Student Financial Assistance

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Western Michigan University provides fellowships, associateships, and assistantships for students planning to pursue graduate study. Collectively, these awards are known as graduate appointments. Graduate appointees are first and foremost students. As such, their most important task is to complete their degree requirements in a timely fashion; this is the primary expectation of the University. Graduate appointments are funded through state appropriations and federal, state, local, and private grants for at least three principal reasons. First, employment of graduate students in teaching, research, and non-teaching positions during their graduate education encourages and supports their participation in these major functions of university life and thereby strengthens the quality of the students’ educational experience. Second, appointments provide direct financial support to outstanding students who are essential to the development of quality graduate programs. Third, graduate students provide valuable and necessary services to the University in their roles as appointees. Applications are due by February 15, and appointments are usually made by April 1 for students planning to enroll in the fall semester. Appointments are often renewable, except for Dissertation Fellowships. For more information, visit or call the Graduate College (269) 387-8212, or visit the Graduate College’s financial assistance Web site: www.wmich.edu/grad/funding.

The following appointments are available:

Departmental Doctoral Associateship
Doctoral Associateships are available to students admitted to a doctoral program. A full appointment requires twenty hours of service per week from the student in the department or in a related area. Types of appointment duties include teaching, research, or service. Enrollment of at least six hours per semester and three hours per session is required. The associateship will pay up to 9 hours of full tuition per semester or 3 hours per session. Application deadlines vary by department; inquiries should be made with the academic unit.

Departmental Graduate Associateship
Graduate Assistantships are available in many departments of the University for both master’s and doctoral students. A full appointment requries twenty hours of service per week from the student in the department or in a related area. Types of appointment duties include teaching, research, or service. Enrollment of at least six hours per semester and three hours per session is required. The assistantship also provides full or partial tuition remission. Inquiries should be sent to the chairperson of the department.

Graduate College Dissertation Completion Fellowship
Graduate College Dissertation Completion Fellowships for two semesters and two sessions are awarded in open competition and on the basis of superior scholarly achievement to assist full time doctoral students with completion of their dissertations. To be eligible, an applicant must be a doctoral candidate who can demonstrate superior academic achievement and a record of timely and steady progress toward degree completion. Applicants must have completed all requirements for the degree except the dissertation and must have an accepted dissertation proposal. During the Fellowship, enrollment of at least six hours per semester and three hours per session is required, until the Fellow has completed the minimum number of dissertation hours specified by the program and then continuous enrollment is required. The Fellowship provides a tuition scholarship of up to 18 hours of full tuition. Application deadline: February 15.

Thurgood Marshall Fellowship
Thurgood Marshall Fellowships for the academic year plus the Summer I and Summer II sessions are available to U.S. citizens who are beginning their master’s or doctoral degree program and who have regular admission to the program; they are awarded to exceptional students who exemplify the life, career and ideals of Justice Thurgood Marshall. Master’s level recipients are required to enroll in a minimum of 6 hours per semester and 3 hours each summer session, and perform 10 hours of service per week in the student’s department or academic unit; a partial tuition scholarship of 67% up to 27 hours is provided. Doctoral recipients are required to enroll in 6 hours per semester and 3 hours each session, and perform 10 hours of service per week in the department or academic unit; full tuition up to 24 hours is provided the student. Application deadline: February 15.

Martin Luther King/César Chavez/Rosa Parks Future Faculty Fellowship
Martin Luther King/César Chavez/Rosa Parks Future Faculty Fellowships are available to U.S. citizens with regular admission to a doctoral program and who wish to pursue a full-time teaching or administrative career in post-secondary education within the United States. These KCP Fellowships are awarded to exceptional students who exemplify the life, career and ideals of Martin Luther King, César Chavez or Rosa Parks. The fellowship does not require departmental service; however, students must meet other requirements as stated in the guidelines for KCP fellowships. KCP fellowships can be awarded in conjunction with other appointments. Inquiries should be sent to the Graduate College. Application deadline: February 15.

