Financial Aid Handbook

This booklet will help you understand the financial aid process, options for paying your costs, and your rights and responsibilities.  

You should apply for financial aid if you think you will need help paying for college beyond what you and your family can contribute.  Washington State University participates in all major federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, both need based and non-need-based.  The University offers grants, work study, and/or loans to financial aid applicants.

The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarship Services rewards individual achievement.  We work to reduce financial barriers that might otherwise prevent you from attending Washington State University.  If we can personally assist you, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Contents  

• Getting Started 
• The financial aid process 
• Determining your eligibility 
• Receiving your funds
• Common reason why funding is withheld 
• Worksheet for Financing Your Education
• Anticipating your expenses 
• Worksheets for Financing Your Education.  
• Types of Aid 
• Loans 
  • The Stafford Loan Application process
  • Annual Maximum Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Amounts
• Work-study 
• Grants and Scholarships 
  • Hours you must be enrolled to receive aid
  • Washington State Need Grant Statement of Educational Purpose
• Other financing options 
• Satisfactory Academic Progress 
  • What is SAP?
  • Requirements for Undergraduates
  • Limits and restrictions
  • Probation and denial
  • SAP appeal procedure
  • Reinstatement/contracts
• Financial Aid for Distance Degree Programs Students
  • Meeting enrollment requirements
  • Taking flexible enrollment courses
  • Adding or dropping courses
  • Achieving Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • Buying books
• Payment Methods and Consequences of Withdrawal
  • Five ways to pay 
  • Withdrawal and failling all classes  
• Plan Ahead for Next Year!
• Online Resources
• Release of Information

The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarship Services rewards individual achievement.  We work to reduce financial barriers that might otherwise prevent you from attending Washington State University .  If we can personally assist you, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Getting Started

  The financial aid process  

• Meet the March 1 priority deadline. 

Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no earlier than January 1 but before March 1 of each year you plan to enroll at the University.  The federal processor must receive your FAFSA by March 1 for you to receive maximum assistance at Washington State University .  If you miss that deadline, file your FAFSA at the earliest possible date. 

• Be admitted to the University. 

To be eligible for aid and University scholarships, you must be officially admitted to the University and enrolled in a course of study leading to a degree or certificate.  If you do not plan to attend Washington State University, notify the Office of Student Financial Aid immediately. 

• Respond promptly. 

If the Office of Student Financial Aid requests additional information to process your application, respond right away!  A speedy response on your part ensures that your eligibility will be determined in a timely manner. 

• Reply to your award notification. 

Once you have received your award notification, you must accept or reject the loan programs offered.  (Grants and work-study funds are accepted automatically.)  Return one copy of your award notification to the Office of Student Financial Aid.  If a loan application is necessary, information will be mailed beginning in July.

• Check that your funds were applied. 

Financial aid and scholarships are credited to your University account each semester to help pay for tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other educational expenses.  Verify that funds were credited by viewing your student account transactions online at my.wsu.edu. 

• Report additional resources in writing. 

Let the Office of Student Financial Aid know when you receive other funding, such as veteran’s education benefits, non-university scholarships, tuition waivers, funding from outside agencies, and so on.  These resources are considered part of the total amount of financial aid you are awarded.  If such additional financial resources arrive after your aid has been disbursed, other aid, typically loans, will be reduced to adjust for any amount that exceeds your cost of attendance.

• Reapply each year. 

You’ll need to complete the FAFSA every January.  You should receive an electronic or  paper Renewal Application from the U.S. Department of Education during the November or December preceding the award year.  You and your parents may use the PIN to file your Renewal FAFSA online.  You may also request that a PIN be sent to you by visiting www.fafsa.edu.gov. 

• Meet University academic standards.

You must maintain good academic standing and make satisfactory academic progress toward you degree objects.  Details of satisfactory academic progress may be found on our web or later in this page.

• Keep your mailing address updated. 

If your primary mailing address changes, immediately inform the University of your new address through my.wsu.edu.  All financial aid and scholarship information is sent to your mailing address. 

• Plan for summer aid. 

To apply for financial aid for Summer Session, submit a supplemental summer financial aid application to the Office of Student Financial Aid by March 1.  Applications are available at the beginning of spring semester for the Office of Student Financial Aid or online at Summer Session.  Awards are based on your remaining financial aid eligibility for the current academic year.

• Read your my.wsu.edu notices regularly.   

