Financial Aid

How do I apply?

The application process varies depending on the source of the aid. To apply for federal student aid, you (the student) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It's recommended you complete the FAFSA even if you do not plan on receiving federal student aid. Many sources of financial aid use FAFSA data because it establishes your financial need.

Is there financial aid for everyone?

Financial aid is available for students with families of all levels of income. To receive federal student aid, the student must be working toward a degree or certificate at an accredited school and must meet eligibility requirements, such as  Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.

What types of financial aid are there?

There are four main types of financial aid:

Federal Student Aid

What is verification?

See our FAFSA Verification Process page.

Is there any way to change my EFC if my family has extraordinary expenses or if our income has decreased?

Yes. The Office of Financial Aid has the authority to re-evaluate your financial aid and EFC due to extraordinary expenses or decreases in income. Any decision made by the Office of Financial Aid is final and cannot be appealed to the U.S. Department of Education. For more information see our Cost of Attendance Adjustment page and FAFSA Adjustment page.

What is an Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?

The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the amount you and your family are expected to contribute toward your educational costs. It is calculated by the U.S. Department of Education when you file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your EFC is used by schools to determine your eligibility for federal student aid based upon the school's costs.

What is a Student Aid Report (SAR)?

The Student Aid Report (SAR) contains a summary of the information you provided on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as an explanation of how to make corrections. It also tells you whether you are eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant.

What is Wright State University's school code?

Wright State University's Title IV School Code is 003078 .

What should I do if my family's income is going to be much less than it was last year?

You must still report the previous year's financial information as required on the FAFSA. If there are significant changes to your family's financial situation since the tax year reported on the FAFSA, you may petition to have your financial aid re-evaluated. See our Cost of Attendance Adjustment page and FAFSA Adjustment page.

Why does the FAFSA ask for income from last year instead of the current year?

Over the years, studies have shown that complete information from the previous tax year provides a better estimate of the family's financial strength than incomplete information from the current year.

If I estimate my income on my FAFSA, do I have to update my FAFSA later if my estimates are wrong?

Yes. Once you have filed your taxes, you should compare the income and tax information reported on the FAFSA with the actual information on your tax forms. If the numbers do not match, you should correct your FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov.

My parents do not support me. I support myself. Does that make me an independent student?

Not necessarily. When completing the FAFSA, you will be prompted to provide parental data if necessary. Otherwise dependent students with unusual circumstances may appeal to be considered an independent student. See our Dependency Status page for more information.

Do my parents have to put their information on the FAFSA?

That depends on your answers to the questions on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Generally, your parents' financial information must be reported if you are not yet 24 years old. However, if you meet other circumstances, such as being married, having children of your own that you support, or working on a graduate/professional degree, will exempt you from being required to report parental data.

Do I have to apply for federal student aid every year?

Yes. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an annual application. It is made available every year on January 1, prior to the start of the upcoming aid year.

Is there an income level cutoff to apply for federal student aid?

No. You can apply for federal student aid regardless of your or your family's income level. Your and your family's income level, however, does play a role in determining the types of federal student aid you will be eligible to receive. To apply for federal student aid, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

What if I miss Wright State University's FAFSA priority deadline?

You can still apply for federal student aid. Wright State University's FAFSA priority deadline is for campus-based aid programs only (e.g., Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study, etc.). Three of the largest federal student aid programs, the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Stafford Loan, and Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan, can be awarded at any time during the aid year, provided you are enrolled at the school when the money is disbursed.

How do I make sure I am considered for all types of federal student aid?

By filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you are automatically applying for federal grants and loans. Loans, however, are only processed if you accept them later. The FAFSA will ask you whether you also want to apply for work-study. Answer yes. It's perfectly acceptable to turn down work-study later without affecting other aid. Also, be sure to apply by Wright State University's FAFSA priority deadline.

When should I apply for federal student aid?

Some federal student aid is limited in funding, so don't put off applying. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available every year on January 1, prior to the start of the upcoming aid year. Wright State University has a FAFSA priority deadline. This deadline is for campus-based aid programs (e.g., Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study, etc.). The FAFSA will ask for data from your federal income tax return, but you can estimate your income if you have not filed your taxes yet.

How do I apply for federal student aid?

To apply for federal student aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). See our File Your FAFSA page for more information.

Who is eligible for federal student aid?

Generally, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, be enrolled in a financial aid eligible program, and must meet eligibility requirements for federal student aid, such as  Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. Go to www.fafsa.gov to check your eligibility and to apply for federal student aid.

Award Notice

How do I receive an Award Notice?

Award Notices are available online via WINGS Express. See our Award Notice page for more information.

How does Wright State University decide how much money I need?

Your financial need is determined by subtracting your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), from your cost of attendance. Your cost of attendance includes estimated amounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, living expenses (room and board), transportation, and personal expenses. Your total need-based financial aid awards cannot exceed your financial need. However, unsubsidized federal student loans and alternative loans can be used to cover your unmet need. Ultimately, you and your family must determine the amount of financial aid you will need to assist in paying for your educational costs. See our Cost Estimator to help determine your costs.

Wright State University Costs

How do I pay my bill?

See the Office of the Bursar website.

Will my financial aid cover my costs?

Financial aid is awarded to meet Wright State University costs. It is extremely important to know your costs before attending a school. See our Cost Estimator to determine your estimated costs to attend Wright State University.

How much is housing?

See the Office of Residence Services website for housing rates.

How much is tuition?

See the Office of the Bursar website for tuition rates.

Getting Your Aid

Will a scholarship reduce my other financial aid awards?

Scholarships are considered a form of need-based aid and can affect other financial aid awards. Other financial aid awards may be reduced or cancelled if the scholarship reduces your financial need. You are responsible for notifying the Office of Financial Aid of any external grants or scholarships you are receiving. See our Sending Awards to Wright State page for more information.

How is financial aid paid to my bill?

Financial aid is applied to your bill automatically through a process called disbursement. See our Receiving Your Aid page for more information. Any excess financial aid will be refunded to you. You are encouraged to set up direct deposit to receive your financial aid refund electronically. For more information about refunds and direct deposit, see the Office of the Bursar website.

Loans

Where can I find my federal student loan servicer?

You can find detailed information about your federal student loans, including your loan servicer, on the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). You will need your Federal Student Aid PIN to access NSLDS.

What is loan consolidation?

Loan consolidation occurs when multiple student loans with various repayment amounts and schedules are combined into one new loan with one monthly payment. For more information about loan consolidation, see the U.S. Department of Education website or contact your loan servicer.

How do I get more information about getting my loans cancelled/forgiven for public service?

All or a portion of your federal student loans (including interest) may be cancelled if you meet specific public service requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education, such service as a special education teacher or a teacher in a low-income school or in a field designated as a teacher shortage area (such as math, science, foreign language, or bilingual education), a law enforcement or corrections officer, or as a nurse or medical technician. You should contact your loan servicer for more information about loan cancellation provisions for public service.

Where can I find my total federal student loan debt?

You can find detailed information about your federal student loans, including your total federal student loan debt, on the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). You will need your Federal Student Aid PIN to access NSLDS.

Do I have to repay my loan?

Yes. Even if you do not graduate or find a job, student loans still have to be paid back with interest. Before you sign for a loan, be sure you understand the terms of the loan contract and how much you'll eventually repay. The total repayment amount will be much higher than the original loan amount due to the interest. Because of this you should be careful not to borrow more than you actually need. There are several repayment options. For instance, you might pay the same amount every month until the loan is paid off or your payments might be based on your income. Your loan contract will describe the repayment options that apply to your loan.