Western Michigan University (WMU) - Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) Fellowship
Under the terms of a grant from the National Science Foundation, WMU-AGEP Fellowships are available to U.S. citizens who derive from African-American, Hispanic, Native American (with tribal affiliation) or Asian/Pacific Islander heritage and who have secured regular admission to a doctoral degree program in a STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) area. The AGEP Fellowship is competitive and awarded to exceptional students. Retention and professional development programs offered through the National Science Foundation and the Michigan Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate are available to the fellowship recipients. For further details, contact the Graduate College. Application deadline: March 1.

Graduate Student Research Fund
The Graduate Student Research Fund was established to support graduate students engaged in independent scholarly research, scientific inquiry, inventive technology, and original artistic activity. The fund is intended to help students pay extraordinary or unusual costs incurred in research projects. The typing of theses and dissertations and project papers, as well as the purchase of supplies and equipment commonly provided by departments or by other existing grants or funds are not considered to be unusual expenses.

To be eligible for a grant from the Graduate Student Research Fund, an applicant must be regularly admitted to a graduate degree program, in good academic standing, and enrolled for at least six hours in the semester or for at least three hours in the session that the research takes place (students on “continuous enrollment” status can meet this requirement with one hour of enrollment), and the sole or principal investigator.

Applicants whose research involves human subjects, animals, and/or bio-safety requirements must provide documentation of prior approval of the research proposal by the appropriate University review body.

Grants will range up to $1,000.00 for those applicants selected for funding. The amount will depend, in part, on the number of applications received and the budget available and, in part, on the priority given the application by the selection committee. Normally, preference is given to applications submitted before the research project has been completed. However, applicants should be aware that not all applications may be selected for funding and that not all applicants may receive the amount of funding requested. Applications are available at the Graduate College or at www.wmich.edu/grad/funding. Application deadlines: September 15, November 1, and March 15.

Graduate Student Travel Fund
The Graduate Student Travel Fund was established to support graduate students engaged in independent scholarly research, scientific inquiry, inventive technology, and original artistic activity. The fund supports graduate student travel to meetings or events sponsored by professional organizations for the purpose of reporting the results of research, exhibiting or performing creative works, or otherwise disseminating results of their scholarly activity. This fund does not cover conference attendance for other purposes (e.g., as a non-presenting attendee or workshop participant), to present the findings of another’s scholarly work, or for credit-generating activities such as study abroad programs.

To be eligible for a grant from the Graduate Student Travel Fund, an applicant must be regularly admitted to a graduate degree program, in good academic standing, enrolled for at least six hours in the semester or for at least three hours in the session that the travel takes place (students on “continuous enrollment” status can meet this requirement with one hour of enrollment), the sole or principal investigator and the invited presenter.

Applicants whose research involves human subjects, animals, and/or bio-safety requirements must provide documentation of prior approval of the research proposal by the appropriate University review body.

Grants will range up to $600.00 for those applicants selected for funding. The amount will depend, in part, on the number of applications received and the budget available and, in part, on the priority given the application by the selection committee. Normally, preference is given to applications submitted before the travel has been completed. However, applicants should be aware that not all applications may be selected for funding and that not all applicants may receive the amount of funding requested. Applications are available at the Graduate College or at www.wmich.edu/grad/funding. Application deadlines: September 15, November 1, and March 15.

University Dames Endowed Scholarship Grant
University Dames Endowed Scholarship grants are available for candidates who are admitted to a graduate degree program, who have successfully completed at least 15 credit hours of graduate work, and who are in good academic standing.  Preference is given to female candidates. The award amount is credited to the student’s University account and applied toward tuition, fees, and books. Nominations from department chairs or graduate advisors must include the nominee’s vita and a letter of support from either the department chair or graduate advisor. The scholarship is awarded on an annual basis each spring. Application deadline: May 15.

George and Beatrice Fisher Gerontology Dissertation Prize

Gwen Frostic Doctoral Fellowship
These generous and highly competitive fellowships will be awarded annually by the Graduate College to doctoral students engaged in dissertation research from any field. The fellowships, in an amount to be determined by the Graduate College, will defray or reimburse education expenses, including tuition and fees, materials, and travel. Funds must be spent in the year (365 days) following the award. The award terminates when the doctoral degree has been conferred upon a Fellow.

