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Graduate Level Students

• Graduate Financial Aid Overview
• Application Process
• Awarding
• Scholarships
• Costs, Bill & Payment
• Other Tips

= term defined in Glossary

Application Process Tips

Start the federal financial aid application process early. Every year you must reapply for financial aid. You can apply through the FAFSA on the Web using your federal PIN.

As a graduate student, you are automatically considered independent according to the Federal government so only your income and assets (and if married, your spouse's) are considered when determining your eligibility for financial aid dollars.

If you have unusual circumstances, complete the FAFSA as instructed and send us a statement detailing your situation

If you are not admitted to a degree granting program (master's, doctoral, or specialist degree), you may not be eligible for financial aid.

Award Tips

The financial aid office awards federal aid primarily in the form of loans. The colleges and schools award scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships. All aid is coordinated by the Financial Aid Office.

If you have been offered a Western Graduate assistantship or fellowship by a department it will not be indicated on your Award Letter until the department has notified financial aid of the awards (notifications usually begin in August). Graduate assistantships and fellowships may reduce the amount or type of federal or state financial aid you have been awarded. You will receive a revised award letter reflecting the addition of those awards and any adjustments to your aid.

Students who are changing classifications from an undergraduate to a graduate student in the same academic year need to contact the financial aid office.

New student loan borrowers will need to document they understand their rights and responsibilities through an entrance counseling session.

Scholarship Tips

Apply for graduate scholarships, and assistantships and fellowships.

Look to your employer for tuition or book reimbursement assistance.

Costs, Billing & Payment Tips

Review the policy for including computer purchase in a student's cost of attendance.

For most financial aid programs, you must be enrolled at least half time.

Complete a realistic academic year budget listing income and expenses. Focus on having funds to cover your tuition, class, equipment or laboratory fees, books and supplies. The budget allows for basic educational costs and living costs, and does not allow for lifestyle decisions such as car and credit card payments.

The university has health insurance available for students.

Avoid lost refund checks by signing up for direct deposit and have your financial aid refund deposited directly into your checking account.

After the 15th of each month, view your most recent monthly statement of account that lists charges and payments that have occurred within the previous month.

Other Tips

Continued financial aid eligibility requires you to make Satisfactory Academic Progress towards your degree. If you have not met the requirements after each Winter (spring) term, your aid will be canceled and you will be notified in writing (with an option to appeal if you have extenuating circumstances).

Students may defer the payments on their previous federal student loans as long as they are enrolled at least half time (or full time for some loans). Keep your lender informed of your enrollment plans.

Plan for possible relocation costs such as moving, setting up an apartment or temporary loss of employment income. Pay off your credit card debt to reduce your monthly expenses.

Educationally related tax deductions or tax credits are available when you file your federal tax return.