Financial Aid and Scholarships

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WMU’s Student Financial Aid Office administers a variety of student financial aid programs designed to aid students who are in need of additional financial support. Five types of financial aid programs are available: scholarships, grants, employment opportunities, loans, and tuition plans. The federal and state governments, colleges and universities, private associations, companies, and private citizens are sources of financial aid.

The information in this section describes both need- and non-need based financial aid programs based upon the 2003-2004 award year criteria at the time of this editing. Should federal, state, or university regulations and procedures change for the subsequent award years, the University will be responsible for administering these programs according to updated descriptions and criteria.

For complete, current information, visit the Student Financial Aid Office website at www.wmich.edu/finaid or email the Office at finaid-info@wmich.edu or call the Office at (269) 387-6000.

FastWeb is a free computerized scholarship search found on the Internet. FastWeb can be accessed at www.fastweb.com. This interactive scholarship search analyzes a student’s major, grade point average, race, handicap, gender, hobbies, work experience, religion, residence, nationality, veteran status, and athletic ability to locate scholarships for which the student may apply.

The Michigan Higher Education Assistance and Student Loan Authority offers a free comprehensive search on their website. Michigan residents receive national and Michigan-specific scholarship information. Michigan students will receive information about any Michigan-specific scholarships listed in the database that matches the student’s profile. MI-SEARCH can be accessed at www.MI-StudentAid.org.

WMU Scholarship Search

The WMU Scholarship Search is intended for students who plan to attend or currently attend Western Michigan University. Scholarships described are opportunities within WMU departments and federal and state grants. Please visit our website at www.wmich.edu/finaid for a complete listing of these scholarships.

Applying for Financial Aid

To determine eligibility for need-based financial aid programs, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available from high schools, from WMU’s Student Financial Aid office, and from other higher education institutions. Returning applicants will receive a Renewal FAFSA PIN notification at their home addresses by late December. Students may file the FAFSA on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov using their PIN as soon as January 1 of the award year for which they are planning to attend Western.

The FAFSA gathers information regarding the parents’ and students’ income, assets, and other related information to determine the expected family contribution (EFC). The amount of need based financial aid is determined by subtracting the EFC from the cost of attendance. The cost of attendance is based on an estimation of tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, food, transportation and personal expenses. The amount of aid not based upon need (non-need programs) is also determined by subtracting eligible need based financial aid programs and other resources received from the cost of attendance.

Besides filing the FAFSA, other documents and processes may be required before an award notice or payment is processed. Written communications will be mailed to students identifying what is required as a result of application edits, specific programs awarded, or general eligibility requirements.

Application edits may require copies of Federal tax returns. Social security matches may require copies of social security card or driver’s license. Immigration and Naturalization Service matches may require copies of INS documents.

Program related documents may include loan promissory notes. Entrance counseling attendance is also required for first time loan borrowers at Western.

Awarding Process

Considering the amount of student’s financial need, the Financial Aid Office automatically considers students for all types of Federal, state, and institutional grants, employment, and loans. Any scholarships, stipends, or other resources will be assessed first before awarding need based financial aid. Additional eligibility factors will be considered in determining the type and amount of aid programs in the award package.

In general the eligibility factors that are reviewed are citizenship, residency, class level, grade level, enrollment hours, enrollment terms, degree status, default status, and good academic standing.

Most financial aid programs require a minimum enrollment equivalent to half time status to be eligible for payment. Awards are initially based on full time enrollment and adjusted to reflect actual enrollment after the term begins.

Any additional resources, changes to funding or regulations may affect student’s financial aid awards. If the additional information received affects student’s financial aid awards, a Revised Award Letter will be created.

Payment Process

Financial aid payments are credited on or before the first day of the term to a student’s tuition, fees, housing, food, and other authorized charges. Payments are disbursed each term based upon the program eligibility requirements, and minimum enrollment requirements are verified at the time of each disbursement. Any excess funds remaining will be directly deposited to a student’s account or mailed to a student’s local address.

Maintenance Requirements

In accordance with Federal and State regulations, standards of satisfactory academic progress are applied to all students who wish to establish or maintain financial aid eligibility at Western Michigan University, regardless of whether or not they have received financial aid funds in the past. The following policy will affect aid eligibility beginning with the 2006-2007 financial aid year.

The standards of satisfactory academic progress include the following measurements:

1. Minimum credit hours passed per semester based on enrollment status and degree intent.
   Undergraduate Degree - Minimum Completion Standard for Each Term, Effective at Beginning of Fall 2005
   Enrollment Status, Fall or Spring
   Full Time (12 hours +)/Passed hours, 12
   Three-quarter Time (9-11 hours)/Passed hours, 9
   Half Time (6-8 hours)/Passed hours, 6
   Less than Half Time (1-5 hours)/Passed hours, 1-5
2. Pass at least 66% of all credit hours attempted at WMU.
3. Maximum total hours attempted to include hours attempted at Western along with any transfer credit hours based on degree intent. For undergraduates, no more than 183 hours total.
4. Minimum cumulative grade point average based on the University’s Academic Standards for the degree intent.