Upon announcement of the application deadline by the Graduate College, students may be nominated by their dissertation advisor, with a letter of transmission from the department chair or program head. These letters shall indicate the significance of the dissertation research, the accomplishments of the student, and the scholarly or scientific promise of the student. The nomination must be accompanied by the student’s curriculum vitae, approved dissertation proposal, and a budget of expenses.

Patricia Lee Thompson Dissertation Award
The Patricia Lee Thompson Dissertation Award is an annual award that assists with completion of the dissertation. Award monies may be used for any costs associated with completion of the dissertation. Each doctoral degree program at WMU may nominate one student for the award. Nominees must have completed all requirements for the degree except the dissertation and have a graduate GPA of 3.25 or above. Nomination deadline is in mid-May and announced each spring by the Graduate College.

Definitions and Classifications

1. A graduate appointee is a student enrolled in a program leading to a graduate degree or to a graduate certificate who receives a University-administered salary. Amounts may vary by program but minimum established rates are posted on the Graduate College website.
2. To be eligible for a graduate appointment a student must be regularly admitted, in good academic standing, and enrolled in a program leading to a graduate degree or a graduate certificate. In most cases graduate appointees are required to be enrolled as full-time students. A student admitted to a graduate degree program or concurrently to a graduate degree program and a graduate certificate program is eligible for an appointment in any unit in the University. A student admitted only to a graduate certificate program is eligible for an appointment only within the academic unit offering the graduate certificate.
3. Although graduate appointments differ in many important ways, each can be classified as either an assistantship/associateship or a fellowship.  Assistants/Associates provide service to the University which is part of the learning experience in their disciplines. As apprentices they perform part of the functions of their academic units. In contrast, Fellows have no formal service obligation to the University, although they are expected to participate in the normal activities of their academic units which is considered training for participants within the program. 
4. More than one fractional appointment may be held simultaneously. However, in no case shall one person hold more than the equivalent of one full appointment.
5. A student may be awarded an appointment for only one program at the master’s level and one program at the doctoral level.
6. A master’s level student may receive funding for up to two years. At the academic dean’s discretion, a third year of funding may be provided.
7. A doctoral level student may receive funding for up to five years.

Types of Appointments

Assistantship

1. Assistantships are awarded to graduate students with the expectation of appropriate professional service. Graduate assistants are apprentices in the profession, and while the service aspect is emphasized in the definition in order to make a distinction, Graduate Assistants, first and foremost, are students and valued members of the community of scholars. They are chosen for their scholarship and manifest interest in the discipline as well as for their ability to perform the needed service.
2. The service of a Graduate Teaching Assistant (T.A.) consists of activities directly related to teaching, while the service of a Graduate Research Assistant (R.A.) consists of research activity under the supervision of a faculty member or administrator, and the service of a Graduate Non-Teaching Assistant (N.T.A.) includes all other professional work in the unit accepted as appropriate and germane to the student’s educational goal.
3. Teaching assistants as defined in the Teaching Assistants Union (TAU) contract are subject to the terms and conditions of the 2009-12 contract between Western Michigan University and TAU (www.tauaft.org ). Under terms of the contract, at the beginning of each academic term TAU will be provided with a list of all graduate teaching assistants and these will be considered employees represented by the bargaining unit. The bargaining unit will communicate with these employees about rights and responsibilities accorded by the contract, including the payment of union dues.

Associateship

Associateships are assistantships awarded to outstanding students in doctoral programs. Service may involve teaching, research, or other appropriate activity.

Fellowship

Fellowships are awarded to students who have distinguished themselves by outstanding academic achievement or special abilities. Fellowships are provided by the University or by another donor with the approval of the University. The fellowship grant (stipend) is a gift to help the Fellow achieve an educational goal.

Service Requirement

The kinds of service required of Graduate Assistants/Associates may vary among departments, each of which determines its own range of appropriate possibilities subject to administrative review. Whatever kind of service is expected, however, a full assistantship in any department consists of twenty hours of service per week or its equivalent. Equivalency is calculated on the basis of the value assigned by a department to the performance of each particular service.