Visit my.wsu.edu often to view important notices regarding financial aid, your student account, and other information throughout the  year.

For more information on the financial aid process and deadlines, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at 509-335-9711 or visit www.finaid.wsu.edu.

Determining your eligibility  

• Review your Student Aid Report 

Within four to six weeks after you submit your FAFSA, the federal processor will send you a Student Aid Report (SAR).  This document is a transcript of all the information you submitted on your FAFSA.  Review it carefully for accuracy and, if needed, mail corrections to the address listed on the last page of the SAR.  You can also make corrections online with your PIN on FAFSA On The Web. 

• Calculate your financial need. 

On the first page of the SAR, you’ll find an amount labeled “EFC”, which is the Expected Family Contribution.  This is the contribution expected from you and your parents (or you and your spouse if you are married) to help pay for college.  The EFC is determined by a federal formula.  If you subtract the EFC from the cost of attending  Washington State University, the result is your “need” or eligibility for need-based financial aid programs.  The lower your EFC, the more grants and subsidized loan funding you may receive.

• Highlight special circumstances. 

If you think you have any special circumstances not reflected on the FAFSA that you think might affect your aid eligibility, submit this information in writing to the Office of Student Financial Aid for consideration.  Such circumstances might include child care costs in your student budget, study abroad or internship expenses, or having a significant change in your or your parents’ income, medical/dental expenses not covered by insurance, etc.

Receiving the funds 

Financial aid funds are disbursed to Washington State University student accounts at the beginning of each semester.  Federal regulations require that  Stafford funds for first-time freshman borrowers be held until 30 days after the beginning of their first semester.  At the end of the 30 day period, the funds will be credited to your University account.  

Funds are applied first to tuition and fees, then to other institutional charges (such as course fees and mandatory health fees), and lastly to residence hall expenses for room and board.  Any remaining funds will be disbursed to you in the form of a check or direct deposit into your checking account.  For more information, contact the Student Receivables Office or call them at 509-335-9651.

Common reasons why funding is withheld  

• Entrance counseling was not completed.

If you’re a first-time Stafford Loan borrower, you must attend a one-time loan counseling session before loan funds are released.  You can complete the session online.  Go to www.finaid.wsu.edu and click "Entrance and Exit Loan Counseling,"  and then click "Student Loan Counseling Interview".

• You did not enroll for enough semester credit hours.

Please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid if you plan to enroll less than full-time.  Your award will be adjusted accordingly. 

• You did not complete enough semester credit hours.

If you didn’t complete the minimum number of hours required, you will be placed on probation or have your aid denied.  See the section on Satisfactory Academic Progress for details on satisfactory academic progress. 

• You achieved less than a 2.0 GPA after two terms of enrollment.

You will be placed on probation or have your aid denied.  See the section on Satisfactory Academic Progress for details on satisfactory academic progress.  

Worksheet for Financing Your Education

Anticipating your expenses 

To plan your budget, you will need to anticipate costs associated with your Washington State University education.  The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarship Services awards a combination of financial aid programs, including loans, to offset the total Cost of Attendance (COA).  

To calculate the COA, we estimate amounts for tuition and books, required fees, and room and board.  We also allow for transportation and miscellaneous living expenses for the school year.  You can find detailed information about these costs, including estimated amounts, here.  Although the Office of Student Financial Aid uses generous estimates in calculating the COA, you should take into account your personal spending habits when developing your budget.  Be realistic about your finances and make adjustments as need.  Consider various sources of income, including financial aid, that are available to you.  Your Financial Aid Award Notification will provide specifics about the aid programs you have been offered. 

Types of Aid

Loans

Loans are borrowed to cover tuition and educational expenses for undergraduate and graduate programs and must be repaid.  Not all loans are based on financial need.

• Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan: 

Based on financial need.  Payments on the principal are optional while you are enrolled at least half-time (six credits hours for undergraduates; 3 credit hours for graduate).  Interest is paid by the federal government during the grace period or authorized periods of deferment.  As of July 1, 2006, the interest rate becomes fixed at 6.8 percent.  Repayment begins six months after graduation or when enrollment ceases or drops below half time.

• Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: 

Not based on financial need.  Payments on the principal are optional while you are enrolled at least half-time, but interest accrues. As of July 1, 2006, the interest rate becomes fixed at 6.8 percent.  Repayment begins six months after graduation or when enrollment ceases or drops below half time.

