Types of Financial Aid
Current & Prospective students are encouraged to apply early, using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Completing the FAFSA will determine an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) that will be used by Financial Aid to award eligible students Federal Grants, State Grants & Student Loans
- Students must be in an Eligible Program (Active, Prep, & Wail List) to receive Federal Grants, State Grants, & Student Loans
TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID
FEDERAL PELL GRANT (PELL 1 & PELL 2)
Generally awarded to students with exceptional financial need who have not earned a bachelor's or graduate degree. The Pell Grant is used to provide the "base" for student's financial aid package. The maximum amount varies from year to year dependent on published Department of Education payment schedules. Pell Grants do not have to be repaid.
Pell 2 requires a minimum of 6 credits. If students who have been awarded Pell 2 fall below 6 credits as of the Date of Record (10th day of each semester), the entire amount of the Pell 2 award will be cancelled. Always contact the Financial Aid Office before dropping classes to determine the effect on your award(s).
The amount of this grant is determined by the Federal Pell grant Expected Family Contribution Number AND the student's enrollment status:
| 12 credits & above | Full time | 100% of award |
| 9-11 credits | Three Quarter time | 75% of award |
| 6-8 credits | Half time | 50% of award |
| Under 6 credits | Half time | 25% of award |
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
SEOG is available to students who have a zero Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). Students must also be enrolled at least half time (6 credits) to be eligible for this grant. These funds are limited and students are encouraged to apply early.
Wisconsin Higher Education Grant (WHEG)
Wisconsin Higher Education Grant (WHEG) is available to students who are Wisconsin residents and enrolled at least half time (6 credits). This grant is based on financial need. Eligibility cannot exceed ten semesters. These funds are limited and students are encouraged to apply early.
Minority Retention Grant Program
Minority Retention Grant Program is available to minority students who are Wisconsin residents in the second year of a two-year program, maintain a 2.0 grade point average, and meet the financial need criteria. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits. Eligibility cannot exceed ten semesters. Minority status is determined by the data on our system. These funds are limited and students are encouraged to apply early.
Talent Incentive Program (TIP)
Talent Incentive Program (TIP) is designed for first-time students who are economically and/or academically disadvantaged. Students who feel they may qualify for this additional funding may contact the Eau Claire office of the Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Center at 715.836.3171 for further information. This grant is based on financial need. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits. Eligibility cannot exceed ten semesters. These funds are limited and students are encouraged to apply early.
Wisconsin Hearing & Visually Handicapped Student Grant
Wisconsin Hearing & Visually Handicapped Student Grant is available to Wisconsin residents who are hearing or visually impaired and who also demonstrate financial need. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits. Eligibility cannot exceed ten semesters. Applications are available online at www.heab.state.wi.us/programs.html
Native American Grants (BIA, WIG)
- Wisconsin Indian Grants (WIG) is available to Wisconsin residents who are at least 25% Native American (certification for degree of Indian blood required). Awards are based on financial need. Students must be enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits. Eligibility cannot exceed ten semesters. These funds are limited and students are encouraged to apply early.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Students must complete a separate Indian Scholarship Application which is obtained from their tribal education office for the purpose of certifying the student's degree of Indian blood.
Federal College Work Study (CWS)
Federal College Work Study (CWS) provides jobs to students with financial need allowing them to earn money to help pay for educational expenses. On-campus positions are available, as well as off-campus community service positions. CWS students must have a minimum of 6 credits to qualify to work under this program. If you are eligible for CWS you can earn up to the amount listed on your award letter or until Western's total College Work-Study allocation is exhausted. CWS students are paid on a bi-monthly basis, based on the number of hours worked. The rate of pay is $7.70/hour. Students may not work more than 10 hours per week unless they are employed during the summer (July-August) in which they can work up to 30 hours per week. (Students enrolled in summer credit classes are not eligible to work under the Summer Work-study program.) This money is earned and paid to the student, not deducted from the student's Western account. Current open work Study positions are list here. These funds are limited and students are encouraged to apply early.
Scholarships
Scholarships can be based on merit, financial need, or other criteria. Scholarship applications for the Western Foundation scholarships become available in August (for current students) and again in January (for current high school students or new students). Scholarship website
Federal Student Loans
Stafford Loans - Available to students that are enrolled for six or more credits
Western will continue processing loans through the current FFEL loan program until the Summer 2010 Semester. Students interested in receiving student loans during the Summer 2010 Semester are encouraged to complete the Financial Aid Process as soon as possible. Starting with the Summer 2010 Semester, all federal student loans will be processed through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. For information on this loan program switch, please visit Western's Student Loan Center.
The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program enables eligible students and parents to borrow from the U.S. Dept. of Education instead of from a bank or other lending institution. This allows borrowers to work with a single entity, through its Direct Loan Servicing Center, when repaying loans or dealing with loan-related issues. Repayment of the principal amount does not begin until six (6) months after you graduate, withdraw, or drop below half-time status.
- A Subsidized Stafford Loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. The federal government pays the borrower's accrued interest during certain periods, such as when the student is in school.
- An Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is NOT need based. You will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full.
An excellent repayment calculator is located here.
PLUS Loans
PLUS Loans enable parents with good credit histories to borrow for the educational expenses of each child who is a dependent student. The maximum amount of this loan is equal to the student's cost of attendance (COA) minus any other financial aid received by the student. Students whose parents are denied a PLUS loan could be eligible to borrow an additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.
- An enrollment status of half-time (6 credits) is required for PLUS loans. If you drop below half-time or terminate your enrollment, you will not be eligible to receive your loan disbursement
- Any applicable loan fees are deducted directly from the gross amount of the loan