No service is required of students holding Fellowships; the fellowship grant (stipend) is a gift to help the Fellow achieve an educational goal, rather than a payment for services.

Stipends and Salaries

1. The amount of a fellowship grant (stipend) is set by the donor with the concurrence of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
2. The minimum salary for full-time Assistants and Associates in each type of appointment is established by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
3. Fractional awards are made for fractional appointments.
4. Assistantship, associateship, and fellowship awards have tax implications. Detailed records of educational expenses and check stubs from any payment received from the University should be kept for tax purposes.

Affirmative Action

The University’s Affirmative Action Policy shall apply to graduate appointments.

Professional Ethics

Graduate assistants and associates shall adhere to the same standards of professional ethics as those of the regular faculty. (See “Statement on Professional Ethics” in current Agreement between WMU and the AAUP.)

Notification of Status

1. At the time of their appointment, graduate appointees shall be informed in writing of the specific conditions of the appointment. They shall be informed that the offer of an appointment is contingent upon acceptance into a graduate degree program at the University, and continuance of the appointment depends in part on satisfactory progress in that program and satisfactory performance of assigned duties. The letter shall also state the amount of the award, whether a tuition scholarship is involved, the probable assigned activities, the length of the appointment, conditions of service, and, if appropriate, the criteria for renewal. Any other conditions peculiar to an individual appointment shall be contained in the letter of appointment.
2. Each appointee shall be provided with information prepared by the Graduate College concerning current University-wide procedures, practices, privileges, and responsibilities that relate to graduate appointees. Each department is responsible for providing any supplemental information on these matters that is necessary and special.

Professional Development

1. Assigned activities of graduate appointees shall be relevant professional experiences.
2. Graduate appointees can expect professional guidance and timely evaluation in the performance of their duties.

Enrollment Status

1. A full appointment requires a minimum enrollment of six credits per semester or three credits per session. Individual departments may require an enrollment of more than the minimum number of credit hours. Some circumstances may allow for decreased enrollment; however, departments will advise appointees.
2. It should be noted that students registered for five or more credits a semester (four or more credits a session) are assessed, as part of the enrollment fee, prepaid student health center and recreation center fees that allow access to health center services and recreation center facilities. Students enrolled for four or fewer credits a semester (three or fewer credits a session) are assessed a lesser enrollment fee which continues to allow for services at the health center and provides ten visits to the recreation center. Students in the latter example must pay an additional fee to enable them to have unlimited recreation center privileges.

Evidence of Status

1. For formal identification as a graduate appointee, students are placed on an electronic list shared with various campus offices that provide services to appointees.
2. Validation may be authorized during the summer sessions for graduate appointees on academic year appointments even if the appointee is no longer receiving a stipend.

Appointee Benefits

1. Tuition Scholarships: Graduate appointees may, at the discretion of the University, be granted partial or full tuition scholarships. Any such tuition scholarship will be identified in the appointment letter and on the appointment form. Tuition scholarships are awarded only during the semester(s) or session(s) a graduate appointment is held. Students who are granted such partial or full tuition scholarships and subsequently withdraw from a class or from classes after the refund period may be required to repay the portion of the tuition scholarship that was granted as a benefit of the appointment.
2. University housing: Graduate appointees will be accorded priority in securing University housing in residence halls or family housing apartments (if deadlines are observed and as facilities permit).
3. Library: Graduate appointees will be accorded the same privileges and responsibilities as faculty members in the use of the library facilities. These are specified in the faculty handbook (Western Michigan University Policy Handbook). Appointees will also have access to library carrels on a space available basis after faculty requests have been filled.
4. Parking: Graduate appointees are exempt from paying the motor vehicle registration fee, but are required to register their motor vehicles. Application may be made to the Public Safety Annex for parking privileges in designated lots; the appointee will be required to present the ID and appear on the electronic validation list held at the service desk, or to present the letter of appointment.
5. Campus Bookstore: Graduate appointees will be accorded discount privileges on purchases at the Western Michigan University Bookstore in the same manner and degree as faculty and staff members. Discount will be given for current semester or session only; the appointee will be required to present the student identification card and appear on the electronic validation list held at the service desk. 
6. University facilities: Graduate appointees will be accorded the use of University facilities (e.g., student offices, research facilities, etc.) authorized by the director of the facilities on the same basis that they are authorized for part-time faculty.
7. Health Care: Appointees may elect to enroll in a University-sponsored Health Insurance Program. [All students enrolled at Western Michigan University are eligible to participate in the Student Health Insurance Program (dependent coverage available) where each participant pays the full cost of coverage.] Graduate appointees are eligible to receive a University contribution towards the cost of coverage, provided they complete the necessary enrollment process during the prescribed enrollment period. Enrollment materials and information are available at the Sindecuse Health Center and the Graduate College.