• Federal Parent PLUS Loan: 

The Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) enables parents to borrow on behalf of dependent undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time.  This loan is not awarded based on financial need.  Repayment begins 60 days after the loan has been fully disbursed.  As of July 1, 2006, the interest rate becomes fixed at 8.5 percent.  

The parent borrower will need to complete a PLUS Promissory Note.  Parent PLUS Promissory Note information will be mailed to parents who indicate acceptance of the loan on the award notification and submit the loan application request.  A copy of this required form (Form G8) is included with the final award notification and is available for download here.

If your parent's application for a PLUS is denied, you may qualify for an additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.  (The amount of the unsubsidized Stafford Loan may not equal the amount of the original Parent PLUS.)  To access the unsubsidized Stafford Loan, you must provide the Office of Student Financial Aid with a copy of the Parent PLUS denial letter issued directly from the lending institution.

• Federal Perkins Loan and Nursing Loan: 

The University administers both of these loans for first-time undergraduate students with high financial need.  These loans have a 5 percent fixed interest rate and a nine-month grace period prior to repayment.

• Health Professions Loans (HPL):

If you are a student certified in the College of Pharmacy or the College of Veterinary Medicine, you may be eligible for the Health Professions Loan.  This loan is a federal program administered by Washington State University.  It has a 5 percent fixed interest rate and a nine-month grace period prior to repayment.  To be considered for this loan, you must supply parent information on your FAFSA, regardless of your dependency status.  You must be enrolled in 10 or more credit hours to qualify.

• Private loans:

If you have remaining financial need on your award notification and/or your cost of attendance has not been met, you may qualify for a private loan.  Contact the office of Student Financial Aid or go here for more information.

Work-Study

These federal and state programs offer part-time jobs to needy student to help pay tuition and other educational expenses.  

• Work-Study Programs.

Work-study jobs usually require ten to fifteen hours per week.  You receive pay checks for the hours you work.  These programs are awarded by the Office of Student Financial Aid to students with the highest level of need, as determined by the FAFSA.  You can learn about available work-study positions by contacting the JobX! Student Employment Center and Temporary Employment Website or by calling them at 509-335-2546. 

 

The Stafford Loan application process: When you accept this loan, you will receive a Master Promissory Note (MPN).  The MPN is the legal contract between the borrower and the lender, ensuring that you  (the borrower) will repay the loan. You'll start the loan application process by getting a letter from EdFund, which includes instructions for completing the loan application online at www.edfund.org.  A list of preferred lenders will be available online as well. If you have previously completed an MPN at Washington State University, you are  not required to complete a new loan application unless you decide to change your lender.  The loans amounts for which you are eligible are listed on your financial aid award notification. You must confirm the award amounts you wish to borrow and return one signed copy of the notification to the Office of Student Financial Aid.

 

Grants and Scholarships

Grants are funds provided to students with high financial need to help cover tuition and educational expenses.  You don't have to pay back grant money or scholarships. 

• Federal Pell Grant:

For eligible student pursing their first undergraduate degree (not enrolled in a professional program).  

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG):

For first-time undergraduate students with the highest level of need.

• Washington State Need Grant (SNG)

For high-need Washington residents pursuing their first undergraduate degree.  If you have received an SNG, see conditions below.

• Partial tuition waivers:

An award from the University for Washington residents, distributed based on need and applied only to tuition charges. 

• Institutional grants: 

A University-designed program to help Washington resident undergraduates with high financial need.  

• Scholarships:

Funds awarded to students, both undergraduate and graduate, who meet application and eligibility requirements.  

Other financing options

• Members of any federally recognized American Indian tribe whose customary and tribal boundaries include portions of Washington are eligible for resident tuition under certain circumstances.

For more information, visit the Washington State Legislature site, www.leg.wa.gov.  If you have additional questions, contact the tribal liaison at 509-335-8618, or the Registrar's Office at 509-335-4766 or www.registrar.wsu.edu.

• Part-time work.

If you plan to work to help pay for your education, check out the part-time job postings at  the JobX! Student Employment Center and Temporary Employment Website or by calling them at 509-335-2546. 

• Graduate tuition fee waiver/assistantships.

Each year, Washington State University academic departments award graduate assistantships and tuition fee waivers to a number of graduate students.  The tuition fee waiver is considered a resource when the Office of Student Financial Aid determines eligibility for other financial aid programs and may reduce loan previously awarded.

