To launch your financial aid application, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with WIU federal school code 001780. You and/or your parents can complete the FAFSA using your tax return information. To remain eligible for aid, you need to file the FAFSA every year you are enrolled at WIU.

The WIU financial aid team will look for a complete and accurate application. If we need further information, we will contact you through your WIU email. You can follow your application status on STARS or the WIU financial aid portal. From there, you can print your verification worksheet (if necessary).

Once we have received all of your information—FAFSA and verification, if required—a financial aid advisor will review your application.

As soon as we have determined your WIU financial aid package, we will notify you through your WIU email address. Your award letter will be available on your STARS or WIU financial aid portal account. Our Understanding Your Award Letter guide provides additional details.

Unless otherwise indicated, your award letter will be based on full-time enrollment status (minimum 12 hours for undergraduates, 15 hours for MAP recipients, and 9 hours for graduate students). The tuition and fees will be based on your tuition guarantee.

Awards can be adjusted later if your enrollment is less than full time, you received aid not previously included on an Award Notification, or funding allocations change.

Use your award letter information and the WIU Cost Estimator to compare your anticipated aid to your estimated costs. By subtracting financial aid from total costs, you can estimate your out-of-pocket expenses.

Most types of federal and state aid are automatically applied to your bill each semester. To activate your loans, you must complete Loan Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN). Certain procedures or requirements can affect when you receive your aid.

Undocumented students may still be eligible to apply through ISAC.org to receive Illinois Grants and Scholarships, including but not limited to the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP), if they meet the following qualifications:

• They resided with their parents or legal guardians while attending a public or private high school in Illinois.
• They graduated from a private or public high school, or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in Illinois.
• They attended school in Illinois for at least three years as of the date they graduated from high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma.
• They will file an application to become permanent residents of the United States as soon as they are eligible.
• They have NOT established a residence outside of Illinois or hold a visa from another country.

If you believe you qualify for this alternative application to the FAFSA, visit the ISAC website to apply. Contact the financial aid office if you need assistance.