Financial Aid at WWU
Grants and Scholarships for Western Students
Applying for financial aid has never been easier.
Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)* to apply for financial aid for your education at Western.
We encourage every applicant, new student, and continuing student to apply for financial aid as soon as possible, regardless of whether or not you think you may qualify.
Western's Federal School Code is 003802. This code is used for all WWU campuses and locations.
*Washington state residents ineligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status may apply for state financial aid by completing the WASFA instead.
Washington College Grant
If you’re a Washington resident, you will automatically be considered for the Washington College Grant when you submit the FAFSA or WASFA. The nationally recognized Washington College Grant makes a college degree affordable for Washington students. The maximum award amount will cover full tuition for in-state students at Western, and there is no need to pay it back.
There is no separate application needed for the Washington College Grant.
We're here to help you understand the cost of your education.
We recognize that college is a big investment for you and your family. Take advantage of our resources to help navigate the cost of your education. We have detailed cost estimates, a net price calculator, budget worksheets, housing and dining options, and debt management information. If you have emergency needs, please contact our department.
How to apply for financial aid at Western
Learn the fundamentals of the financial aid application process. We offer detailed options for every student type, explanations of various forms of aid, and information for parents.
Understanding and accepting your financial aid offer
Financial aid is a process. We want you to understand your financial aid offer letter, know how to accept your financial aid offer, and what happens after your FAFSA has been processed.
Learn how to maintain your financial aid
There are many factors that impact your eligibility for aid when you are a student. Knowing how different decisions will impact your aid will help you maintain eligibility. Learn how payments work, how to renew your aid, what happens when courses are dropped and how to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Explore additional resources.
When scholarships, grants and loans aren't enough, we still have other opportunities to consider.
Steps to Success
1. File
File the FAFSA/WASFA by January 31, 2023, to meet Western’s priority filing date.
If you missed the FAFSA/WASFA priority filing date, file ASAP because it isn’t too late, some aid types don’t run out.
2. Respond
Promptly respond to requests for additional required information or documents from Financial Aid so that we can finalize your aid offer.
3. Explore
Explore additional financial resources through the Scholarship and Student Employment Centers.
Let Us Help You
Financial Aid Counselors are here to help you navigate the process of learning about different financial aid programs and applying.
Financial Aid Timeline
- October 1: FAFSA and WASFA open for the upcoming aid year
- December: Students who apply for Early Action may receive scholarship notification as early as December
- January 31: Western’s FAFSA and WASFA priority deadline
- Mid-March: Western Financial Aid Estimate Offers mailed to students
- March – June: Revised Financial Aid Estimate Offers will be posted in Web4U if additional documentation is provided or reviewed
- May 1: Last day to commit to Western by submitting your enrollment confirmation form and fee
- June – August: Finalized Financial Aid Offers will be posted to Web4U to reflect finalized cost of attendance and any updated federal or state grant amounts