How to apply for, receive and maintain financial aid
Financial aid can help cover the cost of tuition, fees, books and other college expenses. At WSU Vancouver, you can apply for grants, scholarships, loans and work-study to help manage the cost of your education.
Whether you’re completing your first Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA), reviewing your financial aid offer or figuring out what comes next, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. WSU Vancouver’s Financial Aid counselors are available to answer your questions and help you understand what to expect, from applying for aid to maintaining your eligibility.
Who is eligible for financial aid?
- Undergraduate students: Eligible for all financial aid programs
- Second-degree undergraduate students: Eligible for federal direct loans, but not federal grants
- Graduate students: Eligible for federal direct loans and certain scholarships
Non-degree and dual-credit students are not eligible for financial aid.
Apply for financial aid
Financial aid includes need-based assistance through the FAFSA or WASFA, along with scholarships based on academic achievement, interests and other criteria. Some merit-based awards are awarded automatically when you apply for admission, while others require a separate application.
Apply for federal and state financial aid
To be considered for federal, state and university financial aid, complete the FAFSA. If you’re not eligible to complete the FAFSA, you can submit the WASFA to be considered for Washington state and university aid.
WSU school code: 003800
Priority deadline: January 31
Cougar Center Schedule
- Mon – Fri: 8:00am – 5:00pm
After you apply for aid
After you submit your FAFSA or WASFA, we’ll review your information and prepare your financial aid offer. Your financial aid is typically applied to your student account the week before classes begin. Here’s what to expect next, including when you’ll receive your offer and how your aid is applied.
1. Application review and verification
We’ll review your FAFSA or WASFA to determine your financial aid eligibility. Sometimes, we need more information from you or your parents to verify your application. If you’re selected for verification, you’ll receive an email explaining what documents to submit. Be sure to send them by the requested deadline to avoid delays.
2. Review your financial aid offer
Once your application is reviewed, you’ll receive an email when your financial aid offer is ready in myWSU. Your offer shows the grants, scholarships, loans and work-study available to you.
3. Accept your student loans
Grants and scholarships generally don’t need to be repaid. Student loans do, so you can choose whether to accept all, some or none of the loans offered to you. If you accept loans, you’ll need to complete a few additional requirements before receiving the funds.
4. Receiving your financial aid
Your financial aid is first used to pay your tuition and fees. If your aid doesn’t cover the full cost, the remaining balance will be charged to your student account. If you receive more financial aid than you owe, you’ll get the remaining money as a refund.
- View Student Accounts for payment options and information about paying your remaining balance.
- Set up direct deposit to have any financial aid refund sent directly to your bank account.
Financial Aid and Support Resources
Financial aid and support resources may be available based on your individual circumstances. Learn more about programs for undocumented students, former foster youth, students experiencing homelessness, and veterans.
Undocumented students
Undocumented students aren’t eligible for federal student aid, but may be eligible for Washington state financial aid through the WASFA.
Additional resources are available for tuition and scholarships.
Former foster youth
If you’ve experienced foster care or homelessness, you may be eligible for additional financial aid and scholarships to help pay for college.
WSU Vancouver participates in Washington’s Passport to College Promise Scholarship program, which also provides support to help students succeed in college.
Veterans and military-affiliated students
Veterans and eligible dependents may have additional options for paying for college, including tuition waivers and military education benefits.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides education benefits for eligible students, and WSU Vancouver offers resources for military-affiliated students.
Managing Your Financial Aid
Your financial aid needs can change while you’re in college. You may need to request a review if your financial situation changes, or meet certain academic requirements to keep receiving aid. Learn what to do in either situation.
If your financial situation changes
A job loss, reduced income, unexpected medical expenses or another major life change can affect your ability to pay for college.
If your financial situation has changed, you may be able to request a review of your financial aid eligibility.
Keeping Your Financial Aid
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
To keep receiving financial aid as you continue your studies, you need to meet WSU’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. These include maintaining a minimum GPA, successfully completing enough of the credits you attempt and staying within the maximum number of credits allowed for your degree.
Apply for scholarships
You can find hundreds of scholarship opportunities at WSU, with awards based on academic achievement, your area of study, interests, community involvement and more. Whether you’re applying to WSU or already enrolled, there are opportunities to help you pay for college.
Find scholarships you’re eligible for, learn about deadlines and how to apply.
Additional Financial Aid Resources
Have questions about paying for college or managing your costs? These resources can help you understand your options, find ways to earn money and plan for your expenses.
Net Price Calculator
Estimate what you may pay for college after grants and scholarships.
Student Employment
Find on-campus jobs and work-study opportunities to earn money while you’re in school.
Payment options
Learn how to pay your student account balance, including available payment plans.
Meet with a Financial Aid Counselor
Have questions about applying for financial aid, understanding your offer or paying for college? Schedule an appointment with a WSU Vancouver Financial Aid counselor. They can help you understand your options and figure out what to do next.