Families unable to meet the costs of a Walla Walla University education are encouraged to apply for financial aid from the government and the university. All financial aid applications are evaluated based on the government's standard analysis of need. This analysis determines how much each family can afford to pay for the university according to federal government guidelines. Financial aid recipients are then awarded aid packages which typically include a combination of scholarships, grants, low-interest loans, and student employment. Unless otherwise noted, all forms of financial assistance are disbursed one-third each quarter (fall, winter, and spring). The total amount of scholarships, grants, and subsidy (from all sources) which a student receives cannot exceed WWU's packaging budget in any given year. If the total does exceed the packaging budget, the award from WWU will be reduced.
In order to receive the maximum financial assistance available, students should plan their finances for the entire academic school year prior to registration and complete their financial aid file by April 30 prior to the school year.
Adding or dropping a class on or before the 10th day of the quarter may affect a student's financial aid package.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded for academic excellence, student leadership, and other accomplishments. They are not awarded based on need and do not have to be repaid. Even though it is recommended that students apply for financial aid, they are not required to do so in order to receive scholarships.
Grants
Grants Available for Undergraduate Students
Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need and do not have to be repaid. All students applying for financial aid are considered for these grants. If a separate application is required, eligible students are contacted and encouraged to apply.
Up to $7,395
per year
Renewable |
FEDERAL PELL GRANT. This program is made available to undergraduate students by the U.S. Department of Education. There is a lifetime limit of the equivalent of six years of grant.
|
Up to $2,400
per year
Renewable |
FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (FSEOG). This grant is made available to undergraduate students by the U.S. Department of Education. The student must be receiving a PELL Grant to be eligible. |
$324-9,739
per year
Renewable |
WASHINGTON COLLEGE GRANT. Recipients of this grant must have lived in Washington State for one full year prior to the first day of the quarter for which the grant is awarded. Parents of dependent students must also have residency.
There is a lifetime limit of the equivalent of five years of grant. |
Up to $6,061
per year
Renewable |
WASHINGTON STATE COLLEGE BOUND SCHOLARSHIP. The College Bound Scholarship program is an early commitment of Washington State financial aid to eligible students who sign up in middle school and fulfill the pledge. The application deadline is June 30 at the end of the student's 8th grade year. The program encourages students who might not consider college because of the cost to dream big and continue their education beyond high school. Students commit to: Graduate from a Washington high school or home school with a 2.0 GPA or higher, be a good citizen and not be convicted of a felony, and apply to an eligible college and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in a timely manner. |
Up to $900
per year
Renewable |
NPUC GRANT. This need-based grant for undergraduate students is funded by the North Pacific Union Conference (NPUC) and Walla Walla University. Because of funding limitations, students must complete their financial aid files by April 30 to be considered for this grant.
|
Variable
Renewable |
CLYDE AND MARY HARRIS GRANT. This grant is available to undergraduates from Pendleton, Oregon, who show financial need. In order to be considered for this grant, students must be accepted for admission or re-admission to WWU and must complete their financial aid files, both by June 30.
|
$4,870-9,739
per year
Renewable |
WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY THEOLOGY GRANT. This grant is awarded to students who, as a result of majoring in theology, are ineligible for the Washington State Need Grant. Students receiving this grant cannot receive the Out-of-Area Grant. |
Up to $15,000
per year
Renewable |
WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY GRANT. This grant is awarded to the students with need. Recipients are required to live in university housing or with
their parents during the period for which the grant is awarded. A
student who meets one of the following criteria may request a
housing-requirement waiver from the Office of Student Life: |
|
Student owns his or her own home or lives with parents at their primary residence in the community
Student has lived in current residence for two or more years and is at least 22 years old
Student meets the criteria of an independent student as defined on the FAFSA
Student lives with a full-time employee of WWU and monthly rent payments are $150 or less per month |
$500-1,500
Renewable |
LEWISTON / CLARKSTON / POMEROY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH GRANTS. These grants are for undergraduate members of these churches. To qualify for need-based grants of up to $1,000, recipients must complete their financial aid files by June 30. |
|
For grants of up to $500 for a GPA of 3.50 or better, new students must have their transcripts and achievement test scores on file at WWU and must be accepted for admission, both by June 30. If not enough money is available to fully fund all qualified students, the awards will be reduced proportionately.
|
| Students who believe they may be eligible for the following grants may apply for them as each description instructs. |
| Variable |
BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS GRANT. Students who have at least one-fourth American Indian or Inuit blood may obtain grant assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. For applications and additional information, contact:
Northwest Regional Office
Bureau of Indian Affairs
911 Northeast 11th Avenue
Portland, OR 97232-4169
Telephone: (503) 231-6702 |
Up to $3,000
Per year
Renewable |
CHURCH MATCH GRANT. When an undergraduate student's home church contributes to the student's educational expenses, Walla Walla University matches the first $3,000 from the church, provided:
The appropriation comes from local church funds.
