Understanding Your Award
Step Two: Understand Your Offer
Once your application has been processed, you'll receive a financial aid offer outlining the types and amounts of aid you're eligible to receive.
This section helps you understand what’s in your award and what actions to take.
Start by reviewing your Award Conditions.How Financial Need is Calculated
Student Aid Index (SAI)
The data you submit on your FAFSA is used to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)—an estimate of how much you or your family could reasonably contribute toward your education. Your EFC appears on your Student Aid Report (SAR) and may or may not reflect what you actually pay. Your financial need is determined using the following formula:
Cost of Attendance (COA) – Student Aid Index (SAI) = Financial Need
CWU attempts to meet your need with a combination of:
- Federal and state grants
- Institutional gift aid
- Outside scholarships
- Work-study employment
- Subsidized loans
- Unsubsidized loans
- Parent PLUS or Graduate PLUS loans
- TEACH Grant/Loan (upon request)
What’s in Your Award
CWU offers all eligible aid up to your COA. Not all students are eligible for every type of aid, and some programs have limited funding. Your financial aid package may include a mix of need-based, non-need based, and merit-based aid. You can review our aid offer in your MyCWU.
- Need-Based Aid: Awarded based on financial need (e.g., Pell Grant, WA College Grant, Subsidized Loans, Work-Study).
- Non-Need Based Aid: Awarded to students regardless of financial need (e.g., Unsubsidized Loans, Parent PLUS loans).
- Merit-Based Aid: Awarded based on academic achievement or special talents, regardless of financial need (e.g., CWU merit scholarships and non-resident waivers).
Graduate Students
Graduate students typically receive their award letters by the third week of May. If you are expecting an assistantship, your award may be delayed until your contract is submitted and processed.
Prorated Awards for Part-Time Students
There are enrollment requirements for specific types of aid to receive the offered amount.
Federal and State Grants: Pell, WA College Grant, and College Bound scholarships are prorated per credit if you are not enrolled in 12 or more credits.
Merit-Aid: Most CWU Merit aid requires a minimum of 12 credits per term to receive the award. This includes Pacific Northwest Scholarship, Destination Central, Presidential, Trustees, Wellington, Crimson, and Wildcat Promise.
Federal Loans: Federal Loans require a student to be enrolled half time.
- Undergraduates/Post Baccs- 6 or more credits
- Graduates- 5 or more credits
What to Do Next
Once awarded, you must log in to MyCWU to:
- View your Cost of Attendance, EFC, and offered aid
- Read the Conditions of Financial Aid, Satisfactory Progress Standards, and Loan Conditions
- Accept, decline, or reduce the aid offered
No aid will be processed until you accept your awards. You can request adjustments later if needed.
Dropping or Withdrawing
Contact the Financial Aid Office before dropping or withdrawing from classes. Aid may be adjusted or returned depending on your new enrollment status. Failing to attend or complete classes can lead to aid suspension or repayment.
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Get Started with Financial Aid
Questions? Contact Us.
Financial Aid
Bouillon Hall 106