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What is the financial aid process at WMU?

If you are planning to begin your enrollment at WMU with the Fall Semester, it is important for you and your family to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after the preceding January 1 as possible.  It is also important to have prior year income information on hand to be able to complete the FAFSA.  For example, if you plan to begin your WMU enrollment in the Fall of 2007, you should try to complete the FAFSA soon after January 1, 2007.  The income information you will be asked to provide on the form will be that which you and your parents earned in 2006.

Applications (FAFSA’s) are processed on a continuous basis, as received, beginning in January for the upcoming academic year. Award notices are sent beginning on or about March 15 of each year. Early applications are encouraged since many awards have limited funding. Up to date contact and other information is available on the Web at www.wmich.edu/finaid/.

Applications (FAFSA’s) for non-admitted students will not be processed.

Eligibility for need-based assistance is determined by having students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Available on the web or in printed form, the FAFSA gathers parent and student income and asset information and applies these data to a formula to determine a family's expected contribution.  From that contribution, our aid officers package assistance to meet the cost of attendance at Western.  Most packages include some portion of gift aid (e.g., grants and scholarships) and self-help (e.g., student loans and work-study).

For complete and current information about both need-based and scholarships, visit the Student financial Aid Office web site at www.wmich.edu/finaid, or e-mail us at finaid-info@wmich.edu.

Students may also check the status of their financial aid on line.

Students who apply for and are admitted to WMU should apply for Federal financial aid by submitting a FAFSA.  There are some types of Federal assistance that are not need-dependent, so all students should apply for consideration..  All students who apply for aid are automatically considered for all forms of aid (Federal, state and institutional grants, employment and loans.) 

In general, eligibility factors include citizenship, residency, class level in college, registered hours of enrollment, degree status, default status and academic standing. 

Students planning to begin their enrollments in the Fall 2007, should complete the FAFSA as soon after January 1, 2007, as possible.  It will be necessary to have a record of 2006 income available when completing the FAFSA.

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