How to Apply for Financial Aid

In-State Students
Out of State Students
Summer and Winter Sessions

How to Apply - In State Students

Step 1: Apply for an FSA ID

Each student (and parent, if the student is considered “dependent”) should apply for their own FSA ID username and password. Please make sure that you are using an email you check frequently since password confirmation information will be sent to that address.

Step 2: File your FASFA

FAFSA becomes available each year on October 1st with the exception of the 2024-25 FAFSA which will not be available until December 2023. Apply for federal and state financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/fafsa. West Chester University’s School Code is: 003328. (Don’t forget to sign the FAFSA with FSA ID(s) before submitting).

Step 3: Complete your PA State Grant Form (First Year Undergraduate Students Only)

Pennsylvania residents who are enrolling in an undergraduate program and have not applied for financial aid before will need to complete the Pennsylvania State Grant Form. This form can be accessed on the confirmation page of the FAFSA or by creating an account at https://pheaa.org.

Step 4: Apply for Scholarships

Learn more about institutional and outside scholarship opportunities at www.wcupa.edu/scholarships.

Step 5: Apply for federal need-based work study

If you are interested in working on-campus or at one of our approved sites, please apply for open positions at: https://wcupa.joinhandshake.com/login

How to Apply - Out of State Students

Step 1: Apply for an FSA ID

Each student (and parent, if the student is considered “dependent”) should apply for their own FSA ID username and password. Please make sure that you are using an email you check frequently since password confirmation information will be sent to that address.

Step 2: File your FASFA every year

FAFSA becomes available each year on October 1st with the exception of the 2024-25 FAFSA which will not be available until December 2023 Apply for federal and state financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/fafsa. West Chester University’s School Code is: 003328. (Don’t forget to sign the FAFSA with FSA ID(s) before submitting).

Step 3: Apply for state funding (Undergraduate Students Only)

Undergraduate out-of-state students who live in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Vermont, Ohio and West Virginia may be eligible to bring their grants to WCU as these states have reciprocal agreements with the state of Pennsylvania. Students must still meet FAFSA deadlines that apply to their states and awards may vary for attendance at a Pennsylvania school. For more information, please contact your state agency directly.

Step 4: Apply for Scholarships

Learn more about institutional and outside scholarship opportunities at www.wcupa.edu/scholarships.

Step 5: Apply for federal need-based work study

If you are interested in working on-campus or at one of our approved sites, please apply online for open positions at https://wcupa.joinhandshake.com/login

Summer and Winter Sessions

Winter Term for Returning Students

Since winter is not a standard term, eligibility for federal and state aid increases is based on the combined enrollment of both the winter and spring terms. If students are full-time for the spring term, they would not qualify for an increase in aid for the winter term. However, if students are part time in the spring term, they should contact the Office of Financial aid at finaid@wcupa.edu to determine if they qualify for an increase in financial aid to help cover the cost of their winter courses.

Summer Term for Returning Students

Can my federal loans be increased if I add summer courses to my schedule?

Summer is a trailer to the current academic year. Therefore, currently enrolled students who have maxed their eligibility for federal loans would not qualify for additional federal loan funding in the summer term.

If a student did not take the full amount of their federal loan during the academic year (fall and spring terms), then the student can apply for additional loans funds by using the Summer Student Loan Application which will be available on the Financial Aid Website under "Forms".

Will I receive additional Pell grant funding if I take a summer course?

Students may qualify for a Year Round Pell award if they are enrolled for at least 6 credits. Pell grant funding is reviewed automatically after enrolling, but if you have questions about your Pell grant eligibility you can email finaid@wcupa.edu

Can I work in a summer work study job if I am not taking classes this summer?

Students can apply for a summer work study job using Handshake at: https://wcupa.joinhandshake.com/login  even if they are not taking classes during the summer. However, eligibility will be based on financial need and therefore the student will only be issued a contract if they have enough costs to qualify for a summer award. Please email idavis@wcupa.edu if you have questions about summer work study.

Can I apply for a summer PA State Grant

Students who are taking 6 credits can apply for the Summer PA State Grant by completing the Summer PA State Grant Application. The Summer State Grant Application is usually not available until mid-March of each year. Students who qualify for a summer state grant will typically not receive the award funding until the second summer session. Therefore, the first summer session would have to be covered by another means while students wait for their summer state grant funding.

Please be aware that you can only receive the equivalent of four academic years of PA State Grant. The grant uses a full semester of eligibility for a full time (12+credits) award, and one half semester (6-11.5 credits) award. This means if you are awarded a Summer State Grant, you are using eligibility from a future semester.

Academic Success Program (First Year Undergraduate Students)

What is ASP and what does it stand for?

ASP stands for Academic Success Program which is a special admissions program for students who do not meet current admissions criteria but who still show the potential to succeed in college.

Students admitted to the program complete a 5-week summer session to assist them in developing academic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. This program also provides academic support through academic advising, tutoring, mentoring and academic monitoring, and counseling.

Am I eligible for summer aid in the ASP Program?

Yes, to be considered for financial assistance for the summer, you are required to complete the your FAFSA by May 1st.

Am I eligible for Summer Financial Aid if I do not have my verification completed?

No, if you are selected for verification you must have this completed before can receive federal financial aid.

Should I apply for the PA State Grant?

No, we do not recommend you applying for the PA State Grant as students only have access to 8 semesters of PA State Grant over the course of their college career?

Why is my summer pell grant less than what is listed on my FAFSA confirmation page?

The pell grant that is quoted on your FAFSA confirmation page is the amount of a full-time annual award but for the summer you are only being reviewed for a half-time semester grant.

Can I have a summer work-study job while in ASP?

Although summer work-study jobs are available we do not recommend students working over summer due to the very demanding schedule within the ASP Program.

Who can I contact about Financial Aid for the Summer Academic Development Program?

Please email Ian Davis idavis@wcupa.edu , Assistant Director of Financial Aid.