To ensure that financial aid award notifications are correct, you should notify the Office of Student Financial Aid if your department has granted you a tuition fee waiver.  If our office is notified after the first disbursement of loan funds, your loans may be reduced accordingly, and funds already delivered may be returned to your lender.

• The Office of Grant and Research Development (OGRD).

This office can help you in your search for graduate-study financial support.  You can reach the OGRD at 509-335-9661 or  www.ogrd.wsu.edu.

SAP - Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal financial aid regulations require that recipients of federal and state aid make satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward the completion of a degree. This means that the Office of Student Financial Aid will monitor your academic progress each term and notify you of any deficiencies that could jeopardize receipt of future financial aid.

When you accept financial aid, you also accept responsibility for making satisfactory academic progress.  This section is designed to help you understand the requirements for satisfactory academic progress associated with the receipt of financial assistance.  Please read this information carefully.  You are responsible for understanding these requirements.

If you have questions regarding the requirements outlined here, contact our office at  509-335-9711 or send us a email at:  finaid.wsu.edu.

The SAP requirements are standards you are expected to maintain to continue receiving financial aid.

Credit hour requirements.

• If you are enrolled full time (12 or more credit hours), you must complete at least 12 credit hours in that term
• If you are enrolled three-quarter time (9-11 credit hours), you must complete at least 9 credit hours in that term.
• If you are enrolled half time (6-8 credit hours), you must complete at least 6 credit hours in that term.
• If you are repeating a course that you previous passed (D- or better), the credits will not count as completed for the second enrollment.
• If you are enrolled in less than 6 credits, all courses must be completed with that term

GPA requirements.

• .To make satisfactory academic progress, you must earn at least a cumulative 2.0 grade-point average (GPA) for each term of enrollment.
• Grades of A, B, C, D, S, or Pass are acceptable.
• Grades of F, W,  X,  Audit, or I are NOT acceptable and may cause you to be put on probationary status or lose you eligibility for financial aid.

Maximum time frame.

• You may receive financial aid for up to six full-time years to obtain your undergraduate degree at Washington State University.  Credit hours transferred from other institutions will count toward your maximum time frame.
• Part-time enrollment (less than 12 credits) will be counted as one-half or three-fourths of one term.  For example, at the end of your first year, you should have at least 24 credit hours completed and at the end of your second year, at least 48 credit hours completed.  Part-time students will be expected to complete a minimum number of credit hours for each term of enrollment.  All terms of enrollment at Washington State University will count toward the maximum time frame, even if no financial aid was received.  Summer enrollment is also counted in this time frame.

Second bachelor's degree students.

• If you are obtaining your second bachelor's degree (you are classified as a 5B student), you are eligible for financial aid for three full-time years at Washington State University.  You must maintain at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA in each term you are enrolled.

Limits and restrictions.

• Not-for-credit classes (such as Math 91, Math 92, Math 99, Math 100, Math 101, and English 103) do not count toward the minimum credit hours completed for the term.
• Repeated courses only will be counted if a grade of "F" or "W" was received during the first term of enrollment.  If you are repeating a course in which an "I" or "X" was received, your funding will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Repeated courses with passing grades (D- or better) will be counted only once in the calculation of minimum hours completed.

Probation and denial.

If you fail to make satisfactory progress during any term, you will be placed on probation or have your aid denied.

Probation.

Probationary status occurs when you fail to complete the minimum number of hours required based on your individual enrollment or you have a term GPA less than 2.0 after one term of enrollment.  You are allowed one probationary term to complete the minimum credit hours and/or 2.0 term GPA.

Denial

Denial of financial aid funds occurs when:

• You fail to complete at least 50 percent of the minimum number of hours required based on your individual enrollment.
• You have less than a 2.0 term GPA at the end of the second term of enrollment.
• You have less than a 2.0 cumulative GPA for any term of enrollment.
• You fail to complete the number of enrolled credits during your probationary period.

SAP appeal procedure.

• If circumstances beyond your control--such as prolonged serious illness or an accident--exist and can be documented, an appeal for reinstatement of financial aid may be filed.  Appeal forms and instructions will be mailed to you and are also available on the web.
• The Financial Aid SAP Appeals Committee will review all requests for reinstatement, and you will be notified in writing of the decision.  If the written appeal is denied, you have the opportunity to schedule an appointment directly with the committee.
• Students who fail two consecutive SAP contract must file a written appeal AND schedule an interview with the SAP Appeals Committee.
• Students who fail three contracts are not eligible to file an appeal until they are in compliance with the SAP policy or have made progress on their own. 
• All decisions of the SAP Appeals Committee are final.