Donations from the recipient's family are not included.
The student did not work for the church to earn the money.
No one donor gave more than 25% of the total.
The church pastor and treasurer complete and sign a request form, available online or from Student Financial Services.
The student shows financial need according to the U.S. government's formula for financial aid. |
|
Students wishing to receive this grant are responsible for asking their home churches to contribute. If a church is willing, Student Financial Services then works with the student, the home church, and the university to coordinate the matching of funds. Matching funds are only available during fall, winter, and spring quarters. Funds must be received by the end of the school year (no retroactive awards). |
|
Up to $23,600
Per year
Renewable
|
DACA GRANT PLAN.This grant provides qualified students up to $23,600 in scholarships and match grants from Walla Walla University, along with a clear plan to help cover remaining costs of a personalized financial plan each year.
To qualify for the plan, a new student:
- Will enroll fill time at WWU Fall 2023 or later.
- Should have a U.S. Social Security card so that they may work while attending WWU.
- Washington state residents must complete the Washington Application for Student Financial Aid (WASFA).
|
Grants Available for Graduate Students
Students registered for less than 12 hours will receive prorated grants and scholarships.
$2,600 per year
Renewable |
WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY MASTER'S IN SOCIAL WORK GRANT. This grant is awarded to students who show need through the financial aid application process. Funds are disbursed at the rate of $650 each quarter for fall, winter, spring, and summer. |
$4,000 per year
Renewable |
CHILD WELFARE TRAINING GRANT. For more information, contact the Social Work Department at (509) 527-2590. |
Low-Interest Loans
Included in almost all financial aid packages, loans allow students to attend the university while payments and interest are typically deferred until after graduation or withdrawal from school. By applying for financial aid and demonstrating need, a student may be considered for one or more of the following loans. These loans require a student to sign a master promissory note as well as complete entrance counseling. Most loans also require a loan disclosure document and a certification form. All of these can be completed online, although paper forms are available upon request.
|
Variable
renewable
|
FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM. This program allows a student to borrow directly from the U.S. Government. Repayment of the principal need not begin until six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time.
There are two kinds of Federal Direct Loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. The U.S. government pays the interest on a subsidized loan while the student is in school. On an unsubsidized loan, the student is responsible for the interest and may either make payments on the interest or have it added to the principal. Eligibility for the interest subsidy is determined by using the federal government's standard analysis of need. |
|
Category of Borrower |
Annual Subsidized Limits |
Combined Sub/Unsub Annual Limits |
Total Aggregate Limit |
|
Freshman |
$3,500 |
$5,500 |
$31,000* |
|
Sophomore |
4,500 |
6,500 |
31,000* |
|
Junior or Senior |
5,500 |
7,500 |
31,000* |
|
Graduate |
— |
20,500 |
138,500** |
|
*Dependent Undergraduate
**Includes Loans borrowed as an Undergraduate
In addition to the limits printed above, independent undergraduates may borrow additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans. The borrowing limit is $4,000 per year for freshmen and sophomores; $5,000 per year for juniors and seniors. Dependent undergraduate students have a total limit of $31,000; independent undergraduate students have a total limit of $57,500.
The interest rate for the Federal Direct Loans is determined by the federal government each year.
Loan origination fees are deducted from the loan amount before funds are issued to Walla Walla University.
Students sign a Master Promissory Note when they first borrow under this program. No further promissory note is required for any additional loans taken out during the next 10 years.
Borrowers must complete the Entrance Loan Counseling online.
Loan forgiveness may be available after making 120 on-time payments while working for a qualified government or non-profit employer. See studentaid.gov/PSLF |
Up to $5,000
per year
Renewable |
INSTITUTIONAL LOANS. These loans are provided through the generous gifts of friends of the university. Students eligible for a Nursing Student Loan are not eligible for these loans. Repayment begins six to nine months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least halftime. Repayment may be extended up to 10 years with an interest rate of 5%. A complete list of these loans is available at: loans.wallawalla.edu Choose "Review Loan Programs." |
Up to $8,588
per year
Renewable |
NURSING STUDENT LOAN. The federal government and Walla Walla University make this loan available to students admitted into the nursing program. Students may borrow up to $5,460 per year ($8,588 per year their last two years), but no more than a total of $26,928 during their entire undergraduate period of study.
