Case Western Reserve University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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Last Updated on February 3, 2026- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships and how they’re awarded
- Competitive and department-based “hidden gem” scholarships
- How to stack merit, need-based aid, and special programs
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~38%
- Middle 50% ACT: 32–35
- Middle 50% SAT: 1450–1530
- Average GPA (HS): 3.78
Source: Case Western Reserve University Common Data Set (2024–2025). Middle 50% = the range where half of enrolled students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Case Western Reserve University at a Glance
https://case.edu/ir/sites/default/files/2025-01/CWRU%202024%20-%2025%20CDS.pdf
https://case.edu/admission/apply
https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/201645/case-western-reserve-university/tuition/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Case Western Reserve University (2025–2026)
These are the direct, billed costs for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus. Because Case Western Reserve is a private university, the university publishes a single undergraduate tuition rate (no in-state vs. out-of-state pricing).
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $70,066 | $70,066 |
| Housing & Meals | $19,514 | $19,514 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $89,580 | $89,580 |
Why only these items? We include the costs you typically pay directly to Case Western Reserve — tuition, required fees, housing, and meals. The full university Cost of Attendance also includes indirect expenses such as:
- Books & supplies
- Personal / miscellaneous expenses
- Transportation (varies by where you live and travel habits)
📉 Average Net Price (What Families Actually Pay)
The average net price is approximately $41,376 per year after grants and scholarships (federal data). Net price varies a lot based on family income and whether a student receives merit aid.
Case Western Reserve University requires the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA for students seeking need-based institutional grants. This form is used by private colleges to assess eligibility for their own university-funded aid.
The CSS Profile asks more detailed questions than the FAFSA — including home equity, noncustodial parent income (when applicable), and family assets — and can significantly affect a student’s final financial aid offer.
👉 What Is the CSS Profile? A Plain-English Guide for Parents →
Tip: Missing the CSS Profile deadline can mean losing out on institutional grants — even if the FAFSA is filed on time.
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at Case Western Reserve
Why are the in-state and out-of-state costs the same?
Because Case Western Reserve is a private university, it charges the same undergraduate tuition and standard fees regardless of residency.
Your “real” price depends on scholarships, grants, and need-based aid — not state residency.
Does Case Western Reserve participate in WUE, ACM, or MSEP?
No regional tuition exchange programs are described in the university’s published Cost of Attendance information.
Families should assume there is no automatic out-of-state discount tied to reciprocity programs.
What costs are billed by the university vs. “estimated” costs?
Tuition, required fees, housing, and meals are typically billed by the university.
Items like books, personal expenses, and transportation are included in the full COA for financial aid purposes but are not always billed directly.
The direct billed total is about $89,580 — does that mean families pay that amount?
Not usually. Many students receive some combination of merit scholarships and need-based grants.
The federal average net price (about $41,376) is a better “starting point” for what students receiving aid paid on average.
What should out-of-state families focus on if there are no waivers?
Two things: (1) applying by the earlier admission deadlines that align with scholarship consideration, and (2) comparing financial aid offers using net price —
not sticker price. For private colleges, scholarships and institutional grants are usually the biggest lever.
https://case.edu/financialaid/undergraduates/cost-undergraduate-attendance
https://case.edu/ir/sites/default/files/2025-01/CWRU%202024%20-%2025%20CDS.pdf
https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/201645/case-western-reserve-university/tuition/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at Case Western Reserve University (2025–2026)
Case Western Reserve University does not publish a GPA or test-score grid for merit aid. Instead, the university states that all first-year applicants are automatically evaluated for scholarships as part of the admissions review, based on academic strength and the overall application.
CWRU is test-optional. Its Common Data Set explains how scores are reported but does not clearly define an ACT or SAT superscore policy. Families should not assume formal superscoring unless confirmed directly by admissions.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Typically Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic CWRU Merit Scholarships | Typically partial tuition awards; amounts vary by student and year* | All first-year applicants are reviewed automatically based on academics, rigor, and overall application strength | No | Yes — up to 8 semesters with full-time enrollment | Admitted students with very strong academic profiles — often around 3.7+ GPA* and (if submitted) 1450+ SAT or 32+ ACT*, plus evidence of impact beyond the classroom | EA / ED: Nov 1 • Regular: Jan 15 |
*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on past recipients and published student profiles; actual thresholds can change by year.