Reinstatement/contracts.

• If your appeal is approved, the SAP Appeals Committee will develop an individualized contract.  The contract will help you make satisfactory academic progress and clear deficiencies.
• Failure to meet contract term will result in the denial of further financial aid until you can make satisfactory academic progress without the assistance of financial aid funds.  If you have been offered or received financial aid funds prior to this denial, they will be withdrawn.
• Reinstatement by Student Advising and Learning Center is not the same as reinstatement by the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Financial Aid for Distance 
Degree Programs Students

If you are a Distance Degree Programs student and have questions after reviewing this information, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid Assistance for assistance.

Meeting enrollment requirements.

If you are planning on enrolling less than full-time (12 credits undergraduate, 10 credits graduate/professional), you must notify the Office of Student Financial Aid in writing or by completing the Fall/Spring Enrollment Verification form. You must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits undergraduate, 5 credits graduate/professional) to be eligible to receive financial aid. Your aid may be reduced if you enroll less than full-time.  

The combinations of correspondence (flexible enrollment) and video-based semester courses can influence your ability to meet certain financial aid requirements. Taking more flexible enrollment credits than semester credits may affect your financial aid eligibility. Enrolling in only flexible enrollment credits will limit your financial aid eligibility to tuition and book costs; you will not be eligible to receive aid for living expenses. Call the Office of Student Financial Aid if you have questions about how your course schedule may affect your aid.

Taking flexible enrollment courses.

For financial aid satisfactory academic progress (SAP) purposes, you must complete flexible enrollment courses by the end of the term in which you registered.  This is true even though the course schedules allow up to a two terms for completion.  If you do not complete flexible enrollment courses within the term of registration, you may be considered deficient.  For more information on this issue, refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress policies covered previously.

Adding or dropping courses.

If you add or drop courses from  your original enrollment before the beginning of the term, your cost of attendance will change accordingly.  This could result in a change to your financial aid eligibility.  Work closely with your advisor to plan your course work for each term.  In addition, you must complete those courses in which you are enrolled on the tenth day of the term.  Any courses that you do not complete satisfactorily will be counted as deficient credits when the University monitors your satisfactory academic progress.

Achieving Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

SAP is assessed on a term-by-term basis. Assessment for each term takes place at the end of each term; all course work must be completed and received by the end of the term to remain in good SAP standing. If you delay finishing course work until after the term has ended, you may be placed on SAP “probation” or “denial” status for financial aid and delay delivery of future aid. Please refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress policies covered previously.

Buying books.

Financial aid cannot be released to your University account before the first day of each term.  You should make alternative plans to purchase textbooks and other course materials in advance of term start dates so you can start work on your courses as soon as the term begins.

Payment Methods and Consequences of Withdrawal

Five ways to pay.

You may utilize any of the methods of payment listed below. 

• On the internet.

  The University strongly recommends that you pay online with an electronic check.  You may also use your Visa or MasterCard online.  Go here and follow the instructions.

  By mail.

Do not send cash.  Include your student ID number with your payment.  Payment must be received (not just postmarked) at the Cashier's Office by the published due dates. 

• In person.

Pay by check, cashier's check, money order, personal check, or credit card at the Cashier's Office.  Bring your student ID number. (The billing statement is not required.) If you want to pay a specific charge on your account, inform the cashier at the time of payment.

• In the drop slots.

Do not pay cash.  Drop slots are located near the Cashier's Office windows at the Pullman campus.  If you are attending a WSU campus other than Pullman, please contact your local Cashier's Office to learn the location of their drop slots. Include your student ID number with your payment. 

• By third-party (sponsored) billings..

The University Receivables Office may bill your sponsor directly.  Your sponsor must contact that office each semester prior to the start of classes.  Any charges not paid by the sponsor remain your responsibility.

University Cashier's Office
Washington State University
In person:  240 French Administration Building
By mail:  PO Box 641027, Pullman WA  99164-1027

Returned-check handling fees.  When checks written for your student account are returned by the bank to Washington State University for any reason, a $30 unpaid check charge will be applied to your account.  If the check originally had been written to pay for tuition, it will be considered as a non-payment; late fees and disenrollment fees may apply.

Forms You Should Complete To help the University accommodate your financial preferences, please complete the necessary authorization forms located at: www.wsu.edu/studacct/pdfforms.htm.