The standards are established to encourage students to progress toward their educational objective and complete their degree within a reasonable time frame and with the least amount of loan debt. If the standards are not met, students are not eligible for federal and state financial aid.

Academic progress will be monitored once each year at the end of the spring semester and the status will be effective with the upcoming financial aid year. A student’s eligibility for financial aid whose academic record indicates they are close to the maximum total hours attempted will be awarded term-by-term.

If the student has received an “ineligibility” notice due to not meeting the standards of satisfactory academic progress, the student may appeal for reinstatement of their financial aid eligibility.

Withdrawal from Courses and Impact on Financial Aid

All changes in registration, or an intent to withdraw completely from all courses, must be accomplished in accordance with the procedures published in the Registration Information booklet. The official registration drop/add period extends five business days into a semester or session. In addition, a twenty-four hour grace period will be provided to students who drop or add a class that meets for the first time on the final day of the drop/add period. This same twenty-four grace period also applies to any class that meets for the first time beyond the five-day trop/add period. A student who withdraws from the University or who reduces a credit hour load during the drop/add period will be granted a complete removal of tuition charges.

A complete withdrawal from all courses, past the drop/add period, results in a partial reduction of tuition charges, up through the first Friday past mid-semester. See the Refund Policy in the Registration Information booklet for complete information and dates. To appeal for a greater reduction or possible cancellation of tuition charges, students may complete a Request for Cancellation of Tuition Charges, with supporting documentation, through Student Financial Aid. Financial Services Specialists will review the submitted requests and forward a written decision to the student.

There is no reduction of tuition charges for a partial withdrawal from classes after the official drop/add period unless circumstances warrant. Students may complete a Request for Cancellation of Tuition Charges through Student Financial Aid. Circumstances which warrant an appeal may include medical reasons, university error, death of a close relative, or another significant event that occurred during the semester of withdrawal having a direct impact on the student’s ability to complete the course(s). Supporting documentation is required in order to substantiate an appeal approval. A student’s reasons for requesting a cancellation of tuition charges vary individually and are evaluated on that basis.

It is highly recommended that the student contemplating a partial or complete withdrawal from classes first discuss the situation with a Financial Services Specialist in the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Grants/Need Based Scholarships

Financial aid programs funded by the Federal and state government to provide free assistance to exceptionally needy undergraduate students.

Federal Pell Grant provides grants up to $4,050 per academic year to eligible undergraduate students who have not obtained a bachelor’s degree

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant provides grants up to $1,800 per academic year to eligible, undergraduate students who have not obtained a bachelor’s degree.

Michigan Educational Opportunity Grant provides grants up to $1,000 per academic year to eligible, undergraduate students who are Michigan residents and who have not obtained a bachelor’s degree

Michigan Adult Part Time Grant provides grants up to $600 per academic year to eligible, undergraduate students who are Michigan residents, self-supporting, enrolled part-time and have not obtained a bachelor’s degree. Recipients are limited to two years of eligibility.

Michigan Competitive Scholarship is based on financial need and a student’s composite ACT score. The scholarship provides up to $1,300 per academic year to eligible, undergraduate students who are Michigan residents and have not obtained a bachelor’s degree. Recipients are limited to ten semesters of eligibility that must be used within ten years of their high school graduation.

Employment

Financial aid programs funded by the Federal and state government to assist needy students through employment opportunities:

Federal College Work Study provides employment opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Students who work from ten to twenty hours average a week while attending school may earn up to $3,000 per academic year. Western’s Student Employment Referral Service office assists students who have been awarded employment in selecting jobs either on or off-campus (including community service opportunities).

Michigan College Work Study provides employment opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students who are Michigan residents. Students who work from ten to twenty hours average a week while attending school and may earn up to $3,000 per academic year. Western’s Student Employment Referral Service office assists students who have been awarded employment in selecting jobs either on or off-campus (including community service opportunities).

Loans

Financial aid programs designed to assist students through borrowing at a lower interest rate with opportunities to defer principal payments and possibly interest payments until after enrollments ends:

Federal Perkins Loan allows needy undergraduate and graduate students to borrow funds on an annual basis with an interest rate of 5.0 percent. The annual amount ranges up to $4,000 per academic year for undergraduate students and $6,000 per year for graduate students. Interest and principal payments are deferred as long as a student is enrolled at least half-time. Repayment of the loan plus interest begins nine months after the student ceases to be enrolled a least half-time.

