Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, to continue as a degree-seeking student in the fall at WKU, you must earn at least a “C” in both courses taken through the Summer Scholars Program.

You’ll take two courses that will count toward WKU’s 120-hour graduation requirement. Course selection will be guided by factors such as intended major, test scores, and course capacity. You’ll review your summer and fall course options with an Academic Advisor during your Topper Orientation Program (TOP).

Yes! If you successfully complete both courses, you’ll earn six hours of college credit in only five weeks.

No, the Advising and Career Development Center will pre-register you for summer and fall courses. You'll meet with an Academic Advisor to review your course schedules and make changes during the Summer Scholars Program TOP on July 7th.

Big Red Backpack is WKU's textbook and course materials delivery program. Since textbooks are included in the cost of the Summer Scholars Program, please do not verify your order or opt out of Big Red Backpack for the summer term. You may disregard any messages about the summer term. This will ensure that you receive your course textbooks and avoid any unnecessary fees.

Since students need to verify their order or opt out of the program each semester, you'll need to decide if you would like to participate in Big Red Backpack for the fall term. Details are available on the Big Red Backpack website.

The Summer Scholars Program team is still finalizing the schedule. You’ll receive a copy when you arrive to your Topper Orientation Program (TOP). In the past, the schedule has included:

• Required classes and study hours Monday – Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
• Required meetings with your Academic Advisor outside of the times above
• Optional social events during evenings and weekends

Due to the requirements of the program, the Summer Scholars Program team encourages you to participate only in the Summer Scholars Program and avoid any other outside activities. Focusing on your summer courses will help set you up for success at WKU!

WKU will award you a one-time scholarship that will help cover the cost of summer tuition, textbooks, housing, and meals. You’ll pay no more than $1,000 for the entire program, and the amount may be less if you qualify for additional federal financial aid. Make sure you complete the 2024-25 FAFSA!

The program cost includes:

• Tuition for six credit hours (two courses)
• Required course textbooks
• On-campus housing in a residence hall (double occupancy)
• Ten meals per week
• Summer membership to the Preston Health and Activities Center
• One-on-one advising and academic support through the Advising and Career Development Center
• Social activities/outings for evening and weekend entertainment

We are confident that you can be successful at WKU, so we’re awarding a one-time summer scholarship to reduce the cost of this summer program to no more than $1,000. Keep in mind that you will be required to complete the 2024-25 FAFSA, which could reduce the out-of-pocket cost to $0.

The program cost does not include the housing application fee, TOP registration fee, or any personal items such as school supplies, clothing, or toiletries.

Yes! You are required to complete both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 FAFSA. Federal financial aid for the summer is determined by the 2024-25 FAFSA, while federal financial aid for the fall/spring is determined by the 2025-26 FAFSA. Please submit both to ensure you receive the maximum amount of grants, loans, and scholarships!

Yes! The live-on experience is an essential part of your education at WKU. You’ll live with a roommate in one of the residence halls for the duration of the program.

Yes! Please submit a housing application for the 2025-26 academic year through the WKU Housing Portal. A $75 application fee is required. You do not need to submit an application for the summer term.

If you are eligible to live off campus, request a housing exemption through the WKU Housing Portal. Remember, you will live on campus during the Summer Scholars Program, no matter your housing status for the upcoming academic year.

Housing assignments are made in date-received order. The WKU Housing Portal will be updated with room and roommate information once summer assignments have been finalized, typically in late May or June.

The Housing and Residence Life team is in the process of identifying the summer residence hall. The WKU Housing Portal will be updated with room and roommate information once assignments have been finalized.

No, you’ll need to pay $75 when you submit your housing application. Application instructions are available on the WKU Housing Portal.

No, you may park in select exterior campus lots at no cost for the summer. To learn more about parking in interior campus lots for an additional cost, please contact Parking and Transportation Services.

Most students will have different room assignments between the summer and fall terms. Roommate requests, Living Learning Community participation, and availability all impact housing assignments. Check the WKU Housing Portal to identify your housing assignment for the fall term.

You’ll move into the residence hall on July 7th. More details will be available soon.

You’ll move out of the residence hall during the last week of the program. Housing and Residence Life will provide more information at a later date.

M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan is a transition program available to all first-year students that includes information sessions, group discussions, and socials. It’s optional, but strongly encouraged! M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan takes place after the Summer Scholars Program, before the first day of the fall term. If you’re interested, register for M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan after you submit your housing application or housing exemption.

Yes, WKU will offer a Topper Orientation Program (TOP) on July 7th exclusively for students in the Summer Scholars Program. Registration instructions are available on the TOP reservations page. When you register, select the fall term option, even though you technically start in the summer.

No, you’ll need to pay $75 when you register for TOP. Registration instructions are available on the TOP reservations page. When you register, select the fall term option, even though you technically start in the summer.

No, because the TOP on July 7th includes important information specific to the Summer Scholars Program, you may not attend a different orientation.

Plan to arrive in the morning and stay for the entire day on July 7th. More information will be available soon. 

You can pay your summer term bill using cash, check, or money order in person at the WKU Office of Student Billing and Account Services located in Potter Hall 208. You can also pay online using a credit/debit card or electronic payment from a checking or savings account. Refer to the payment options website for more information.

All billing is electronic. You’ll receive an account statement through your TopperMail email account, unless you specify a separate billing email address.

If you have a balance from the Summer Scholars Program, you’ll receive an electronic bill between May and July. Please submit your payment to the Office of Student Billing and Account Services by the deadline listed. By default, electronic bills are sent to your TopperMail email account, unless you specify a separate billing email address.