Repayment of the Nursing Student Loan begins nine months after the borrower ceases to be at least a halftime nursing student. Repayment may be extended up to 10 years with an interest rate of 5%. Repayment may be deferred if the student enrolls for graduate nursing studies.
|
| Students are not automatically considered for the following loans. Applications and more information are available from Walla Walla University's student loan coordinator who can be reached in the Student Financial Services office. |
| Up to Cost of Education less other forms of Financial Aid |
LOANS TO PARENTS (FEDERAL PLUS). This program allows parents of dependent undergraduate students to borrow directly from the U.S. Government. Parents may borrow an amount equal to the total cost of attendance less other financial aid.
If a parent applies for a federal PLUS Loan and is denied, the student may borrow additional Unsubsidized Direct Loan funds as though they were an independent student ($4,000-$5,000 per year).
Repayment may begin within 60 days after full disbursement of loan funds. The interest rate for PLUS Loans is determined by the federal government each year. Loan Origination fees are deducted from the loan amount before funds are issued to Walla Walla University. Negative information reported to a credit bureau may disqualify a borrower from using this loan. |
| Up to Cost of Education less other forms of Financial Aid |
GRADUATE DIRECT PLUS LOANS. This loan program allows graduate students to borrow up to 100% of their total cost of education, minus other financial aid they have been awarded. The total amount can pay for tuition, books, food, housing, transportation, and more. Although interest accrues on the loan while they are in school, the borrower can defer payments while they are enrolled at least half-time. The interest rate for the Direct PLUS Loans is determined by the federal government each year. Loan origination fees are deducted from the loan amount before funds are issued to Walla Walla University. Negative information reported to a credit bureau may disqualify a borrower from using this loan. |
| Up to Cost of Education less other forms of Financial Aid |
PRIVATE LOANS. Several private lenders offer loans to students to assist with their education. Each lender sets their own terms for the loan. Lenders may require a borrower to have a co-signer before the loan is approved. |
| Sample Loan Payment Schedule |
| Loan: |
Inst./Nursing |
Federal Direct |
Direct (Graduate) |
Graduate/Parent PLUS |
| Interest Rate: |
5% |
5.50% |
7.05% |
8.05% |
| Balance |
|
|
|
|
| $1,000 |
$40 |
$50 |
$50 |
$50 |
| 2,000 |
40 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
| 3,000 |
40 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
| 4,000 |
42 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
| 5,000 |
53 |
54 |
58
|
61 |
| 6,000 |
64 |
65 |
70
|
73 |
|
7,000
|
74 |
76 |
81 |
85 |
|
8,000
|
85
|
87 |
93 |
97
|
|
9,000
|
95
|
98
|
98
|
109 |
|
10,000
|
106
|
109 |
116 |
122 |
|
15,000
|
159
|
163 |
175 |
182 |
Part-Time Employment
As part of their financial aid packages, Walla Walla University students are encouraged to take advantage of part-time employment to defray part of their educational expenses. For more information, refer to the Employment section of this bulletin.
Federal Work-Study Program
The federal government provides Walla Walla University money to expand student employment opportunities both on campus and in the community. Positions available on campus or with nonprofit agencies off campus include clerical, library assistant, teacher's aide, building maintenance, and many other jobs and community service activities. The employer pays the student directly with the federal government reimbursing the employer for a portion of the labor costs.
In order to participate in this program, a student must have a complete financial aid file and Work-Study Program eligibility, which is determined through the financial aid application process.
Washington State Work-Study Program
The State of Washington provides Walla Walla University money to expand student employment opportunities both on and off campus. Students perform work related to their major fields of study. The employer pays the student directly, with the state reimbursing the employer for a portion of the labor costs. Washington State residency is required for job placement.
In order to participate in this program, a student must have a complete financial aid file and Work-Study Program eligibility, which is determined through the financial aid application process.
Eligibility for Financial Aid
In order to be considered as a potential recipient of most forms of financial aid available at Walla Walla University, a student must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a Walla Walla University Financial Aid Application.
To qualify for financial aid, a student must:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
- Show evidence of having received a high school diploma or Graduate Equivalency Diploma GED).
- Receive official acceptance for admission to WWU.
- Show financial need through the application process.
- Register for at least 12 credit hours. (Students registered for 6-11 credit hours will receive a reduced aid award.)
- Be working toward a degree or certification.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined in this bulletin.