Federal Direct Subsidized (FDS) Loan allows undergraduate and graduate students with financial need to borrow funds on an annual basis with a variable interest rate capped at 8.25 percent. The annual amount is dependent upon cost of attendance, EFC, grade level, and other resources received. Interest and principal payments are deferred as long as a student is enrolled at least half-time. Borrowers pay a 3 percent origination fee (less a 1.5% interest rebate) that is deducted from each disbursement. Repayment of the loan plus interest begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized (FDU) Loan is a program not based on need and allows undergraduate and graduate students to borrow funds on an annual basis with a variable interest rate capped at 8.25 percent. The annual amount is dependent upon cost of attendance, grade level, and other resources received. Interest accrues while the student is enrolled in school and the student has the option of paying the interest payments or letting the interest payments be added to the loan amount. Loan principal payments are deferred as long as a student is enrolled at least half-time. Borrowers pay a 3 percent origination fee (less a 1.5% interest rebate) that is deducted from each disbursement. Repayment of the loan plus interest begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.

Federal Direct Parent Loan (PLUS) is a program not based on need and allows parents of dependent students to borrow funds on an annual basis with a variable interest rate capped at 9.0 percent. The annual amount is dependent upon cost of attendance and other resources received. Repayment of interest and principal payments are due within 60 days of the last disbursement of the loan. Borrowers pay a 4 percent origination fee (less a 1.5% interest rebate) that is deducted from each disbursement. Borrowers must have no adverse credit history. Dependent students whose parents have been denied a PLUS loan due to an adverse credit history may borrow FDU loan funds.

Other Alternative Loans Banks and private organizations have set up a variety of alternative loan programs. These programs require payment while the student is in school, the interest rates are at a higher rate than the federal programs, and they offer different repayment options. Contact Student Financial Aid for a listing of known alternative loan programs.

Other Financial Opportunities

Michigan Merit Award is a $1,250 scholarship award for high school seniors based upon MEAP scores or a combination of MEAP and ACT or SAT scores. For further details contact the Department of Treasury 1-888-4-Grants or visit their website at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid.

On and Off Campus Student Employment opportunities exist. The Career and Student Employment Services Office actively recruits both on- and off-campus employment, including community service, opportunities. Students may review the jobs listed with the service in Room A-100, Ellsworth Hall or on the web at http://jobs.dosa.wmich.edu. Openings include food service and clerical positions of all levels, retail sales positions, and technical positions requiring computer science skills.

Students may also directly contact specific areas of the university where they wish to work. Students are employed by University departments, offices, libraries, laboratories, residence halls, the recreation center, and the Bernhard Center.

The Career and Student Employment Services Office can also help students find an existing co-op or internship program or design a program on their own and contact prospective employers.

Residence Hall positions are also available either as advisors or assistant directors. Advisors receive free room and board on campus (single room). Assistant directors receive free room and board on campus (single room) and a stipend each semester. Contact Residence Hall Life for further information.

U.S. Armed Forces offers students a variety of educational assistance programs. For further detail, contact your local armed forces recruiter.

Western’s Short Term Loan Program provides emergency short-term loans to Western enrolled students. Both graduate and undergraduate students who have no financial obligations to the University may apply for loans at the Financial Aid office. Loans average $300.00, are charged a simple interest rate of 5 to 7 percent, and require repayment generally in thirty days.

WMU Scholarships for Beginning Freshman

Medallion Scholarship Program

The Medallion Scholarship, the University’s most prestigious scholarship for new freshmen, exemplifies Western’s commitment to recognize and encourage superior academic achievement. Medallion scholars receive $10,000 each year for up to four years. Some Medallion scholarships carry the name of the donor and are awarded to students entering programs designated by the donor; others are open to students in all degree programs. The top 300 Deans Scholarship recipients will be invited to the Medallion Scholarship Competition to compete for this award. Students must apply for admission by December 15 to be considered for the scholarship.

The Dean’s Scholarship Program

The Dean’s Scholarship, new to WMU, is a $4,000 award given to incoming freshmen for each year up to four years who have a 3.50 and higher overall high school grade point average and an ACT composite of 23 and higher (SAT Math and Critical Reading total of 1060 and higher). Students who apply for admission by December 15 are given priority consideration for the scholarship. After December 15, the scholarship will continue to be awarded as long as funds are available.

WMU Award for National Merit Scholarship Winners

Western Michigan University is an institutional member of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and sponsors scholarships for National Merit Scholarship Finalists. Recipients are selected on the basis of national merit test scores and scholastic achievement. Western also awards $3,000 ($750 per year for up to four years). To be eligible, students must designate Western as their first school choice with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation no later than April 1 of the year preceding the award year. Students receiving the maximum $2,000 per year award as a National Merit Scholar, or students awarded the WMU Medallion Scholarship, are not eligible for the $3,000 scholarship.