Withdrawal and Disenrollment

If you withdraw from Washington State University after contacting the Office of Student Affairs or are disenrolled for nonpayment of tuition, the Office of Student Financial Aid will perform a return of Title IV funds calculation to determine if you need to return all or any portion of the aid you received.  Each calculation varies based on your individual cost and award information.  For additional information, and to view the worksheet used in the return of Title IV funds calculation, go here:  

• If you must pay back funds received, the amount is prorated based on the percentage of days you have completed in the academic term, up to 60 percent.  If you have completed 60 percent of the semester or more, no calculation is performed; the University retains 100 percent of your tuition and fees.  You may also be assessed a withdrawal fee.

• If you are found to be eligible for funds you haven't yet received, you will be notified in writing by the Office of Student Financial Aid within 14 days of your withdrawal.  You must notify the office in writing of your decision to receive those funds, which will increase your loan indebtedness.

• If loan proceeds are returned to your lender as a result of your withdrawal, you will be notified of the returned loan amount.  The University will notify your lender of your change in enrollment status.  Contact your lender or loan-servicing agency to discuss repayment terms and options.

• Withdrawal or disenrollment will affect your satisfactory academic progress.  If you withdraw you become ineligible for financial aid.  If you withdraw after the tenth day of classes, you will be held accountable to satisfactory academic progress policies.

• If you fail all your classes, or if you fail to complete all your classes, you must verify the last date you attended class.  This verification can be in the form of graded papers, letters, or emails from professors confirming your last date of attendance in class or at a class-related activity.  Failure to provide proof of attendance may result in you repaying part or all of Title IV financial aid received during that semester.  The Department of Education requires that schools monitor a student's attendance for the purpose of calculating whether a return of Title IV funds is required.

• If you are a scholarship recipient, your scholarship donor(s) will determine if all or part of the funds should be returned to them.

Plan Ahead for Next Year!

Go here for Dates and Deadlines

Online Resources

FAFSA

These federal and state programs offer part-time jobs to needy student to help pay tuition and other educational expenses.  

• www.fafsa.edu.gov

You can complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA online for the coming academic year.  This site provides instructions and helpful answers to frequently asked questions.  You may complete an original FAFSA online but you will need your federal issued PIN number to gain online access to your Renewal FAFSA and/or to sign the application electronically.  Parents (or spouse, if married) should also apply for a PIN to sign their part of the FAFSA electronically.  To apply for a PIN number go here.

• www.finaid.org

This site contains scholarship search information, answers to questions about the FAFSA, calculators for estimating family contributions, information about loan programs, and other related topics.

Student Financial Assistance

• www.ed.gov/studentaid

This site offers help for every stage of the financial aid process.  Federal Student Financial Assistance programs are the largest source of student aid in the United States, providing more than $40 billion a year in grants, loans, and work-study assistance.  The U.S. Department of Education supplies the information on this site.

Student Financial Aid Ombudsman

• www.sfahelp.ed.gov

You have a right to contact the ombudsman to resolve issues related to student loans.  You can also reach the ombudsman by phone at 877-557-2575.

Student Right to Know

• www.finaid.wsu.edu/righttoknow.htm

Visit this site for information about Washington State University's safety, graduation rates, and other statistics.

Release of Information

You may download the authorization to release financial information form from here.

You must present a picture ID when seeking information in person about your financial aid awards at these offices.

The staff of University Receivables/Student Accounts will not release your student education records, including billing charges, to a third party (including parents) without your written request.

Washington State University subscribes to the principles and laws of the state of Washington and the federal government, including applicable Executive Orders pertaining to civil rights, equal opportunity, and affirmative action.  Washington State University policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical, mental, sensory disability or use of a trained guide dog or service animal, marital status, sexual orientation, and status as a Vietnam-era or disabled veteran in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment, employment, and retention of faculty and staff, and the operation of all university programs, activities, and services.  Evidence of practices that are inconsistent with this policy should be reported to the Director of the Center for Human Rights, 225 French Administration Building, 509-335-8288, to the Washington State Human Rights Commission, 206-753-6770, or to the United States Office of Civil Rights, 202-245-6403.  Alternate formats (for example, large print, Braille, cassette tapes) of this and any other Office of Admissions publication will be made available upon request for persons with disabilities.  Please contact the Office of Admissions, 509-335-5586.