WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
Department of War Cyber Service Academy (DoW CSA) Scholarship Program
Current Students See If You Qualify for the Cyber Scholarship
As a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) institution, 91勛圖厙 is pleased to notify full-time students of this external opportunity who are pursuing eligible degrees with qualified cybersecurity coursework. Student applicants are pursuing their third or fourth year of an undergraduate program. Sponsored by the US Department of War (DoW), this competitive, high-value scholarship has provided incredible benefits including:
- Fully-paid tuition
- An additional stipend
- Security Clearance
- A full-time job when you graduate
The 202026-27 student recruitment seasons deadline for submission is February 17, 2026. The application is now open!
See the official scholarship page for the primary source of information about how to apply and the award at .
NOTE: This opportunity is contingent on the release of the official Cyber Service Academy solicitation, expected in January 2026. This scholarship was formerly known as the DoD CySP Scholarship and DoD CSA Scholarship.泭
Please review these documents for more information:
The FAQ reflects last years information. The application system has also changed and we have reduced visibility about the process. You may consider reviewing the information from the prior year to assist with your application.泭
Eligible Degree Programs
Technology
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance B.S.
Protect your career and earning potential with this degree....
Protect your career and earning potential with this degree.
- Time:泭60% of graduates finish within 29 months.
- Tuition:泭$4,410 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 34 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no extra cost include:
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
- ITIL簧 Foundation Certification
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Certification (CySA+)
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional
- CompTIA Network Security Professional
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Security Analytics Professional
Skills for your r矇sum矇 that you will learn in this program:
- Secure Systems Analysis & Design
- Data Management
- Web and Cloud Security
- Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques
- Digital Forensics and Incident Response
Technology
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance M.S.
Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe....
Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe.
- Time:泭63% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- 啦喝勳喧勳棗紳:泭$4,700 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 9 total courses in this program.
Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Optional Voucher
- ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Optional Voucher
- (ISC)簡 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
Skills for your r矇sum矇 that you will learn in this program:
- Cybersecurity Strategy
- Information Assurance
- Incident Response
- Penetration Testing
The curriculum is closely aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework. The program was designed in collaboration with national intelligence organizations and IT industry leaders, ensuring you'll learn emerging technologies and best practices in security governance.
Technology
Cloud and Network Engineering B.S.
Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks....
Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks.
Students choose between four unique specializations within this program. These spcializations prepare students to work with different software systems and processes in their careers.
Specializations in this program include: General, Cisco, AWS, and Azure.
- Time:泭61% of graduates finish similar programs within 36 months.
- 啦喝勳喧勳棗紳:泭$3,915 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 34 or 37 courses in this program depending on focus area
This program also includes third-party certifications that will help you boost your r矇sum矇 and be prepared for career success. Certifications available in all specializations include:
- CompTIA A+
- Linux Essentials - LPI
- ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Overview
- Basic Information
- Award
- Application Process
- 91勛圖厙 Specific Application Instructions
Please read the documents provided to answer questions about the scholarship:
- 91勛圖厙 DoD CySP Application Walk Through
- 91勛圖厙 Statement on Competency-based Education for the DoD CySP Scholarship
Should I contact 91勛圖厙 to determine if I qualify for this scholarship?
91勛圖厙 resources do not have any additional information not contained in this FAQ or documents linked to this FAQ. Please review this documentation to determine your eligibility. Contacting 91勛圖厙 scholarships, enrollment counselors, program mentors or other 91勛圖厙 resources will not be helpful in determining your eligibility for this scholarship.泭
* *This opportunity is contingent on the release of the official Cyber Service Academy solicitation, expected in December. The FAQ reflects last years information and will be updated once the solicitation is received.泭See the泭official scholarship page and primary source of information at泭.
