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Graduate Information

Financial aid for graduate students is primarily limited to student loans, scholarships, and workstudy. Eligibility for financial aid is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on an annual basis. Students are encouraged to apply for aid as soon as possible on or after January 1 for the upcoming academic year even before they know their admission status. For summer financial aid, students must also complete a WWU Financial Aid Summer Application.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

1. Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly called the FAFSA, by Western's priority filing deadline of February 15 for the upcoming academic year. See our Financial Aid Checklist for additional important steps applying for financial aid. Include WWU’s Federal School Code which is 003802 on the FAFSA.
2. Review the Student Aid Report (SAR) which will be sent or emailed to you. If there is incorrect information, make your corrections and submit them to the federal processor. You can contact the federal processor at 1-800-433-3243 for additional information.
3. Respond promptly to any requests for information from the Financial Aid Department and include the student’s name and student number on all documents submitted.
4. Review the Notice of Financial Aid which will be sent to you by the Financial Aid Department. Sign and return a copy to our office.
5. Maintain a personal financial aid file for your records and keep copies of all documents.
6. Keep your address current with the Registrar’s Office. You can contact (360) 650-3430 to make any changes.
7. Always be prepared to begin classes with some of your own funds even if you expect to receive financial aid.

General Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for financial aid, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be admitted into a degree or certificate-granting program at WWU
• Be enrolled in at least 4 credits each quarter
• Not owe a refund on a previous grant and not be in default on a previous educational loan
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
• Have registered with the Selective Service if required to do so
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
   

Combining Graduate and Undergraduate Coursework

Graduate students enrolling in undergraduate coursework must ensure that the coursework is required to meet graduate degree program requirements. Undergraduate coursework that does not satisfy graduate degree program requirements as specified on the Graduate Plan of Study, generally is not fundable with Financial Aid. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss their aid eligibility.

Teaching and Research Assistantships

A limited number of teaching and research assistantships are available through Western Washington University. Students should contact the Graduate School at (360) 650-3170 or their program advisor for more information. Financial aid eligibility might be affected by an assistantship.

Short-Term Loans

Financial Aid offers short-term loans ranging from $250 to $1,000. The eligibility criteria varies and there is a minimal processing fee on each loan. These loans are available online, at https://secure.finaid.wwu.edu/stl/step1.php.