Federal Aid

Federal Student Aid at Western consists of Pell grants, Direct loans, and Parent Plus Loans.

To qualify for federal financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applications open as early as October 1 of each year for the academic year beginning with the following fall. Results from FAFSA are required for institutional aid. 

Western's school code is: 003933

Watch the following video to view the types of Federal Student Aid Available. If you are planning on attending Western, make sure you have submitted your FAFSA at least 6-8 weeks before the semester begins. This will allow you to be financially prepared, before the semester begins.

Pell Grant

This grant is awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's, or professional degree.  Annual awards range from $750 - $7,395 for full-time enrollment.  The amount a student is eligible to receive is dependent upon the student's SAI (Student Aid Index) number determined by the FAFSA, and actual enrollment  each semester. Students are limited in eligibility. To view your Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) log on to Student Aid using your FSA ID. Students may only receive Pell Grant payments from one school concurrently. Learn more about Pell Grants. 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG is a federal financial aid grant for students showing exceptional need. There is limited funding available. Learn more about FSEOG. 

Federal Direct Loans

Direct loans are offered to both students and the parents of dependent students. To qualify, students must be enrolled at least half-time, which is 6 credits per semester. These loans come with a fixed interest rate, are backed by the Federal government, and feature generous forgiveness, deferment, and forbearance options, along with flexible repayment plans. To apply for Federal Direct Loans, students need to complete the FAFSA. The loans are disbursed at the start of each semester, following the drop/add period. First-time borrowers are also required to complete Loan Entrance Counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note before receiving their loan funds.

Parents seeking Parent Direct PLUS Loans can apply online. These loans are subject to a credit review.

Learn more about Federal Direct Loans: differences between subsidized and unsubsidized loans, limits on how much you can borrow each year and in total, current interest rates and fees, and how repayment works. 

We strongly advise borrowing only what is necessary to cover your educational costs.

Federal Work Study (FWS) 

FWS is a need-based federal financial aid program with limited funding. It provides part-time jobs on campus, with wages paid by the federal government. These wages are exempt from Social Security (FICA) and Medicare taxes. To qualify, students must be accepted and registered as degree-seeking at Western, and meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Western's Satisfactory Academic Progress Policies for Financial Aid. As it is a need-based program, students need to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility. Learn more about Federal Work Study.