Rights and Responsibilities
Rights and Responsibilities
When you receive financial aid at CWU, you’re agreeing to a partnership — your aid comes with important rights and responsibilities.
Knowing these will help you maintain your eligibility and make the most of the support available to you.
Student Rights as an Aid Recipient
As a financial aid recipient, you have the right to:
- Have your eligibility determined in an equitable, consistent way that follows federal and state rules.
- Be considered for all aid programs you qualify for, as long as funds are available.
- Receive clear information about how your eligibility was calculated.
- Get details on all financial aid programs, regulations, policies, and procedures that affect you.
- Be notified if your financial aid offer changes.
- Expect that your financial and educational records will be kept confidential, following FERPA guidelines.
- Learn about your loan obligations, including total debt and repayment options.
- Get guidance on debt management and loan repayment strategies.
Responsibilities You Must Fulfill
Your responsibilities include:
- Providing complete, accurate information to determine your eligibility.
- Using your financial aid only for educationally related expenses, as outlined in your Cost of Attendance.
- Completing required loan counseling (Entrance and Exit Counseling).
- Reporting any other funding you receive, like scholarships or tuition waivers, to the Financial Aid Office.
- Maintaining the same enrollment level throughout each term.
- Notifying your loan servicer and CWU if you withdraw, transfer, drop below half-time enrollment, or change your name or address.
- Keeping copies of all your award notices, promissory notes, and important loan documents.
- Beginning loan repayment within six months of leaving school.
- Understanding that grants or scholarships that exceed your tuition, fees, and required expenses may be taxable income.
Conditions for Continued Eligibility
To continue receiving financial aid, you must:
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements by completing at least 67% of attempted credits and maintaining the required GPA.
- Reapply for aid each year by completing the FAFSA or WASFA.
- Be admitted to CWU as a degree-seeking student.
- Meet federal, state, and institutional eligibility requirements for each type of aid.
- Be enrolled in an eligible program and not pursuing a degree in theology (for state aid).
- Maintain your Washington State residency (if you receive state aid).
- Not owe repayment on previous aid or be in default on student loans.
- Notify CWU if you plan to graduate in the fall or winter, as this can affect your aid.
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Financial Aid
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