Legacy Award

Recipients of the WMU Alumni Association Legacy Award will receive a one-time grant of $1,000 ($500 fall semester and $500 spring semester). To be eligible, the recipient must be an entering freshman or transfer student, and a child, grandchild, stepchild, or stepgrandchild of a dues paying WMU alumnus/alumna.

WMU Scholarships for Michigan Community College Transfer Students

A transfer student may receive only one of the following awards. For consideration, students must have completed at least 26 semester hours of transferable course work at the time of application.

WMU Distinguished Community College Scholars Award

Ten WMU Distinguished Community College Scholars Awards are given annually to Michigan residents transferring to Western with an associate’s degree from a Michigan community college. Recipients of this $6,000 scholarship receive $3,000 each academic year. To be eligible, students must have a grade point average of 3.75 or above in transferable courses and all materials necessary for admission must be mailed to the Office of Admissions and postmarked by March 1. Recipients are selected by the Western Michigan University Transfer Scholarship Selection Committee.

WMU Community College President’s Scholarship

Michigan community college presidents select the recipients of this $4,000 scholarship, which provides $2,000 each academic year. To be eligible, students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or above in transferable courses, selected by a Michigan community college president, and all materials necessary for admission must be mailed to WMU’s Office of Admissions and postmarked by March 1.

Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Scholarship

Transfer students who are Phi Theta Kappa members in good standing are eligible for this $3,500 ($1,750/academic year) award. A 3.5 or higher in transferable courses is required. The completion of an Associate’s Degree is recommended. For students to be eligible, all materials necessary for admission must be mailed to the Office of Admissions and postmarked by March 1. Recipients are selected by the Western Michigan University Transfer Scholarship Selection Committee.

Transfer Academic Scholarship

Students who transfer to WMU with a grade point average of 3.5 or above, as computed by the Office of Admissions, will be eligible for a $3,000 scholarship, which provides $1,500 each academic year. For students to be eligible, all materials necessary for admission must be mailed to the Office of Admissions and postmarked by March 1. The University makes these awards as long as funds are available.

Transfer Scholarship for Achievement

WMU Scholarships for Currently Enrolled Students

For scholarship opportunities, please visit our website at www.wmich.edu/finaid/3-scholarships/scholarships.html.

WMU Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award

The WMU Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award Program, administered by the Honors College, is designed to encourage and nurture research and creative activities by outstanding students at Western Michigan University.

An essential feature of the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award Program is the apprentice/mentor relationship established between a student and faculty member.

A suitable project can come from any area of academic endeavor at the University. It could include, but would not be limited to, research, development, design, field study, a creative project or performance. Normally the project should require approximately 150 hours (or ten hours per week) of the student’s time over one semester. Additional funds are available for a second semester renewal application.

The applicant must be a Western Michigan University undergraduate, should have a grade point average of at least 3.3, and typically have accumulated at least 60 credit hours at the time the project will begin. The program awards a $600 stipend for the first semester. An award may be renewed once if there is sufficient justification. While the program is administered by the Honors College, the student does not need to be a member of the Honors College in order to qualify for an award.

The selection of awardees will be based on the past academic performance of the student, the experience and expertise of the sponsoring faculty member, and the merits of the proposed project.

WMU Academic Scholarship

Currently enrolled Western students whose University grade point average is 3.50 or above are eligible to apply for this $500 fall/spring semester award. Western awards 4.0 grade point averages and continues awarding down to a 3.75 grade point average as long as funds are available.

Application forms are available at Western’s Student Financial Aid Office from January 1 through March 1 or online at www.wmich.edu/finaid/3-scholarships/scholarships.html. Students must submit their application by March 1 for the following fall/spring semester academic year.

Clifford and Ella Chapman Distinguished Senior Scholarship

The trust established in 1964 by Clifford and Ella Chapman, longtime friends of Western Michigan University, provides the funds for this scholarship program.

Western students who have achieved senior classification and have a grade point average of 3.5 or above may apply for a $200 spring semester award.

The selection committee also weighs extracurricular and community service activities, and the honors and awards the student has earned while enrolled at Western. Students whose extracurricular activities have been limited because of employment while attending Western should also include their work history.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Applications are available online at www.wmich.edu/finaid/3-scholarships/scholarships.html.

Non-Traditional Student Scholarship

Awards up to $500 per semester for adult learners who have had a significant break in education. Awards are given on the basis of need and/or scholarship.

To be eligible, undergraduate students must be enrolled for three to eleven credit hours for fall/spring and have a 2.5 grade point average. Graduate students must be enrolled for two to five credit hours for fall/spring and have a 3.2 grade point average. The award year deadline is July 1.

Applications are available online at www.wmich.edu/finaid/3-scholarships/scholarships.html.