FAQ — Automatic Merit at Case Western Reserve
Do we need a separate scholarship application?
No. CWRU states that all applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships during the admissions review.
Some competitive scholarship programs may require additional steps, but general merit does not.
Does applying early help with merit?
While CWRU does not publish different merit deadlines, applying by November 1 (Early Action or Early Decision)
can help families receive earlier financial aid information.
Are merit scholarships renewable?
Yes. According to CWRU’s scholarship retention policy, institutional merit scholarships are typically renewable for
up to eight semesters if students remain full-time and meet renewal requirements.
Can outside scholarships reduce CWRU aid?
Possibly. Like most private universities, CWRU coordinates all funding so total aid does not exceed the Cost of Attendance.
Outside scholarships may reduce institutional grants if that limit is reached.
https://case.edu/admission/tuition-aid/scholarships
https://case.edu/financialaid/sites/default/files/2022-04/StudentGuide_undergrad_FA_2022.pdf
https://case.edu/ir/sites/default/files/2025-01/CWRU%202024%20-%2025%20CDS.pdf
🏆 Competitive Scholarships at Case Western Reserve University (2025–2026)
In addition to automatic merit, Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) offers a small number of highly competitive scholarships and scholar programs. These awards typically involve limited spots, may require additional materials or interviews, and are awarded to students who stand out well beyond academic metrics alone.
| Scholarship / Program | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIRST Scholarship Program | Significant institutional award (exact amount not publicly disclosed) | Selected first-year applicants demonstrating exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to community engagement | Yes — invitation and/or additional materials required | Yes — subject to program requirements | Students at the very top of the applicant pool with standout leadership, initiative, and long-term impact beyond grades and test scores | Varies; typically aligned with early admission review |
| Departmental Full-Tuition & Scholar Programs | Full tuition or substantial funding (department-specific) | Applicants to select majors (e.g., theater, nursing, engineering) demonstrating exceptional talent or preparation in the field | Yes — department process (audition, portfolio, interview, or nomination) | Typically yes, with program conditions | Students with verified talent or preparation far above the typical applicant for that major (e.g., auditions, advanced coursework, prior experience) | Department deadlines vary (often earlier than RD) |
| National Merit Scholarship (CWRU-Sponsored) | Typically $1,000–$2,000 per year | National Merit Finalists who designate CWRU as their first-choice institution and do not receive a corporate or other sponsored award | Yes — via National Merit process | Yes — up to 4 years (National Merit rules apply) | High-scoring National Merit Finalists who commit to CWRU early | National Merit deadlines (senior year) |
Disclaimer: Competitive scholarship availability, award amounts, and selection criteria may change annually. Some awards may replace or reduce other institutional aid rather than stack on top of it.
FAQ — Competitive Scholarships at Case Western Reserve
How are competitive scholarships different from automatic merit?
Automatic merit is based on the admissions review and applies broadly to many admitted students.
Competitive scholarships are limited in number and focus on exceptional leadership, talent,
or preparation in a specific area.
Do competitive scholarships require extra steps?
Yes. Many involve additional applications, interviews, auditions, or departmental reviews.
Some students are invited to apply after admission.
Are these scholarships worth pursuing?
Yes — but families should be realistic. These awards go to a small percentage of applicants.
If your student is competitive, apply early and follow department-specific instructions carefully.
Can competitive scholarships stack with automatic merit?
Sometimes. Stacking depends on the specific award and whether total aid would exceed the Cost of Attendance.
