Your financial obligations
Tuition and Fees
It is your responsibility as a student to make the necessary arrangements to pay
your tuition obligations by the stated deadlines. If you are an incoming student,
your program start date can be delayed if you do not meet the 25th deadline.
Click here to learn more about tuition and
fees
Click here to read more about WGU’s
financial policy
Student Loans
The most important word here is "loan." If you accept federal financial
aid in the form either a subsidized or unsubsidized Federal Family Education loan,
it is a loan. You will be required to repay this loan once you have completed your
degree program. Even if you withdraw from WGU, you most likely will be required to pay back all
or of some of the aid you receive. Before you apply for aid, consider how you plan
to repay the loans. Interest rates are currently modest, and repayment terms are reasonable. But you must be prepared to repay it whether you graduate or
not.
Click here to learn more about financial aid.
Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions
Will I qualify for aid?
Most WGU students qualify for at least one type of federal aid. To be eligible for
aid, you must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen with a valid Social Security
Number who possesses a high school diploma, GED, or its equivalent. If you are a
male, you must also be registered with the Selective Service. In addition, you may
not be in default on a previous student loan or owe an overpayment on a grant.
The amount of financial aid you are eligible to receive will be based on:
- Your FAFSA results.
- The amount of financial aid available.
- Distribution formulas based on university, state, and federal guidelines.
- Other college, university, state, and federal criteria.
How is aid calculated?
The amount of financial aid you can receive is based on how much you need for educational
costs, which include tuition, fees, books and supplies, technology, qualified travel,
room and board, and other expenses. The following formula is used to calculate your
need:
Financial Need = Cost of Attendance – Expected Family Contribution
The cost of attendance (COA), which is estimated by WGU, takes into account your
WGU tuition and typical cost of books or other materials, travel, technology, and
other expenses. The expected family contribution (EFC) is determined by the
FAFSA process. The lower your EFC, the more aid you are likely to receive.
Click here to see financial aid calculation examples.
When am I going to get my award letter?
Your award letter states the loans and grants for which you are eligible. You should
receive this letter via email from the Financial Aid Office within 2 to 4 weeks
of completing the financial
aid application process. WGU is responsible for disbursing your aid. We
will "draw down" the available funds for tuition and fees within 4 to
6 weeks after you begin your program. Any excess funds are paid directly to you
for books, supplies, computer technology, and other expenses. If you do not have
enough financial aid funds to cover your tuition and fees, you will be notified
by the Bursar.
What if I need to take several months off from my studies? Do I have to begin paying
back my loans?
You may take time off for up to five months at the end of any six-month term by
submitting a written request. You have a six-month grace period before your loan
goes into repayment. If you re-enroll within 180 days, you will not use your one-time
six-month grace period. You may start a new term on the first day of any calendar
month.
What’s the difference between a "dependent" and "independent"
student?
A dependent student is one who is required to use parental information on the FAFSA. Independent students use only their
own financial information.
What if I lose my job or incur major medical expenses? Can I get my financial aid
award amount increased?
There is a possibility that you may be able to appeal your award if you have special
circumstances. Appeals for special circumstances are reviewed by a professional
loan counselor. All appeals must be fully documented in order to meet federal audit
requirements. Approval may mean a change in the type of funds awarded and not an
increase in aid. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office via email
at finaid@wgu.edu.
What is considered "satisfactory" academic progress?
Satisfactory academic progress is a federal government requirement. In order to
remain eligible for financial aid, you must be progressing toward your degree at
a reasonable rate. At WGU, your progress will be monitored by your mentor, who will
make sure you are completing WGU competency units on time and are otherwise moving
through your WGU Academic Action Plan appropriately. Your mentor will conduct a
satisfactory academic progress review every six months, in addition to normal advising
and monitoring. Please review the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy in the More Information about Financial Aid
section of the website.
What if I decide to quit working toward my degree?
When you withdraw from WGU or drop below full-time status, you may be required to repay
part of a Pell Grant received. See the
Return of Title IV Funds policy for more information. If you borrowed a
student loan, you will enter repayment (just as you would when you graduate). That
means that your six-month grace period begins. You must make your first payment
on your loan(s) at the end of the grace period. Remember, if you received an unsubsidized
loan, you will be charged interest during the grace period.
Under certain, limited circumstances, you can receive a deferment or forbearance
on your loan. A deferment allows you to temporarily postpone payment if, for instance,
you are unable to find full-time employment, return to college, or experience economic
hardship. If you are not eligible for a deferment, you may receive a forbearance.
During forbearance, your payments are postponed or reduced.