At Western Michigan University, we encourage every student to apply for Financial Aid FIRST. Financial aid is the best, most cost-efficient way to pay for college. Everyone qualifies for some type of aid. We are dedicated to meeting the needs of a diverse and talented campus community by providing excellent customer service, in an accurate and timely manner, through the use of advanced technology and knowledgeable staff.

Financial aid comes in several forms. Your aid package may include a grant, which is “free money” you don’t have to repay. It can include work-study and federal student loans. Federal student loans offer the lowest interest rates and allow you to defer repayment..

The information in this section is based on the 2009-10 award year criteria. Should federal, state, or University regulations and procedures change, Student Financial Aid will be responsible for administering programs according to updated description and criteria

To see the most current information about opportunities and application procedures, visit the Student Financial Aid Web site: www.wmich.edu/finaid. If you have questions you may visit Bronco Express in the Bernhard Center, e-mail: finaid-info@wmich.edu or call (269) 387-6000.

Types of Financial Aid

Graduate Scholarships

There are a variety of scholarships and programs available. For complete and up-to-date information, visit our Web site: www.wmich.edu/finaid/Publication/scholarships/AssistanceGraduateStudents.

Work-Study

College work-study is a need-based financial aid programs funded by the Federal government, the State of Michigan, and Western Michigan University. It is awarded to eligible students who are enrolled at least ha lf-time during the period of their employment. Unlike grants and scholarships, work-study awards are earned and paid through the payroll process in the form of a bi-weekly paycheck. Work-study awards and amounts are subject to eligibility requirements and fund availability. Early application is very important. For more information, visit the work-study Web site: www.wmich.edu/finaid/work-study.

Loans

These financial aid programs are designed to assist students, allowing them to borrow at a lower interest rate with opportunities to defer principal payments and possibly interest payments until after enrollment ends.

Federal Perkins Loan - allows undergraduate and graduate students with unmet need to borrow funds on an annual basis with an interest rate of 5.0 percent. The annual amount ranges up to $8,000 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 at 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 fixed interest rate of 6.8 percent for graduates. The annual amount is dependent upon cost of attendance, expected family contribution, 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 percent 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 - not based on need and allows undergraduate and graduate students to borrow funds on an annual basis with a fixed interest rate of 6.8 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 principle loan amount. Loan principal payments are deferred as long as a student is enrolled at least half-time. Borrowers pay an origination fee 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 Graduate PLUS Loan - not based on need and allows graduate students to borrow funds on an annual basis with a fixed interest rate of 7.9 percent. Repayment of interest and the principle begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. Repayment will be deferred automatically if the student is enrolled a minimum of half-time. Borrowers pay an origination fee that is deducted from each disbursement. The Graduate PLUS application must be completed by the student’s parent. Borrowers must pass a credit check.

Alternative Loans - available through a variety of private loan programs. These loans supplement financial aid. Each program will vary. For more information about how to choose a private loan lender, see our Web site, www.wmich.edu/finaid/2-awards-loans.html#alt.

Other Resources

On and Off Campus Student Employment - many 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://broncojobs.wmich.edu.

U.S. Armed Forces - offer students a variety of educational assistance programs. Contact your local armed forces recruiter for complete information.

