Applying for Financial Aid | Federal Financial Aid | Western Governors University Online

Seven 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 and Paying the Application Fee.

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 through the MyWGU Student Portal. The Financial Aid tab in the portal will provide you with the information and specific links to completing all of the necessary steps for the application as identified below.

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 (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) 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 access the FAFSA through the links in the MyWGU Student Portal.

Step 4: Complete the Master Promissory Note.

This 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 your student loans. The note also contains important language about your rights and responsibilities as a borrower.

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: Complete any other Financial Aid documentation as required.

Before a final decision is made about your financial aid award, additional documentation and verification may be required of you. You will be notified of these additional steps by the WGU Financial Aid Office as well as in your Financial Aid tab on the MyWGU Student Portal.

Step 7: Receive Your Award Letter from WGU and Accept Your Financial Aid Award.

You will receive a Financial Aid Award Letter that will indicate the grants and loans for which you are eligible. You should allow 2-3 weeks for processing your application (after all required documentation is received) to receive your award letter.

Once your award letter is received, you will need to officially accept your financial aid award and agree to the terms and conditions associated with it. These steps will be completed in the Financial Aid tab on the MyWGU Student Portal.

Financial Aid Application Deadline:

For new students, the deadline for completing the financial aid process is the 22nd 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.

If you have already applied for admission, click the button below. Go to the Financial Aid tab to see what’s required of you.

Answers to your questions
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What can I use financial aid for?
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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 personal living 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.