Eligibility requirements

The financial aid program at West Chester University provides financial assistance and counseling to students who can benefit from further education, but who cannot obtain it without such assistance. Financial aid consists of gift aid in the form of scholarships or grants, and self-help aid in the form of employment or loans. The main responsibility for meeting educational expenses rests with students and their families. Financial aid is a supplement to family contribution and is to be used for educational expenses.

Eligibility for financial aid, with the exception of some private scholarships and the Parent Loan Program, is based on demonstrated financial need. Family income, assets, and family size influence a student's demonstrated financial need.

All documents, correspondence, and conversations among the applicants, their families, and the Office of Financial Aid are confidential and entitled to the protection ordinarily arising from a counseling relationship.

To receive financial aid, the student must:

1. Be accepted for admission as a degree student enrolling at West Chester University, or, in the case of a student already attending the University, be enrolled and making satisfactory academic progress as a degree student. See the Office of Financial Aid for a more detailed explanation of this requirement.

2. Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before March 1 by submitting the paper version of the FAFSA, a renewal paper FAFSA or by completing the application on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Students interested in addition to grants (loans and work) should indicate their interest by their response to question #26 on the FAFSA.  Students interested in student employment must also complete a WCU Student Employment Application. 

3. Submit any other requested documentation concerning financial and family circumstances that may be requested by the Office of Financial Aid, or any agency that administers financial assistance programs, in a complete and prompt manner.

The Office of Financial Aid follows the regulations established by federal and state agencies in awarding and disbursing aid.

Students must reapply for financial aid each academic year.