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WIU Home > Student Success > Financial Aid

Welcome to Financial Aid

"The mission of the Western Illinois University Office of Financial Aid is to provide all students and their families with resources for success through efficient and timely customer service, equitable disbursement of financial awards, and educational programming related to financial literacy.  Through these actions, our goal is to maintain a positive environment that will help create opportunities for equal access to post-secondary education and increase student retention."

Important Spring 2024 Financial Aid Information

1. Important dates in January:
   • 3^rd – First day any Spring aid and Spring charges can display on B/R Account Detail. First day students can utilize book awards/charges at the University bookstore.
   • 9^th – Billings Office emails the first monthly bill for Spring.
   • 16^th – Spring 2023 semester begins!
   • 17^th – First day any private/alternative will display on B/R Account Detail.
   • 29^th – 10^th day (last day to drop course(s)/waive student health insurance)
   • 30^th – First day federal aid (Pell/loans) will apply to student accounts
2. Check Financial Aid Information on STARS to:
   • See if information is needed to complete the review of your FAFSA application.
   • See your Financial Aid Award Offer.
   • See if you need to sign a Master Promissory Note (http://www.studentloans.gov)
   • See if you need to complete Entrance Counseling (http://www.studentloans.gov)
   • See current financial aid awards. Actual awards may adjust nightly if your enrollment changes.
3. Check B/R Account Detail on STARS for information from Billing and Receivables Office to:
   • Confirm when aid has been credited to your university account. Aid may adjust nightly if you add or drop courses and your tuition and fees change.
   • Confirm when a refund disbursement has been initiated. Allow 2 business days for direct deposit to personal account.
   • Direct deposit may be set up via STARS.
4. Athletic awards are fully credited after the 10^th day of the semester. If your award is not credited please check with financial aid but, note that eligibility must be cleared by Athletics Compliance prior to awarding/disbarment.
5. Illinois National Guard and Illinois Veteran grants are credited as soon as the information is provided by ISAC.  If your award does not appear on your account, you may contact financial aid at (309)298-2446 to confirm receipt of eligibly letter from ISAC.
6. The WIU Foundation Office applies outside scholarships to the billing account as they are received.  If you have a check from an outside scholarship, take it to the WIU Foundation Office in Sherman Hall 303.
7. Wanting to work?  For employment information, go to www.wiu.edu/studentemployment. 
8. Repeating a course?  See information about the Financial Aid Policy for Repeated Courses at
   http://www.wiu.edu/student_services/financial_aid/policies/RepeatedCoursework.php
9. Grades matter!  See information about the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy at
   http://www.wiu.edu/student_services/financial_aid/policies/progress.php
10. Check your WIU email frequently for notifications from the Financial Aid Office.
11. Set up a Parent and Guest Account on STARS if you want a parent or other person to be able to see your financial aid information on STARS or to talk with Financial Aid staff about your aid.

Inceptia’s 2023 edition of Great Advice for Parents

Free resource published annually (now in it's 8th year) to provide high school students and families with timely and relevant college prep information.

With continued partnership with NerdWallet, allows Great Advice to feature a variety of topics, ranging from the new FAFSA simplification changes, to determining the value of a college degree, to managing your money in college, and more!

Great Advice For Parents - 2023 Edition

Leatherneck Launchpad

The Leatherneck Launchpad video series provides in-depth answers to questions you might have as you begin your journey as a Leatherneck. In these videos you can hear from campus experts on topics like paying for college, life on campus, transfer student insights, student conduct and much more. These videos are helpful regardless of what stage you're in; prospective students, current students or even Alumni can watch and learn more about WIU!

Leatherneck Launchpad

Check out these Financial Aid Webinars

If you're having trouble completing your FAFSA or understanding your financial aid, check out these webinars by MEFA! These webinars will cover topics like how to file the FAFSA, what types of errors to avoid when filing the FAFSA, and the types of aid you could receive. Also check out their blog for more FAQs on financial aid eligiblity, how to become an independent student, and more!

Get Started

There's a lot to cover, so the best place to begin is our Getting Started section - here you can find checklists, timelines, helpful hints, and other tools created specifically for WIU students.

The first step is always completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be completed online. If you're looking for a quick and easy review, check out the:

• 7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA video tutorial
• I've Submitted My FAFSA - What's Next? 

Of course, different types of students may need different information. Click below to determine if there are any specific instructions or requirements that may apply to you:

Stay in Touch

Are you looking for an easy way to stay up to date in the world of financial aid? Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram! These are both great and convenient ways for WIU students and parents to receive regular reminders, updates, and current financial aid news directly from our office.

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