcare advancement program (PHAP) and software engineering. Applications and recommendations are reviewed after the deadline. The priority consideration deadline is May 15. Final deadline is July 15. Transfer Student Choose Ohio First STEMM Scholarship Application	$6,500	Renewable for up to three years	Full-time enrollment
Griffiths Scholarship - Conservatory of Performing Arts Majors Awarded to Conservatory students who demonstrate outstanding musicianship and talent in the audition process. Scholarship announcements are made after March 15. Renewable as long as students maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0+ and continued enrollment in the Conservatory.	$2,000-$8,000	Renewable for up to four years	Full-time enrollment
Second Chance Grant Awarded to students who withdrew from an Ohio public university or community college within 1-5 years and who meet additional requirements. Learn more about the Second Chance Grant Program.	Up to $2,000	Not renewable	Part-time or full-time enrollment

One-Time Scholarships for Current BW Students

Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) Scholarships

BW's Institute for Learning in Retirement offers $3,000 scholarships annually to currently enrolled non-traditional students with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and 12 graded hours at BW. Some consideration is given for need. If eligible, students are invited to apply for this scholarship during the spring semester. For more information, contact the One Stop at (440) 826-2121 or onestop@bw.edu.

Dr. Jacob Kamm Scholarship

This scholarship is for business administration or economics majors. This annual scholarship is presented to the currently enrolled junior (73-94 semester hours completed through fall semester) at BW with the highest GPA in his or her business or economics coursework. For additional information, contact the school of business at (440) 826-2392.

Outside Awards for Transfer Students

College Now

College Now provides scholarship opportunities to adult students age 19 and above who have taken off one year or more after high school. Eligible adult learners must be pursuing a first bachelor's degree, an associate degree or a non-degree certificate or license in a vocational or technical program. Applicants must complete the application and meet the scholarship criteria for academic performance and financial need. Scholarships are renewable.

Ohio Transfer Council Scholarship

The Ohio Transfer Council awards three $1,000 Ohio Transfer Council Scholarships to part-time and full-time students transferring to or from approved Ohio colleges and universities.

Mary Cone Barrie Scholarship

Dr. Mary Cone Barrie was the director of continuing studies at the University of Toronto. She was committed to the community, learning and the implications of technology on adult learners. Destiny Solutions is honored to present a $2,500 scholarship to two dedicated lifelong learners in recognition of Mary's great contributions to the field of adult education. The Mary Cone Barrie Scholarship is available to any currently enrolled non-traditional student residing in Canada or the United States who has changed their life, or the lives of others, by embracing lifelong learning.

Additional Outside Scholarships

Transfer students may be eligible for a number of additional outside scholarships.

Learn More About BW Scholarships

Eligibility for Scholarships: A completed BW admission application is the only document needed to determine scholarship and award qualifications. Only full-time students are eligible for these awards. Scholarships are renewable based on good academic and social standing.

Students may also be eligible for need-based aid. However, the combination of federal, state and BW gift assistance will not exceed full tuition.

A transfer student's cumulative college GPA for all transfer merit scholarships takes into account all colleges attended at the time the student's application is received.

Students who do not meet the criteria for an academic merit scholarship may still qualify for an award based on a holistic review of their application materials.

Students eligible to receive scholarships and special awards include U.S. citizens, dual U.S. citizens, green card holders, eligible non-citizens who qualify to file a FAFSA, and residents of most U.S. territories. Foreign nationals and DACA students should review scholarships for international students.
Disbursement of Scholarships: Scholarships and awards are credited in two equal amounts to billing statements beginning fall semester. If a student is only enrolled for one semester during an academic year, then only half of the scholarship or award will be credited.

Affordable Excellence

Baldwin Wallace University continues to earn high marks for affordable excellence. We are committed to working with students and families to provide various types of financial assistance - transfer scholarships, outside scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment opportunities.

Please explore our financial aid FAQs. We welcome your questions and concerns as you explore the many financial options available to make a BW education a reality.

Merit scholarships up to $16,000 100% of full-time transfer students receive financial aid

Tuition and Fees

Full-Time Students (2026-27 Academic Year)

2026-27 Academic Year

Students are considered full-time at BW when they take 12-18 credit hours per semester.

	Each Semester	Full Year
Tuition ¹	$21,000	$42,000
On-campus housing and meals ²	$7,522	$15,044
Student Activity Fee ³	$520	$1,040
Onboarding Fee (1st semester only) ⁴	$200	$200
Total (Residential)	$29,242	$58,284

Explanation of Fees

¹ Students enrolled for more than 18 credits are charged the flat rate tuition plus $1,347 per credit for each credit that exceeds 18 in that semester.

² Listed cost is the combined total for a standard double room and the prime meal plan.

³ An annual $1,040 Student Activity Fee ($520 per semester) is applied to all full-time student accounts who first enrolled at BW in fall 2024 or any term thereafter. This fee is applied to the student balance, $520 each semester, and is eligible for financial aid support. This fee is not refundable. The fee is used to enhance the quality of activities that directly benefit students, including programs, services, student facility improvements, and events. These activities enrich the student experience, build community, and help students stay on track toward graduation.

