Financial Aid
Financing your education is the first step in building a brighter future. At University of Western States, we’ll help you understand your financial aid options and create a clear path forward that aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Financing Your Education
A range of financial aid opportunities exist, including scholarships, grants, loans, and other resources, to support students of all financial backgrounds. Explore the available funding options and consider how best to plan for the road ahead.
Costs Overview
We know that cost is one of the most important parts of your enrollment decision. This section is designed to give you a clear, complete picture of what attending University of Western States may cost, so you can plan with confidence and explore every option available to you.
Types of Aid
Paying for school rarely comes down to a single source of funding. Many students rely on a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and other funding sources to meet their educational expenses. The good news is that there are more options than many students realize. Below, you will find the financial aid opportunities available, organized by funding type, to help you understand your options and identify the resources that may best support your educational goals.
Billing
We want the financial side of your enrollment to feel as manageable as the academic side. This section covers everything you need to know about how and when you’ll be billed, how to make payments, and what to do if your plans change. If something isn’t clear or your situation is unique, our Student Accounts team is always available to help you find a path forward.
Resources
Sometimes the information you need doesn’t fit neatly into a single category. Sometimes you just need a little extra help making sense of it all. This section brings together tools, policies, and reference materials designed to support you at every stage of your financial aid journey. Whether you’re looking for a quick answer, trying to understand a term, or want to know more about how we operate, you’ll find it here.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Here are two great first steps.
Financial Aid Process
Applying for financial aid can feel daunting but breaking it down into steps can make it much more manageable. Here’s exactly what to expect, in the order it happens. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to a complete financial aid package before you know it.
Steps for U.S. Students
Step 1
Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is the starting point for nearly all financial aid. University of Western States’ school code is 012309.
Step 2
After submitting your FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) — a summary of the information you provided and an initial estimate of your aid eligibility. Review it carefully and correct any errors as soon as possible. A complete and accurate SAR helps us process your aid without delays.
Step 3
Our financial aid office may request additional documentation to verify the information on your FAFSA— things like tax transcripts, proof of income, or household information. This process is called verification, and it’s a normal part of the process for many students. Respond to any requests promptly to keep your aid on track.
Step 4
Once your FAFSA is processed and any required documents are received, UWS will send you a financial aid offer outlining the types and amounts of aid you’re eligible to receive. Take your time reviewing it— and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about what’s included or what it means for your out-of-pocket costs.
Step 5
You’re not required to accept everything in your offer. Review each component carefully, particularly any loans, and accept only what you need. Once you’ve made your selections, submit your acceptance by the deadline indicated in your offer letter.
Step 6
If you’re accepting federal loans for the first time, you’ll need to complete two additional requirements before your funds can be disbursed: Entrance Counseling, which ensures you understand your rights and responsibilities as a borrower, and a Master Promissory Note (MPN), which is your formal agreement to repay the loan. Both are completed online at studentaid.gov.
Step 7
Financial Aid will post to your account after the Add/Drop period of each semester. If your aid exceeds your direct costs, any remaining balance will be refunded to you to help cover indirect expenses such as housing and books.
Step 8
Financial aid is not automatically renewed. To continue receiving aid, you’ll need to submit a new FAFSA for each academic year, typically beginning October 1 for the following year. We’ll send reminders, but the earlier you submit, the better your chances of maximizing your aid package.
Financial Aid for Canadian Students
Financing your education from Canada looks a little different — but the path is clear. Follow these steps to get started and visit our International Students section if you need more detail along the way.
Steps for Canadian Students
Step 1
Visit Canada’s Student Grants and Loans page.
Step 2
Apply for provincial or territorial student aid.
Contact the student aid program of your home province or territory to apply for government-funded loans and grants.
Step 3
Apply for admission to University of Western States.
Submit your application for your program. Admission is required before financial aid can be confirmed.
Step 4
Request a confirmation of enrollment.
Once admitted, request an official enrollment confirmation letter from University of Western States to submit to your provincial aid office.
Step 5
Review your funding notice.
Your provincial aid office will issue a funding notice outlining your loan and grant amounts. Review it carefully before accepting.
Step 6
Confirm enrollment and receive your funds.
Complete any remaining enrollment steps with University of Western States. Your aid will be released once enrollment is confirmed for the term.
For other students, please visit our International Students page for more information.
Support When You Need It
The Office of Financial Aid is here to help you explore your options, answer questions, and create a plan that works for you.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid at [email protected] or call 971-449-9223.