Financial Aid

Our Financial Aid department is ready to guide you through the process and help you explore options to fund your WCU education.

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Don’t Navigate Financial Aid Alone

There are many different ways to finance your education. We can help you find the solution that is right for you. We’ll answer application questions, identify scholarship opportunities, and help you understand the financial aid process.

On this page, you’ll find:

  • Financial Aid Overview
  • Federal Financial Aid Programs
  • Eligibility Requirements
  • How to Apply
  • Financial Aid Counseling
  • Aid Disbursements and Refunds

Financial Aid Overview

Our Financial Aid office is here to help you create your funding plan and make informed decisions about how to fund your education. We’ll help you navigate the various types of aid available, including:

  • Scholarships and grants
  • Loans
  • Military benefits
  • Employer tuition reimbursement
  • Payment plans

Want personalized guidance? The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Our office uses this information to provide you with an estimated financial aid offer. It’s how we determine if you qualify for federal aid programs, including grants, government loans, and the federal work-study program.

Federal Financial Aid Programs

There are a variety of federal and state financial aid programs available to eligible students. Some common kinds of aid you may encounter include:

  • Federal Pell Grant
    The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based program for undergraduate students. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be paid back.
  • Federal Work-Study
    The work-study program helps provide jobs for graduate and undergraduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to pay educational expenses.
  • Federal Direct Loans
    The U.S. Department of Education offers loans to students and parents to help them cover educational costs. Read more about the different types of federal loans.

See the full list of available financial aid programs.

Cohort Default Rate

West Coast University’s 2020 cohort default rate (CDR) is 0.0%. The cohort default rate is the percentage of students who defaulted on their loans within three years of when their first payment was due.

Why does this matter? The CDR is a good indication of whether graduates of a program are typically able to pay back their student loans.

Eligibility Requirements

Read the government’s guidelines on eligibility requirements for federal student aid. To apply for financial aid, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

For eligibility criteria for specific federal aid programs and conditionally accepted students, visit the Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements page of our catalog.

 

How to Apply

Here are a few things you need to know about applying for financial aid:

  • Students are expected to have a financial aid package completed by the start of each new academic year.
  • The first thing you must do is fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. You will need our school code: 036983.
  • You must meet all eligibility requirements to qualify for federal student aid.
  • A WCU financial aid advisor will determine your eligibility for federal aid programs and help you assess which resources are better for your specific circumstances.
  • You will get an estimated financial aid offer. However, your offer will not be final until all requested documentation has been collected and reviewed.
  • If you receive federal financial aid, you will need to reapply each new award year.  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is available on October 1st each year.
  • If you need to update your financial aid package based on unusual circumstances (such as a decrease in income or a change in family size), you can submit a professional judgment request to have your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) adjusted. Learn about our professional judgment policy.

Financial Aid Offer Notifications and College Financing Plans are posted to the WCU secure student portal each academic year.

 

Financial Aid Counseling

Whether you’re a prospective or existing student, we have financial aid officers who are ready to assist you. We recommend you visit our office on campus or give us a call at one of the phone numbers below to arrange a meeting with an advisor:

Additional Resources

For our third-party servicer contracts and our code of conduct regarding lender relationships and loans, please view the respective pages.

Aid Disbursements and Refunds

Money from federal financial aid is usually delivered directly to the university to cover tuition and fees. Any remaining money will be delivered to you through Bank Mobile Disbursements, a technology solution powered by BMTX, Inc.

Explore ways you can receive your refund.

Financial Aid FAQs

FAQs for On-Campus Students

FAQs for Online Students

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