Financial Aid: Getting it & Keeping it 

Financial Aid: Eligibility Requirements and the Application Process

Financial Aid includes grants, scholarships and loans for educational purposes. General eligibility requirements can be reviewed on the Federal Student Aid website.

Eligibility is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student  Aid at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. 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. 

One of the most common questions we receive is regarding financial aid eligibility for online learning courses. Online courses are treated the same as face-to-face courses. Meaning, if your application is approved, you may elect to take web, on demand or face-to-face courses. Online courses through on demand require same semester completion and an on demand agreement.

Here are a few basics to keep in mind:

• You must be classified as a degree-seeking student to qualify for financial aid. 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. For additional information on certificate eligibility, please email fa.questions@wku.edu. Certificates may also be earned in conjunction with your associate or bachelor degree. In these cases, financial aid awards are 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. Access the complete SAP Policy here. 

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Veterans and Active Military

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. To learn more, visit wku.edu/veteran or email va.questions@wku.edu. 

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Helpful Resources

• Financial Aid 101, developed by WKU's Office of Student Financial Assistance, provides information on the application process, and the different types of loans, grants and scholarships available. More information is available here.  
• Student Financial Assistance | Email: fa.questions@wku.edu | Phone: (270) 745-2755 | Website: wku.edu/financialaid
• Student Aid: Types, who qualifies and how to apply: studentaid.ed.gov
• Student Resource Portal

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