Study Abroad

Study Abroad FAQs

• When will I receive my financial aid and how does disbursement work?

   Your financial aid will be disbursed on the first day of the CWU quarter or 10 days before the start of your study abroad program, whichever is later.

  Disbursed funds will be applied to your CWU student account to cover current charges (such as tuition, fees, etc.). If there are excess funds after your balance is paid, a refund will be issued.

  • Direct deposit is the fastest and most secure refund method, and we strongly recommend setting it up through your MyCWU account.
  • If direct deposit is not set up, a paper check will be mailed to the address listed on your student account.

  If your refund includes a Parent PLUS Loan, the refund will only go to you if the parent selected that option on their loan application—or if the parent sets up a direct deposit account in their own name.

• How is my financial aid budget determined?

  The Education Abroad Office creates your Cost of Participation (COP), which is used by Financial Aid to build your budget. Your financial aid cannot exceed this budget. If there are changes to your COP, you must contact the Education Abroad Office—Financial Aid cannot make budget adjustments.

  Aid is awarded based on your eligibility:

  • Dependent students may see an increase in Parent PLUS Loans.
  • Independent students may need to seek private loans if costs exceed available aid.

  Flight costs can be included in the COP but must be paid out of pocket upfront, since aid won’t disburse early.

• What should I do if my program requires payment before financial aid disburses?

  CWU cannot release financial aid funds early, even if your program begins before the quarter starts. Many study abroad programs will allow delayed payment if you provide official documentation from CWU.

  To request a Financial Aid Deferment Letter:

  • Email financialaid@cwu.edu with the subject line “Study Abroad Letter.”
  • Include your student ID number.
  • Allow 2–3 weeks for processing.

  Be prepared to cover upfront costs, including flights, deposits, or tuition, until your financial aid refund is processed.

• What types of financial aid can I use for study abroad?

  Eligible aid includes:

  • Federal loans (with completed MPN and entrance counseling)
  • Federal grants (Pell, SEOG, TEACH)
  • Washington state grants (WA College Grant, College Bound Scholarship)

  Most CWU waivers (e.g., WUE, Dependent Waiver, Merit Awards) do not apply during terms when you aren’t charged CWU tuition. The CWU Financial Need Grant is one of the few waivers that can still be used.

• ow will financial aid be disbursed for year-long or multi-quarter programs?

   For programs that span more than one quarter:

  • Your aid will be disbursed quarterly, on the first day of each CWU quarter.
  • Disbursement is conditional on your COP and Financial Aid Application for Study Abroad being submitted before the deadline each quarter.

  Grants must follow the CWU quarterly schedule:
  

  • Federal and state grants (e.g., Pell Grant, WA College Grant) must be split across quarters.
  • You cannot receive your full award (e.g., entire Pell Grant) in a single quarter, even if your program's full cost is due earlier.
• What else can financial aid cover, and how do I handle insurance or credit types?

  Flights, housing, meals, and other program-related expenses may be covered by financial aid—but only if they are included in your Cost of Participation (COP). This means it's essential to work closely with the Education Abroad Office to ensure all anticipated expenses are documented in your COP before aid is awarded. Keep in mind that financial aid cannot be disbursed early, so you’ll need to pay for some of these expenses up front and be reimbursed once your aid is released.

  Insurance coverage is required for all study abroad participants. Because insurance needs vary by program and destination, students should consult directly with the Education Abroad Office to choose the right plan. The Financial Aid Office cannot provide guidance on selecting or purchasing insurance.

  Program structure and credit type will impact how your courses count toward your degree:

  • Faculty-led programs are designed and taught by CWU instructors. These courses award CWU credit and are treated like on-campus classes in terms of enrollment and financial aid.
  • Remote or third-party provider programs are hosted by non-CWU institutions or international partners. In most cases, you’ll need to transfer the credits back to CWU once your program ends. You are responsible for working with your academic department to ensure these credits meet degree requirements.

  Enrollment level matters for financial aid eligibility. Most grants (such as Pell or state aid) are awarded based on full-time enrollment—typically defined as 12 or more credits per quarter for undergraduate students. If you enroll in fewer credits, your grants may be prorated, meaning the amount of aid you receive will be reduced in proportion to your enrollment level.

• What happens if I withdraw or don’t complete my study abroad program?

  If you withdraw early or do not complete your program, you may be subject to a Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) calculation. This process may require you to repay a portion of your financial aid, depending on how much of the term was completed.

• Why do I have a transcript hold after returning from study abroad?

  After your program ends, you must submit your official study abroad transcripts to CWU’s Registrar’s Office by the following quarter. Until your transcripts are received:

  • A transcript hold will remain on your student account.
  • This hold will prevent financial aid disbursement for any future terms.

  To avoid delays, make arrangements with your program provider to send your transcript as soon as your coursework is complete.

• Can someone else (like a program coordinator) speak with Financial Aid on my behalf?

  Yes, but only if you’ve submitted a Release of Information (ROI) form through your MyCWU account.

  Without this release, the Financial Aid Office cannot legally share any details about your financial aid—including award amounts or disbursement status—with any third party, including program coordinators or parents.

• Why am I only being offered loans, and how do private loans work for study abroad?

  Your financial aid package is based on your eligibility and federal or state funding limits, which are the same whether you’re taking classes at CWU or participating in a study abroad program.

  Annual Federal Loan Limits

  • Federal Direct Student Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) have annual borrowing caps based on your grade level and dependency status.
  • These limits apply no matter where you study. If you've already borrowed your maximum amount for the academic year, additional federal loan aid cannot be awarded, even if your study abroad program is more expensive than a typical quarter on campus.
  • For example:
    • A dependent second-year student may only borrow up to $6,500 per year in Direct Loans.
    • If your study abroad budget (COP) is higher than this, the difference must be covered through other resources.

  What if Your Aid Doesn’t Cover All Costs?

  If your grants and federal loans don't fully cover your Cost of Participation (COP), you may only be offered loans or may need to pursue additional borrowing options:

  • Dependent students may request a Parent PLUS Loan:
    • This is a federal loan borrowed by a parent on your behalf.
    • The PLUS Loan amount may be increased to help cover the gap between your aid and the total cost of your study abroad program.
  • Independent students, or students whose families aren’t eligible or willing to take a PLUS Loan, may need to apply for a private (alternative) loan through a bank or private lender.

  Important Things to Know About Private Loans:

  • Apply early. Each lender has its own application process and timeline, and it can take several weeks for the loan to be approved and processed.
  • The Cost of Participation (COP) and Financial Aid Application for Study Abroad must be completed and on file with CWU before any private loan can be certified and disbursed.
  • Private loans are credit-based, meaning you or your cosigner must meet the lender’s credit requirements to qualify.
  • Some lenders allow you to borrow for travel, housing, meals, and other expenses as long as those costs are listed in the official COP.