An Overview of Financial Aid at WIU
Western Illinois University (WIU) is committed to making education accessible and affordable for all students. The university offers a wide range of financial aid programs to help students and families cover the costs of college. For the 2023-2024 academic year, WIU awarded over $115 million in financial aid to over 13,000 students.
Types of Financial Aid Available at WIU
WIU offers a variety of financial aid programs, including:
- Grants: Free money that does not have to be repaid.
- Scholarships: Free money that is awarded based on academic merit, athletic ability, or other criteria.
- Loans: Money that must be repaid with interest.
- Work-study: A program that allows students to earn money to help pay for college expenses.
How to Apply for Financial Aid at WIU
To apply for financial aid at WIU, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at fafsa.ed.gov. WIU’s school code is 001902.
Tips for Maximizing Your Financial Aid Award
There are a few things you can do to maximize your financial aid award:
- Apply for financial aid early. The FAFSA is available to be completed on October 1st.
- Complete the FAFSA accurately and completely.
- Explore all of your financial aid options.
- Appeal your financial aid award if you feel that it is not fair.
- Maintain good academic standing.
- File your taxes. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool can be used to transfer your tax information into your FAFSA.
- Retain all documents. If selected for verification, you will need to submit supporting documents to prove your information.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Financial Aid
There are also a few common mistakes that you should avoid when applying for financial aid:
- Don’t wait until the last minute to apply. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to receive financial aid.
- Don’t guess on the FAFSA. If you’re not sure about something, ask for help.
- Don’t be afraid to appeal your financial aid award. If you feel that your award is not fair, you can appeal it.
- Don’t give up on financial aid. If you don’t get financial aid the first time you apply, don’t give up. You can reapply the next year.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about financial aid at WIU, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.
- Website: wiu.edu/sfa
- Phone: (309) 298-2446
- Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions about financial aid at WIU
-
What is the deadline to apply for financial aid?
– The priority deadline to apply for financial aid is March 1st. However, you can apply for financial aid after this date. -
What is the average financial aid award at WIU?
– The average financial aid award at WIU is $10,000. -
What types of financial aid are available at WIU?
– WIU offers a variety of financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. -
How do I apply for financial aid at WIU?
– To apply for financial aid at WIU, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). -
What is the FAFSA?
– The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is a form that you must complete to apply for federal financial aid. -
Where can I get help with the FAFSA?
– You can get help with the FAFSA from your high school counselor, college financial aid office, or a community-based organization.
Helpful Resources
Conclusion
Financial aid can help make college affordable for everyone. If you’re planning to attend WIU, be sure to explore all of your financial aid options. With careful planning, you can make your dream of a college education a reality.
Keywords
- Financial aid
- WIU
- Western Illinois University
- FAFSA
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Loans
- Work-study