Note: Current and returning students should refer to the main tuition webpage for fees that apply to them.

⁴ A one-time $200 Onboarding Fee for first-year and transfer students provides access to online, virtual and in-person orientation and onboarding programs that ensure a successful start at BW. This fee is applied to the student balance and is not eligible for financial aid support. This fee is not refundable.

Program Fees

The following fees are not listed above and apply to full-time students described below:

Conservatory (Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Music Education) full-time program fee: Conservatory of Performing Arts students in either a Bachelor of Music program or Bachelor of Music Education program will be charged a $1,664 per-semester program fee. The fee covers private lessons and program‑specific instructional resources essential to music study, including recital venues, practice rooms and pianos, and subsidized accompanist rates.
Elective Private Lesson fee: Students who are not enrolled in either a Bachelor of Music program or Bachelor of Music Education program and elect to take a private lesson will be charged an $857 private lesson fee per semester.
Bachelor of Science in Engineering program fee: First-year and transfer students who enter the engineering program will be charged an annual program fee to cover the cost of student materials and supplies. Engineering students will also be charged a one-time toolkit fee. Students who originally enroll at BW in fall 2026 will be charged the annual engineering program fee of $134 and the one-time toolkit fee of $161.
- Note: Current and returning engineering students should refer to the main tuition webpage for fees that apply to them.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program fee: An additional fee is administered for each of the student's final five semesters in the BSN program. Items covered by the fee include: books (in the final five semesters), stethoscope, lab supplies, lab coat, uniforms, graduation items, and exit exams. Students who originally enroll at BW in fall 2026 will be charged $952 per semester.
- Note: Current and returning BSN students should refer to the main tuition webpage for fees that apply to them.

Cost of Attendance

View cost of attendance details for the 2026-27 academic year.

Part-Time Students (2026-27 Academic Year)

2026-27 Academic Year

Students are considered part-time at BW when they take 1-11 credit hours per semester.

	Per Credit Hour
Day Students	$1,400
Evening Students	$902
Weekend Classes	$902
Field Experience	$902
Independent Study	$902
Summer Classes (2026)	$567
Student Activity Fee (per semester) ¹	$260
Onboarding Fee (one-time fee) ²	$200

Explanation of Fees

¹ An annual $520 Student Activity Fee ($260 per semester) is applied to all part-time student accounts who first enrolled at BW in fall 2024 or any term thereafter. This fee is applied to the student balance, $260 each semester, and is eligible for financial aid support. This fee is not refundable. The fee is used to enhance the quality of activities that directly benefit students, including programs, services, student facility improvements, and events. These activities enrich the student experience, build community, and help students stay on track toward graduation.

Note: Current and returning students should refer to the main tuition webpage for fees that apply to them.

² A one-time $200 Onboarding Fee for first-year and transfer students provides access to online, virtual and in-person orientation and onboarding programs that ensure a successful start at BW. This fee is applied to the student balance and is not eligible for financial aid support. This fee is not refundable.

Program Fees

The following fees are not listed above and apply to part-time students described below:

Conservatory (Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Music Education) part-time program fee: Conservatory of Performing Arts students in either a Bachelor of Music program or Bachelor of Music Education program will be charged an $832 per-semester program fee. The fee covers private lessons and program‑specific instructional resources essential to music study, including recital venues, practice rooms and pianos, and subsidized accompanist rates.
Elective Private Lesson fee: Students who are not enrolled in either a Bachelor of Music program or Bachelor of Music Education program and elect to take a private lesson will be charged an $857 private lesson fee per semester.
Bachelor of Science in Engineering program fee: First-year and transfer students who enter the engineering program will be charged an annual program fee to cover the cost of student materials and supplies. Engineering students will also be charged a one-time toolkit fee. Students who originally enroll at BW in fall 2026 will be charged the annual engineering program fee of $134 and the one-time toolkit fee of $161.
- Note: Current and returning engineering students should refer to the main tuition webpage for fees that apply to them.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program fee: An additional fee is administered for each of the student's final five semesters in the BSN program. Items covered by the fee include: books (in the final five semesters), stethoscope, lab supplies, lab coat, uniforms, graduation items, and exit exams. Students who originally enroll at BW in fall 2026 will be charged $952 per semester.
- Note: Current and returning BSN students should refer to the main tuition webpage for fees that apply to them.

Cost of Attendance

View cost of attendance details for the 2026-27 academic year.

Tuition Reimbursement Through Student's Employer

Tuition Reimbursement Payment Program (TRPP) for Working Adults: BW has a special payment plan for working adults who receive tuition benefits from their employer. BW's tuition reimbursement payment program (TRPP) gives you 30 days after the semester to present grades to your employer and pay the University, easing your out-of-pocket costs as you register for classes. Even if your employer's tuition benefit program covers only a small amount per a year, you can still participate in TRPP.