This is a third-party scholarship program first offered in 2023 to 91勛圖厙s students, formerly known as the Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Scholarship Program (CySP). Students can only apply if they are part of an institution that received the (NCAE-C) designation from the National Centers of Academic Excellence. 91勛圖厙 received this designation in 2022.泭
The Scholarship program awards the full cost of tuition and all fees for two terms beginning in the fall of award year. It also awards a $27,000 (undergraduate) or $32,000 (graduate) stipend for room and board.
The basic requirements include:
- Must have 60 CUs by August 31 prior to the Fall Academic Year (starting September 1) and plan on at least 2 more terms (24 CUs) remaining at 91勛圖厙
- Must be in good Academic standing and meeting SAP guidelines
- Must be a US Citizen
- Agree to work for the DoD as a civilian for one year for each scholarship received
- Must not currently be a DoD or Federal employee (civilian or military)
- Be willing to attend a summer internship and relocate for the agency position
Please carefully read through the scholarship documentation provided in泭the Overview section.
91勛圖厙 students must be enrolled in the BSCSIA, BSCC, or BSNES. Students need to have at least 60 undergraduate CUs (Junior status) by August 31 for applying the scholarship toward their next two undergraduate terms.泭
The scholarship has strong requirements and obligations (see specifics):
- Must be US citizens and must qualify for a security clearance
- Must not currently be a DoD or Federal employee (civilian or military)
- Must be willing to be mobile and move to the location of their internship/final service obligation
- If a male 18 or older, must register with selective service
This is a yearly scholarship opportunity with an annual deadline in early February of each year. Although you may not qualify this year, you may apply next year.
Yes, this is a yearly opportunity. 91勛圖厙 plans to share more information in the December timeframe for a February application cycle.泭
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Due to 91勛圖厙s Academic calendar and a students ability to accelerate, current students will find it difficult to have an established relationship with a faculty member, meet SAP requirements, and still have 1 full academic year (16 CUs) remaining once the scholarship is awarded. For these reasons, we discourage MS students from applying, though they may still meet eligibility.
You can leave us a message via the . We are a small team and will endeavor to respond in a timely manner.
Scholarship monies come from the DoD through the sponsoring school (91勛圖厙) and then sent to students as grant money.
No. This scholarship is not retroactive and does not cover tuition for current students. The money is forward applicable for the terms starting in the Fall and Winter of a typical academic year.
Yes. Additional years of scholarship awards may be available. Past awardees submit a separate application for renewal once a year.
Students apply using the online application tool linked in the Overview section.泭
The online application tool is a platform that is used by multiple federal agencies and will be used in the process for matching students with potential positions. The scholarship application is divided into two parts. Part One determines your eligibility for the program. Part Two collects additional information relative to the basic requirements of the scholarship. Applicants who are determined not eligible will not advance to Part Two.
See the application walk-through in the Overview section.泭
Students are responsible for submitting a complete application through the application tool by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on 01 February 2025. Students will not have access to the application on 02 February 2025.
Applicants submit by Feb 1. The institution submits the information by Feb. 28th. Award information arrive late April or early May. Any awards will be available beginning September 1.