Always confirm stacking rules with CWRU’s financial aid office.
https://case.edu/admission/tuition-aid/scholarships
https://case.edu/financialaid/undergraduates/types-financial-assistance-undergraduates
https://www.collegedata.com/scholarship-finder/307761
🎖 Honors & Scholars Programs at Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University does not operate a single, centralized Honors College. Instead, it offers a collection of selective scholars programs that combine academic enrichment, cohort-based experiences, mentoring, and (in some cases) additional funding or research support.
| Program | Who It’s For | Key Perks | Separate App? | Funding Attached? | How Students Are Selected | When to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Scholars Programs (various themes) | High-achieving students interested in leadership, research, service, global engagement, or interdisciplinary study | Cohort experience, faculty mentoring, special seminars, enrichment activities | Often yes (program-specific) | Sometimes (varies by program) | Invitation or competitive review based on academics, interests, and fit with program theme | During or shortly after admission review |
| Major- or College-Based Scholars Programs | Students admitted to specific schools (e.g., engineering, nursing, arts & sciences) | Enhanced advising, early research exposure, peer cohort | Varies (some automatic, some selective) | Occasionally | Departmental review based on preparation and interest in the field | Department timelines vary |
| Departmental Honors (Upper Division) | Current CWRU students with strong academic standing in their major | Honors thesis or capstone, faculty supervision, transcript notation | Yes (after enrollment) | No (academic distinction rather than scholarship) | GPA thresholds and faculty approval within the department | Typically junior year |
FAQ — Honors & Scholars Programs at Case Western
Is there an Honors College at Case Western Reserve?
No. CWRU does not have a single Honors College. Instead, it offers multiple scholars programs with different themes,
along with departmental honors opportunities later in a student’s academic career.
Do honors programs come with scholarships?
Sometimes, but not always. Some scholars programs include additional funding or research support,
while others focus on enrichment, mentoring, and access to opportunities rather than direct scholarships.
Can students apply to scholars programs after enrollment?
Yes. While some programs select students during the admissions process, others allow applications after the first year,
especially departmental honors and research-based programs.
Are honors programs worth it if there’s no extra money?
Often yes. Priority advising, early research access, faculty connections, and résumé value can be just as important
as direct scholarships—especially at a research-focused university like CWRU.
Does being in a scholars program affect merit aid?
Not automatically. Merit scholarships are awarded separately through admissions and financial aid.
Scholars programs may add enrichment or supplemental funding but usually don’t change base merit awards.
https://case.edu/admission/tuition-aid/scholarships
https://bulletin.case.edu/undergraduate-academics/honors-awards/
https://case.edu/academics
⭐ College Specialty
Case Western Reserve University is one of those schools families discover when they start looking beyond name-brand “big state” campuses and realize, “Oh… this is where serious science and healthcare talent gets trained.” In Cleveland, CWRU sits in the middle of a major medical and research ecosystem, and it’s especially well known for engineering, pre-med pathways, nursing, and computer science. If your student wants a campus where undergrads can plug into labs, hospitals, and real-world problem solving early, this is a school worth putting on the short list.
- Engineering: Strong hands-on and research-driven programs (especially for students who want labs, design work, and technical internships early).
- Pre-Med / Health Sciences: A popular pathway for students aiming for medical school, with strong access to healthcare-related experiences in Cleveland’s medical district.
- Nursing: CWRU’s nursing programs are widely respected and tend to attract high-achieving students who want a rigorous, clinical-focused education.
- Computer Science: A strong fit for students who want technical depth and the ability to pair CS with engineering, research, or healthcare applications.
- Business: A practical option for students who want to combine business fundamentals with STEM or healthcare-oriented career paths.
🔗 Official Case Western Reserve University Links
Use Case Western Reserve University’s official resources below to verify admissions requirements, scholarship policies, costs, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines, eligibility rules, and award details.
-
Undergraduate Admissions:
https://case.edu/admission -
How to Apply (First-Year Students):
https://case.edu/admission/apply -
Application Deadlines (Early Action, Early Decision & Regular):
https://case.edu/admission/apply/dates-deadlines -
Scholarships & Institutional Aid:
https://case.edu/admission/tuition-aid/scholarships -
Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance:
https://case.edu/financialaid/undergraduates/cost-undergraduate-attendance -
Net Price Calculator:
https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/case -
Common Data Set & Admitted Student Profile:
https://case.edu/ir/common-data-set-0