- Not be in default on any student loan.
- Not have already received financial aid in excess of the limits in the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (See “Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid Recipients” section of this bulletin for further details).
- Not owe a refund on a Federal grant or loan.
- Be registered with Selective Services if required to do so.
- Have no prior conviction for drug distribution or possession.
Each student is responsible for keeping Student Financial Services informed of changes in the student's or the family's financial circumstances or in the information originally submitted on the WWU Financial Aid Application.
Financial Aid Process
In order for the student to receive the maximum amount of financial aid, all required paperwork must be filled out completely, signed wherever required, and submitted promptly. Early applicants usually receive larger grant awards, and students can receive no aid before submitting all required forms.
FINANCIAL AID FORMS are available online (see below).
LATE APPLICATIONS. Financial aid applications received after April 30 prior to the school year are considered on a first-come, first-served basis as funds are available. Students who submit applications, corrections, or other required information less than two weeks before the start of classes usually receive less financial aid, may encounter delays at registration, and may have to register late unless they can cover the quarter's down payment without financial aid.
LACK OF INFORMATION. Students who do not supply the information required for each type of aid are not awarded aid until the information is received. The award is forfeited if the information is received after the program deadline.
REAPPLICATION. In order to continue receiving financial aid, recipients must reapply for financial aid each year.
TRANSFER OF AID. Funds awarded by Walla Walla University cannot be transferred to other institutions or other students.
Financial Aid Process Checklist
The following outlines the steps involved in the process of applying for and being awarded financial aid:
Step 1. Create your Federal Student Aid ID at studentaid.gov/fsa-id
- The FSA ID is used to sign the FAFSA in Step 2, as well as certain federal financial aid documents.
- The student will need an FSA ID and will use the same FSA ID each year.
- If the student is dependent, one parent will need an FSA ID. The parent will use the same FSA ID each year and will use it for all of their children.
Step 2. Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.
- Students are encouraged to complete and submit the FAFSA via the Internet at studentaid.gov. Paper applications are available upon request from the Department of Education by calling (800) 4-FEDAID.
- For maximum aid, submit the FAFSA by April 30 prior to the academic school year you plan to attend WWU.
- Remember to provide the WWU School Code (003799) on the FAFSA so your information may be released to WWU.
- The FAFSA is usually available October 1 prior to the school year and uses the prior year's tax information. However, for the 2024-25 school year, FAFSA is scheduled to be available no later than January 01, 2024, and uses 2022 income tax information.
Step 3. Complete and submit your WWU Financial Aid Application
Step 4. Verification: The federal government selects about a third of all aid applications for verification. Only students who are notified that they have been selected for verification need to complete the following procedures:
- If you are selected for Verification, you will be notified via email of which information needs to be verified. Complete each item as instructed.
- If your student (and spouse) income needs to be verified, you can use the IRS Data Retrieval at www.studentaid.gov to update your Tax Return Transcripts to Walla Walla University. If you do not file and will not file, you must complete a Non-Filer Form available at www.wallawalla.edu/forms. If you are an independent student, you will need to request a Proof of Non-filing letter from the IRS and mail that letter to Walla Walla University.
- If your parent's income needs to be verified, you need your parents to use the IRS Data Retrieval at www.studentaid.gov to update your FASFA and IRS verified information or have your parents send in their IRS Tax Return Transcript to Walla Walla University. If your parents did not file and will not file, they must complete a Non-Proof of Non-Filing letter from the IRS and mail that letter to Walla Walla University.
- Some forms require a signature, If you are a dependent student, you must also have parents sign the form. The completed forma are all required tax paperwork can be mailed to the Student Financial Services or faxed to (509) 527-2556.
Note: An IRS Tax Transcript is obtained from the http://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript website. Copies of the 1040 tax forms are not acceptable.
Step 5. Financial Aid Award. After you have submitted all required documents, Student Financial Services will issue a Financial Aid Award.
Your award will include:
- An award letter detailing your financial aid package.
- A personalized estimated financial plan showing a quarterly breakdown of expenses and the financial aid from each aid sources that will be credited to your student account. The financial plan will give your estimated down payment and monthly payment for each quarter.
Unless otherwise noted, financial aid awards are disbursed one-third per quarter for fall, winter, and spring. Each time there is a change in the financial aid award, the student is issued a new award letter by email.
