Financial Aid: Getting it and Keeping

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Financial Aid, as it applies to graduate students, includes scholarships and educational loans. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements. General eligibility requirements can be reviewed on the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.ed.gov/eligibility/basic-criteria. Here are a few basics to keep in mind:

• Your eligibility is determined through an application process. So, your first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Even if you doubt your eligibility, apply. Approximately 90% of those who apply qualify for some form of aid. A step-by-step guide through the application process can be found here.
• Distance learning courses are treated the same as face-to-face courses. If your application is approved, you may elect to take web, on demand or face-to-face courses. Distance courses through On Demand require same semester completion and an On Demand Agreement.
• You must be classified as a degree-seeking student to qualify. 
• Certificate Program Eligibility:  As a general rule, if you are seeking a graduate certificate (certificate only; no degree), the program must require at least 8 credit hours, 10 weeks of instruction and be clearly tied to a profession. For additional information on certificate eligibility, please email fa.questions@wku.edu. Certificates may also be earned in conjunction with your master's degree, allowing you to earn two credentials at the same time.  
• If you are pursuing a certificate in conjunction with your master's program, please contact The Graduate School to ensure your master's program is listed as your primary program of study.  Financial aid will be awarded based on the primary degree listed.
• You must be registered at least half-time to receive aid (4.5 credit hours for grad students).
• The WKU School Code for the FAFSA application is 002002.

Helpful Resources

• The Graduate School at WKU can provide you with information on graduate assistantships, the minority assistantship program (MAP), international student scholarships, research grants, travel grants and senior citizen discounts. Visit wku.edu/graduate/aid/ or call 270-745-2446 to learn more.
• WKU Student Financial Assistance | Email: fa.questions@wku.edu | Phone: 270-745-2755 | Website: wku.edu/financialaid
• FAFSA Worksheets, Tips and Pointers: studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa/filling-out
• Student Aid: Types, who qualifies and how to apply: studentaid.ed.gov
• Scholarships: How to find them, how to apply, and types of scholarships: https://studentaid.ed.gov/types/grants-scholarships/finding-scholarships
• Veterans and Active Military: wku.edu/veteran/  or email va.questions@wku.edu.

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