Financial Resources and Processes at Western

Financial Aid and Scholarships

At Western, there are a number of resources available to students and families to help with college expenses. More than 60 percent of students at Western receive financial aid in the form of grants, tuition waivers, scholarships, student employment and/or loans to help pay for tuition, books, educational supplies, housing, food, transportation and personal expenses. 

The Financial Aid Department assists students and their families with scholarships, outside/private scholarships, grants, work study opportunities, and loans.

For questions about any of these topics, or financial aid offers and FAFSA, contact the Financial Aid Department: 

Old Main 265, 360-650-3470, financialaid@wwu.edu, finaid.wwu.edu/client-services

Scholarships from Western Washington University may be awarded based on academic merit, talent, extracurricular activities, leadership and community involvement, and in some cases, need. New students are automatically considered for most scholarships based on their information in the application for admission.

Additional scholarship information is available in Western’s Scholarship Center:

Old Main 285, 360-650-3471scholarshipcenter@wwu.edufinaid.wwu.edu/scholarships

Outside/Private Scholarships are awards that students apply for and are awarded outside of Western Washington University. These may be local scholarships from your community, state or national awards. There are many resources for assisting students in finding these opportunities. For example, TheWashBoard.org is a free, student-centered, online clearing house for both Washington residents and students attending Washington colleges and universities who are seeking college scholarships. 

For questions regarding scholarship options, contact Western’s Scholarship Center:

Old Main 285, 360-650-3471, scholarshipcenter@wwu.edu, finaid.wwu.edu/scholarships

Grants are “free” money offered to undergraduate students who have high financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). Western participates in most state and federal grant programs including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Washington College Grant, College Bound Scholarship, Institutional Grants and Tuition Waivers. 

Federal loans include the Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loan programs, and the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) program. Eligibility requires a completed FAFSA and at least half-time enrollment. Loan amounts depend on the FAFSA information, class standing, and dependency status. Loans must be repaid.

For more information and to complete the required Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling visit studentaid.gov. Private educational loans are also available. Contact the Financial Aid Department for details.

Work Study is a form of financial aid offered to students with high financial need. Work Study provides employment opportunities on campus and in the local community. Students earn a paycheck for the hours worked. Funds are not subtracted from the tuition bill.

Students may find Work Study and non-Work Study employment opportunities through the Student Employment Center:

Old Main 245, 360-650-3158, studentemployment@wwu.edu, finaid.wwu.edu/studentjobs

Student Business Office

The Student Business Office, SBO for short, is here to help students and payers navigate their Western Account Online. The SBO strives to instill fiscal responsibility in all WWU students by helping them understand tuition and fees, charges, payment options, and due dates.  

Old Main 110, 360-650-2865, sbo@wwu.edusbo.wwu.edu

  • Make your payments through your Western Account Online. Paying online is the fastest, easiest, and most secure way to pay your account balance. Find a full list of available payment methods on the SBO website. 
  • Review the Checklist 4 Success to complete all necessary forms and requirements related to your Western Account Online before the first day of classes.
  • Use our online scheduling tool to make an appointment so you can discuss your Western Account Online with one of our Billing Specialists. 

The SBO does not send out bills or invoices. Statements are published monthly to your Western Account Online. Students are encouraged to monitor their account activity regularly to track changes and ensure payments are made on time.

Every WWU student has a Western Account. This is where all charges (tuition, fees, housing, meal plan, course fees, etc.) and payments (online payments, financial aid, scholarships, etc.) are posted. Students can access their Western Account Online through Web4U, located at the top of myWestern.

Tuition and fees are due on the first day of every quarter. Pay on time to avoid late fees and interest, which are assessed monthly on the 15th. Financial holds are also placed on accounts with past-due balances, which will prevent students from registering for the next quarter.

Enrolling in a payment plan provides a convenient, manageable way to pay tuition in monthly installments, rather than a single, larger lump-sum payment. 

The Release of Financial Information form allows the Student Business Office to speak with authorized individuals regarding a student's Western Account Online.

The Authorization to Apply Financial Aid Funds form allows financial aid funds to pay for more than just tuition, fees, and room and board.

These forms are available on the SBO website under the Checklist 4 Success or on Web4U.

Designate a parent or other third party to receive statement notifications, view your balance, and make payments to your account. Visit your Western Account Online to set up an authorized payer and they will receive an email with instructions on how to create their login.

Electronic payment is available 24 hours a day with immediate credit to your account. Online eCheck payments are made using your checking/savings account information with no additional fees. Western also accepts online card payments, however an additional convenience fee will be added to the transaction.

Almost every WWU student receives a refund at some point during their time at Western. Sign up for direct deposit to prevent a delay in receiving refunds applied to your Western Account Online, including refunds from excess financial aid disbursements. Visit Refund Selection to enroll for accessing refunds. 

Western Card Office

The Western Card Office connects you with your Western Card. Your card is used for access to Academic Technology & User Services, Wilson Library, Wade King Rec Center, dining, WTA buses and more. Students can visit the card office in person, or check out the info online to get their Western Card.

Old Main 110, 360-650-7414western.card@wwu.eduwesterncard.wwu.edu