The scholarship is managed within the Cyber Department at 91勛圖厙s School of Technology and the scholarships team under Associate Dean, Mike Morris. This team manages the basic communications of the web links, due dates, and other items like this FAQ page. They also verify and validate eligibility and Academic sufficiency for recommending students to the DoD.泭
Students will apply using the online application tool and the 91勛圖厙 team will use the same tool to review applications for submission to the DoD.泭
The 91勛圖厙 team is responsible for reviewing the student applications and packaging the paperwork to deliver to the DoD. The team is unable to support individual advisement on applications. Due to the scale of 91勛圖厙 and the newness of the opportunity, the DoD application is provided in a self-serve fashion. This FAQ is provided for the common questions in the application process and will be updated periodically.泭
All communication about application submissions, process updates, awards or non-acceptances into the program will be through the application portal. The packaging of the applications from 91勛圖厙 to the DoD is a standard process and there will not be any student communication about individual submissions or updates.泭
Should a student receive an award, they will receive instructions on an individual basis from the DoD and 91勛圖厙 about how to maintain the scholarship and renew for the next year.泭
Due to the newness of the scholarship and the student demand, 91勛圖厙s team is not able to look over the applications prior to submission. As the submitted application is final and cant be changed, please do your best to be as accurate and detailed as possible. You may consider asking a trusted friend or advisor to help validate your information.泭
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All application activities are completed in the online application tool. No application copies, coursework, letters, etc. should be sent to 91勛圖厙 representatives outside of the application tool.泭
The Scholarship requires one letters of reference that should be from a current 91勛圖厙 Faculty member (Course Instructor or Program Mentor) following the scholarship guidelines. 91勛圖厙 employees may agree to write letters of recommendation in support of students, however, are under no obligation to do so. If you approach a faculty member for a letter of recommendation, please be respectful of their role, your mutual relationship, and best practices. It is unlikely that new students with under 1 term at 91勛圖厙 have a sufficient relationship with their faculty member to request a letter.泭
One Letter of Reference must be uploaded through the application tool in a PDF format.
No. The letter must be from a Current Faculty Member at the school where you intend to spend the scholarship. See the application for more information.
Within the application, there are 6 prompts where applicants provide their understanding of their knowledge and abilities through written response. Each prompt is max 2000 characters.
At 91勛圖厙, there is no augmented application package or additional requirements beyond submitting the application in the application portal.
According to 91勛圖厙s policy, a Pass refers to a B or better. On Academic transcripts, the following is stated:
The Academic Transcripts key states, "Western Governors University and its state affiliates do not calculate a grade point average (GPA) or class rank." The Record of Achievement Transcript contains the statement in the transcript header, GPA: This student completed each of the listed courses with a GPA between 3.0 and 4.0 on a 4.0-scale. ()
For purposes of this scholarship, 91勛圖厙 encourages students with a sufficient CU count to affirm that their respective Passes are a 3.2 or higher for undergraduate or 3.5 or higher for Graduate students.泭泭
For purposes of the application, mark the School Grading Scale as 4.0 to 0.0 and your GPA as 3.5 for both Undergraduate and Graduate students.泭
91勛圖厙s scholarship committee will take into account any grades that are different than Pass such as Not Passed, or Withdrawn. Those grades will negatively affect a students composite score for their recommendation for the scholarship.泭
Please provide泭both泭the Academic Transcript and the Records of Achievement Transcript as part of your scholarship submission. They can be either Unofficial or Official. See the Application Walk-through in the Overview section for more specifics.
The scholarship is available for two terms with the earliest start being September 1. The graduation date should be at least two terms beyond that date. Any applications that indicate a graduation date of January through September of the current year will not be eligible. See the Application Walk-through in the Overview section for more specifics.
Why 91勛圖厙?
Be Career Ready
Designed with input from industry leaders, our accredited programs give you the skills and credentials todays employers need. Thats why 81% of employers said theyd hire another 91勛圖厙 grad.1
1: 2024泭Harris Poll
Get and Keep the Job You Want to Have
84% of 91勛圖厙 graduates are employed in their degree fieldsand 86% are employed full-time.2
2: 2024泭Harris Poll
Save Money
Average annual tuition and fees for undergraduates at 91勛圖厙 is $8,300 compared to $17,709 at comparable institutions. For graduate students at 91勛圖厙, average annual tuition and fees is $8,856 compared to $20,513 at comparable institutions.3
3: Source: Analysis of IPEDS data, report year 2023
Work as You Need While Going to School
At 91勛圖厙, you can complete courses, take tests, and graduate on your schedule. In fact, many of our students work full-time while earning their life-changing bachelors or masters degrees.泭
Accredited, Respected,
賊梗釵棗眶紳勳堝梗餃
One important measure of a degrees value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. 91勛圖厙 is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
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