Procedures and Policies

Applying for Financial Aid

The financial aid application process begins when a student files the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online year year at www.fafsa.ed.gov. WMU may be selected using our school code, 002330. A Personal Identification Number (PIN) needs to be acquired from www.pin.ed.gov. This PIN serves as the student’s electronic signature and will be used throughout the financial aid process. A FAFSA may be filed as early as January 1. Keep in mind, while there is no cutoff deadline, awards funded by the State of Michigan have a priority deadline of March 1. Other types of aid are awarded until funds are exhausted, so apply as early as possible. returning students should file a Renewal FAFSA each year as well.

The FAFSA gathers information regarding the parents’ and students’ income, assets, and other related information to determine the expected family contribution (EFC). The EFC is used to determine the amount of need-based eligibility for the student based on the cost of attendance (COA). The COA is based on an estimate of tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses. The amount of need-based aid may also be affected by other financial aid resources. The cost of attendance and a personal budget worksheet can be found on our Web site at www.wmich.edu/finaid/nextsteps.

Along with the FAFSA, other documents and processes may be required before an award notice or payment is processed. Notification of these additional requirements will be e-mailed to students through their WMU e-mail address. Students may also check on the status of their financial aid online any time through GoWMU.

Awarding Process

Student Financial Aid automatically considers students for all types of federal, state, and institutional grants, work-study, 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 and grade level, enrollment hours, semesters of enrollment, degree status, default status, and satisfactory 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, however, payments to the student’s account will be based on actual enrollment.

Any additional resources, changes to funding or regulations may affect student’s financial aid awards. If the information received affects student’s financial aid awards, a revised award letter will be e-mailed through the student’s WMU e-mail address.

Payment Process

Financial aid payments are made to a student’s WMU account as early as 10 days before the beginning of the semester. Payments are disbursed based upon the program eligibility requirements, and minimum enrollment requirements. Payments will be applied to a student’s tuition, fees, housing, food and other authorized charges. Any excess funds remaining will be refunded to students (or parents if requested for the Parent PLUS loan) via direct deposit or a mailed check.

Maintenance Requirements

In accordance with Federal and State regulations, Student Financial Aid must monitor academic progress towards graduation. Graduate students must complete at least 67 percent of attempted hours to maintain eligibility for Federal and State financial aid. Students who lose financial aid eligibility and who have experienced unusual circumstances may submit a written appeal with the documentation to the Student Financial Aid Office to be considered by an appeal committee.

Withdrawal from Courses

Financial aid recipients contemplating a partial or complete withdrawal should discuss withdrawal plans with a Financial Services Specialist in Student Financial Aid before withdrawal.

Financial aid recipients who drop some classes during the drop/add period (or indicate having never attended some classes) may lose some or all financial aid eligibility. Financial aid recipients who drop all classes prior to the start of the semester (or having never attended any classes) are no longer eligible for financial aid for that semester. All scholarship, grant, assistantship, associateship, and loan payments (and refunds of financial aid) must be returned to Western Michigan University.

A Federal financial aid recipient who completely withdraws from all classes after the beginning of the semester will have the amount of Federal aid earned up to that point determined by a specific formula. If more Federal aid was received than earned, the excess Federal aid must be returned. The amount of Federal aid earned is determined on a pro-rata basis. That is, if 30 percent of the semester is completed, 30 percent of the Federal aid received is earned. Once having completed more than 60 percent of the semester all of the Federal aid is earned.

Receipt of Assistantship/Fellowship

An assistantship, associateship, or fellowship awarded by a department or college will not be indicated on the financial aid award letter until the financial aid office has been notified of the award.  If a student has been awarded Federal loans, the loans may be reduced when the assistantship, associateship, or fellowship (or any other awards) are added to the award file. Even if the loans have been disbursed, they may be reduced at the time the Financial Aid Office receives notification of the receipt of additional assistance.

Admittance Status

Students need to be admitted to a graduate degree-seeking program to be eligible for most types of financial aid. Students who are admitted to WMU in a non-degree program may not be eligible for financial aid. Students admitted to complete teacher education certification requirements to obtain permanent certification may be eligible for loans at the undergraduate level.

International Students

International students are not eligible for Federal or State aid. There may be scholarships, assistantships, associateships, or fellowships available through WMU departments or the Graduate College. International students may also be eligible for an “alternative loan” if a U.S. citizen that is credit-worthy is willing to co-sign the loan.