• Home
• General Info
• Application Process
• FAFSA Tips
• Undergraduate Information
• Graduate Info
• Rights/ Responsibilities
• Progress Policy
• Alternative Financing
• Application Checklist
• FAQ's
• Loan Management
• WWU Budgets
• Financial Aid Info
• Online Forms
• Links
• Contact Us

Alternative Educational Financing

The Financial Aid Department office strives to meet the demonstrated financial need of Western students to afford the high cost of a college education. With certain eligibility issues and funding availability, some students may have a funding gap between their financial need and the amount of funds that federal, state, and institution aid programs can provide. Alternatives are available to help fill the funding gap.

Students should always submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid. Here are some alternatives to consider if additional funding is needed.

Employment :

The Center for Student Work Experience in Old Main 285 provides information about part-time employment for on and off campus positions. All jobs are posted in their office and on their website at www.finaid.wwu.edu/studentjobs.

Pre-payment Option :

Students have the option of directly pre-paying Western Washington University for quarterly tuition and fees. Some families find that pre-paying smaller monthly amounts over time is more affordable than making larger single payments at the beginning of each quarter. For more information, contact Student Fiscal Services in Old Main 360 or at (360) 650-2865.

Private Educational Loans :

Several banks and lending agencies offer private educational loans to credit-worthy borrowers, or to borrowers with credit-worthy cosigners. These loans are not federally subsidized. Because the interest rates for private educational loans tend to be higher than Federal Direct and PLUS Loans interest rates, we recommend that you exhaust your Federal educational loan before considering these loans. When shopping for a private loan, students need to be educated consumers. Always consider the cost of the loan, interest rates, and approval requirements before you begin the application process. Many lenders offer telephone or online applications which can speed up the approval process.

Included below is information on several lenders who offer private educational loans. The WWU Financial Aid Department provides private lender listings for informational purposes only. We do not endorse any particular lender. We do not accept payment for listing lender information. The private lender list is only intended to provide a sample of potential lenders. Students are encouraged to perform their own due diligence in seeking a private lender.

Private Educational Loan Options :

Click here for the printable version of this list.