Step 6. Loan Promissory Notes and Entrance Interviews. If Student Financial Services determines that you are eligible to receive loans and you plan to accept them, including the Federal Direct Loan, the Federal Nursing Student Loan (NSL), or Institutional Loans, you will need to complete the following:
- Promissory Note - a promissory note for each loan you qualify for will be electronically assigned to you. You must sign the form online before you may finalize your registration. Make a copy of the form for your record keeping.
- Entrance Interview - an entrance interview is required for each type of loan you borrow. The interview needs to be completed online. Check your to-do list on myWWU to determine which of the entrance interviews you must complete.
- Loan Reference Form - For Campus-based loans, you'll need to complete the Loan Reference Form. This will also show up on your myWWU to-do list. Make sure you list three references at different addresses.
Step 7. Receive Financial Clearance Quarterly through myWWU. Each quarter, students have a financial hold that they must clear before finalizing their registration. All loan promissory notes and entrance interviews as well as the students down payment are required steps to complete prior to receiving financial clearance. MyWWU is available to students once they have been admitted.
Distribution of Financial Aid
The following figures represent the maximum amount of aid a student can receive from each source listed and the order in which the aid programs are considered.
Undergraduate Students
| |
Freshman
|
Sophomore
|
Junior/Senior
|
|
Federal Pell Grant
|
$7,395 |
$7,395 |
$7,395 |
|
Washington College Grant
|
9,739
|
9,739
|
9,739
|
|
Entitlements1/Outside Scholarships
|
amount varies
|
amount varies
|
amount varies
|
|
Achievement Scholarship
|
15,000
|
15,000
|
15,000
|
|
Out-of-Area Grant
|
2,500
|
2,000
|
2,000
|
|
SEOG (Pell Eligible only)
|
2,400
|
2,400
|
2,400
|
|
NPUC Grant for on-time files2
|
900
|
900
|
900
|
|
WWU Grant
|
15,000
|
15,000
|
15,000
|
|
Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
|
3,500
|
4,500
|
5,500
|
|
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
|
2,000
|
2,000
|
2,000
|
| Nursing Student Loan |
0 |
5,460
|
8,588
|
|
Institutional Loan
|
3,300
|
2,300
|
200
|
| Additional Institutional Loan for on-time files2 |
300 |
300 |
300 |
| Work Program/Work-Study Eligibility |
6,500
|
6,500
|
6,500
|
| Additional Federal DUL for independent students |
4,000 |
4,000 |
5,000 |
1 Scholarships, subsidy, veteran's benefits, etc.
2 Application must be completed by April 30 prior to the school year. |
| Graduate Students |
|
Entitlements*
|
|
|
amount varies
|
|
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
|
|
|
20,500
|
|
WWU Graduate Student Need Grant
|
|
|
amount varies
|
| * Scholarships, veteran's benefits, etc. |
Financial Aid for Study Abroad
Students who wish to study for up to one school year* through Oxford University or at any of the Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA) programs: Universidad Adventista del Plata, Argentina; Brazil Adventist University, Brazil; Newbold College, England; Saleve Adventist University, France; Friendensau Adventist University, Germany; Istituto Adventista Villa Aurora, Italy; Middle East University, Lebanon; or Centro Universitario Adventista de Sagunto, Spain, may apply for a loan to parents (PLUS), Federal Direct Loan, Washington College Grant, or Federal Pell Grant. Most other forms of financial aid are not available for students participating in these programs. Continuing Walla Walla University students are also eligible to apply for a scholarship from the Department of Communication and Languages.
*Students who study abroad more than one school year (except summers) will forfeit their WWU scholarships.
Financial Aid Census Policy
Rather than adjust financial aid packages each time a student changes his or her course load, WWU has chosen to use the 10th day of the quarter as a census date. Students who are enrolled at the end of the 10th day of the quarter are awarded financial aid based on the number of credit hours for which they are registered on that date. Students who are not enrolled on the 10th day:
Receive reduced (or no) financial aid awards if the students dropped all
their classes before the 11th day of the quarter. (Their aid is returned to its original sources, in accordance with the Financial Aid Refund and Repayment Policy printed in this bulletin.)
Receive aid based on the number of credit hours for which they register after the 10th day of the quarter.
Veterans Benefits
Walla Walla University is an approved training institution for veterans eligible for educational benefits. The required course load is twelve hours per quarter in order to maintain eligibility to receive maximum benefits. If you have questions about veterans' policies, please contact the Veterans Administration coordinator in the Academic Records Office (509) 527-2811.
Walla Walla University in accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill (Ch.33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch.31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA. WWU will not prevent the student's enrollment, assess a late penalty fee, require student to secure alternative or additional funding, deny access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills.