Investing in Your Future
At WSU Vancouver, we are committed to making a world-class education accessible. The WSU Office of Student Financial Aid awards more than $200 million annually in scholarships and financial assistance to approximately 15,000 students across the university system. These resources include a variety of funding sources such as federal and state grants, low-interest loans, student employment programs, and merit-based scholarships. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, our goal is to help you navigate the diverse paths available to fund your degree and minimize your out-of-pocket costs.
Funding eligibility is determined by several factors, but students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Most students qualify for some form of federal or state assistance to help cover tuition, books, and living expenses. Your age, race, or specific field of study will not prevent you from receiving federal student aid. While household income is a primary consideration for need-based grants, it does not automatically disqualify you from other forms of assistance like unsubsidized loans or work-study positions.
Understanding Your Financial Aid Options
- Aid you pay back: Student loans with various repayment terms.
- Aid you don’t pay back: Grants, waivers, and scholarships.
- Employment opportunities: On-campus and off-campus work-study positions.
Cougar Center Schedule
- Mon – Fri: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Additional Types of Aid
- Second bachelor’s degree: Learn about funding options for post-baccalaureate aid.
- Nondegree: Find additional funds to fill the gap with private education loans.
- Summer session: Apply for specific summer aid.
- Education abroad: Discover study abroad aid.
- Student employment: Eliminate loans and gain experience with work-study jobs.
Citizenship and Residency Status
You must also meet one of the following:
- U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
- Permanent Resident with a Green Card (Form I-551, I-151, or I-551C).
- Possession of an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) showing Refugee, Asylum Granted, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, Conditional Entrant, or Parolee status.
- Designated Battered Immigrant status.
- Possession of a T-visa.
Eligibility Criteria Details
To receive federal student aid, you must meet the following requirements:
- Qualify for higher education: Possess a high school diploma, GED certificate, or completed homeschool program.
- Enrollment status: Be accepted or enrolled as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program.
- Selective Service: Be registered with the Selective Service, if you are male.
- Identification: Have a valid Social Security number (exceptions apply for citizens of the Republic of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau). Visit ssa.gov to apply.
- Certification: Sign statements on the FAFSA confirming you are not in default on a federal loan and will use aid for educational purposes only.
- Academic Standing: Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Apply for financial aid
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Accepting financial aid includes the responsibility of maintaining SAP. You must understand the requirements for satisfying SAP and academic deficiency.
Manage Your Account
- Estimate Costs: Use the Link to Estimate Your College Costs to plan your budget.
- Offer Status: View your current financial aid status and your to-do list in myWSU.
- Parents: Find information on parent loans and FERPA requirements.
- Revision Requests: If your financial situation has changed, you may submit a Revision request.
- Direct Deposit: Ensure your funds are deposited directly into your bank account via myWSU.
Frequently asked scholarship questions
If you’re transferring from a community college, you’ll apply as a transfer student. Our admission and advising staff will help you make the most of the credits you’ve already earned, so you can stay on track for graduation.
After you apply for financial aid, you’ll get instructions on how to submit any required documents through your email. You can also log in to track the status of your application, view your award letter, and accept or decline aid offers. If you have questions, our financial aid advisors are just a call or email away.
Yes! Transfer students are eligible for many scholarships at WSU Vancouver, including merit-based awards, need-based scholarships, and program-specific opportunities. By completing the WSU General Scholarship Application, you’ll automatically be considered for a wide range of scholarships —even as a transfer student.