Six easy steps to making college more affordable
The Steps to Applying for Financial Aid
Financial aid can make the already affordable tuition at WGU even easier on your pocketbook. In fact, with financial aid, you should be able to finish your degree without worry about large education debts for years to come.
The financial aid application process is detailed in the steps below. You should expect to spend approximately one and a half hours to complete the detailed process. You can also review the
WGU Financial Aid Instructions in PDF.
Step 1: Applying for admission.
In order to use the financial aid application website, you need to have already completed an application for admission to WGU. If you haven’t done so already, apply now.
The below steps are to be completed on the
online financial aid application.
Step 2: Apply for a PIN (Personal Identification Number) with the Department of
Education.
You will use this PIN to "electronically sign" the FAFSA and other necessary
verification forms.
Step 3: Complete the FAFSA online.
The FAFSA is a federal form you will be required to complete to qualify for most
student financial aid. A FAFSA must be submitted if you want to apply for state
and federal financial aid. Note: You can complete the
FAFSA online independent of the
online financial aid application, but it is recommended you use WGU’s
Financial Aid process.
Step 4: Complete the Master Promissory Note.
The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document that opens a line of credit for your educational expenses
during your academic career. When you sign this MPN, you promise to repay any student
loans you receive. The note also contains important language about your rights and responsibilities as a borrower.
NOTE: The MPN only applies if you receive funds, but it must be signed before an aid award is made. This is a federal aid requirement. If you never obtain aid, however, the MPN does not by itself create an obligation on your part.
Step 5: Complete Entrance Loan Counseling.
This step is required to ensure you understand your financial obligations.
Click here for a brief review of your WGU financial obligations.
Step 6: Receive Your Award Letter from WGU.
Your award letter will indicate the grants and loans for which you are eligible.
Your Enrollment Counselor can tell you more about
what to expect.
Financial Aid Application Deadline:
For new students, the deadline for completing the financial aid process is the 25th
of the month prior to your intended program start date. This deadline also includes
submission and approval of any additional required documents by the Financial Aid
Office. Failure to complete the process or submit the required documents will result
in a delay of funding and may affect your start date.
Answers to your questions
Click a question, see the answer below.
- What can I use financial aid for?
- Who can answer my financial aid questions?
What can I use financial aid for?
As a WGU student, you can use financial aid to pay for tuition, fees, books, other
school-related supplies, technology needed for online study, and other expenses. The "technology needed" can include a new computer, internet
service fees, and software.
Your financial aid cannot be used to pay your application fee.
Who can answer my financial aid questions?
Speak to an Enrollment Counselor who can answer most of your basic financial aid questions. The WGU Financial Aid Office can answer more specific questions about your personal situation once you have completed the WGU Financial Aid Application. The Financial Aid Office can be reached:
finaid@wgu.edu
1-877-435-7948 ext. 3104
