Apply for Financial Aid
To apply for federal and state financial aid, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
You’ll need to file a FAFSA each year you wish to receive financial aid. Filing the FAFSA as a first-year student doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get financial aid your second year.
Financial aid is usually awarded for the Fall and spring semesters. But aid is also available if you want to take summer courses or study abroad.
Fall & Spring Financial Aid Process
You can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online starting Oct. 1.
You’ll need the following information:
- WSU’s Title IV School Code is 002394
- Identification information for yourself and your parents (social security numbers, birthdates, addresses, etc.)
- Income and tax information for yourself and your parents from 2 years ago
You may not need your parents’ information if you qualify as an independent student.
It’s easiest to have the IRS transfer your financial information into your FAFSA using the IRS data retrieval tool.
Have questions? See FAQs about the FAFSA or contact the WSU Financial Aid Office.
Federal regulations require that WSU verifies the accuracy of information provided on the FAFSA. This means that some students may have to submit IRS tax transcripts, W-2s, and other requested documents.
If you don’t provide these materials before or during the academic year, you won’t receive aid awarded by the Financial Aid Office.
Your application isn’t complete until all required documentation is submitted.
Ultimately, the Financial Aid Office will determine your eligibility and award amounts based on a consistent assessment of family circumstances.
You should submit your FAFSA as soon as possible on or after Oct. 1 for priority consideration.
Some funds are limited and awarded on a first come, first serve basis to eligible students.
If you submit your FAFSA after May 15, you’re considered a late filer.
While you can still be considered for financial aid, you may not get your award letter and receive your aid before Fall semester.
Don’t Forget about Scholarships
Completing your FAFSA is one (huge) step toward making college more affordable.
To get the most amount of financial aid, you’ll need to complete separate applications for WSU Foundation scholarships, WSU academic department scholarships, and other outside scholarship programs.
Learn more about how to apply for scholarships.
Need to Update Information in Your FAFSA?
If you made a mistake, you can correct information in your FAFSA online.
What If Your Circumstances Change?
Major changes in your family circumstances such as loss of employment, high medical expenses, or death could impact the financial aid you’re able to receive.
If you’ve completed the FAFSA and are experiencing this situation, you may submit a Special Conditions Review Form.
The Financial Aid Office will review your information and determine whether any changes can be made.