Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements and the Application Process

Federal Financial Aid includes grants, loans and scholarships. Qualifying is easy, and is not dependent on your credit score. General eligibility requirements can be reviewed on the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov. Here are a few basics to keep in mind:

• 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. Once 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. Degree seeking normally refers to an  associate, baccalaureate or master degree. However, some stand-alone certificates are also eligible.
• Certificate Program Eligibility:  As a general rule, if you are seeking an undergraduate certificate (certificate only; no degree), the program must require at least 16 credit hours, 15 weeks of instruction and be clearly tied to a profession. 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.help@wku.edu. Certificates may also be earned in conjunction with degrees at the associate, baccalaureate and master levels. Degree seeking students at the associate, bachelor and master levels will be awarded financial aid based on the primary degree listed.
• You must be registered at least half-time to receive aid (6 credit hours for undergrad students; 4.5 credit hours for grad students).
• You must meet federal and state regulations regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to remain eligible. The complete SAP Policy is available at wku.edu/financialaid/sap.php.
• The WKU School Code for the FAFSA application is 002002.

Your FAFSA application provides an opportunity for you to apply for certain federal scholarships; however, there are also private scholarships available that require a separate application process. You can search for scholarships that fit your major, life situation, academic performance, professional goals, etc. through TopDollar, WKU's scholarship portal. 

Additional information on WKU scholarships for military personnel, transfer students and others, is available at wku.edu/scholarship/.

Credit by exam through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP)  is both cost-effective and time-efficient. Study guides are available for $25 and has prep materials for all CLEP exams given at WKU. Practice tests, study guides and tutorials are also available for free online at https://clep.collegeboard.org/. Additional information is available at registerblast.com/wku/Home/Tab/69/1#clep. 

WKU is a military friendly school. Veterans and active military are required to file additional forms for military tuition assistance. The Office of Veterans Affairs unit that helps ensure all appropriate information is on file. For additional information visit wku.edu/veteran/ or email va.questions@wku.edu. 

• WKU Student Financial Assistance | Email: fa.help@wku.edu | Phone: 270-745-2755 | Website: wku.edu/financialaid
• Guide to Financial Aid: finaid.org
• FAFSA Worksheets, Tips and Pointers: studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/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: studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/scholarships
• WKU Online's article on filing early to reduce long-term debt: wkuonline.wordpress.com/2015/01/13/one-simple-step-to-reduce-your-college-debt/.