Undergraduate Information

Western Washington University makes every effort to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants through grants, scholarships, work study, loans, or some combination of these student aid programs. Aid is available to help meet educational costs including tuition and fees, books and educational supplies, room and board, transportation and personal expenses. Eligibility for financial aid is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on an annual basis. For summer financial aid, students must also complete a WWU Financial Aid Summer Application.

Types of Financial Aid

Grants are free money that are awarded to undergraduate students who have high financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Western Washington University participates in all state and federal grant programs including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Washington State Need Grant, Washington State Tuition Waivers, and Institutional Grants.

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit, talent, extra-curricular activities and, in some cases, financial need. Scholarship information is available in the Scholarship Center, Old Main 275 or students can visit their website

Workstudy Work study is a form of financial aid which provides employment opportunities on campus and in the local community. Your work study job will provide you with a paycheck like any other part-time employment situation. While work study earnings are subject to federal income tax like other jobs, they have the benefit of counting as an income exclusion on the FAFSA for the upcoming aid year!

Work study is awarded to students with high financial need. Those students who are not awarded work study are encouraged to access the Student Employment web page where a variety of non-work study jobs are posted. Additional information is available in the Student Employment Center, Old Main 285 or on their website.

Loans at Western Washington University are funded through the federal government. We offer the Federal Perkins, Direct (subsidized and unsubsidized), and Parent PLUS Loan programs. Loan eligibility and amounts are determined based on the FAFSA, class status, and dependency information. Loans must be repaid.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Submit the paper application or electronic application to the federal processor by February 15, 2008.
Complete an application for admission to WWU. Contact the Admissions Office at (360) 650-3440 for additional information.
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.
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.
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.
Maintain a personal financial aid file for your records and keep copies of all documents.
Keep your address current with the Registrar’s Office. You can contact (360) 650-3430 to make any changes.
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
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

Short-Term Loans

The Financial Aid Department offers short-term loans ranging from $250 to $1,000. The eligibility criteria varies and there is a minimal processing fee on each one. Contact our office for additional information.