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If you have been impacted by the recent fires in Washington and wish to discuss your financial aid resources with a financial aid counselor, please contact our office for more information.
Scholarships & Employment Information
Trending FAQs
In some cases a Professional Judgement (PJ) determination can be made to re-calculate a student's aid eligibility due to a chance in financial circumstances. Situations such as a reduction or loss of income since the tax year associated with the FAFSA, a marital status change for a dependent's parents or an independent student and other unique situations can be considered.
Learn more about Professional Judgement Determinations.
In some cases, the standard Cost of Attendance (COA) will not meet the needs of students. Requests to increase the COA for extraordinary educational costs incurred during the academic year can be submitted. However, the amount already included in the standard budget will be factored into any adjustment.
Learn more about Cost of Attendance Changes
During your senior year you must apply to graduate. The Registrar's Office will prepare an Official Degree Evaluation showing the courses you need to complete the graduation requirements for your program. Only the courses listed on the Official Degree Evaluation may be used to determine financial aid eligibility.
Learn More about Financial Aid & Graduation
Students placed on financial aid suspension may appeal for aid reinstatement if unusual circumstances prevented them from meeting satisfactory academic progress requirements. Reinstatement is not guaranteed, and appeal approvals do not reinstate aid retroactively.
Learn more about Requirements to Maintain Aid
Welcome
At Western Washington University, we strive to support our students with financial assistance through grants, scholarships, Work Study, and loan programs.
We are available by phone, in person or email to assist you with any financial aid related questions year-round. For more complex questions an appointment with a financial aid counselor may be scheduled.
We have many useful tools to help you understand your estimated aid eligibility using the Net Price Calculator, your Cost of Attendance (COA), and how to budget your educational expenses.
Changes to Federal Financial Aid
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4, 2025 which has impacts to federal student aid programs.
New Student Webinar
Join us for our last webinars about Navigating your First Year at WWU or listen to one of our pre-recorded sessions! Join Financial Aid and the Student Business Office to better understand the financial aid process, billing and other important financial related details. Register for our last webinar on September 9th (6pm).
You may also listen to the recording from the July 28th webinar or the August 6th webinar.
Important Dates & Deadlines
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
- First day of fall quarter 2026
- Tuition and fees and housing and meal plans due
Tuesday September 29, 2026
- Last day to withdraw from WWU or drop a class with full refund (ends at 11:59 p.m.)
Thursday October 1, 2026
- 2027-2028 FAFSA opens! Priority filing date is January 31, 2027
Sunday October 4, 2026
- Enrollment Lock Date for financial aid
- Last day to drop a class without incurring a "W" grade on official transcript ("XM" code appears on unofficial academic history only)
Thursday October 22, 2026
- Last day for half-tuition refund when dropping a class (fees are not refunded)
Friday November 6, 2026
- Deadline to appeal for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) reinstatement for fall financial aid
See the WWU Registrar's Important Dates & Deadlines page for other important information.
Helpful Links
Can I Receive Financial Aid at Less Than Full Time Enrollment?
Many aid types are available to students if enrolled less than full time. The types and amounts of financial aid will vary based on the financial aid application data and enrollment status. Students are encouraged to review the information regarding grants available on the Grants section of the website or information related to federal loan eligibility on the Federal Student Loans section of the website.
Students who have applied to graduate will be limited to the fundable enrollment as listed on their official degree evaluation which is required to complete their program.
Contact the Financial Aid Department with any questions about your planned enrollment and eligibility.
Recorded Information Session for New Students
If you were unable to attend one of our summer info sessions or are new to WWU, we invite you to watch a recording of our presentation in collaboration between Financial Aid and the Student Business Office and a discussion of FAQs.