Financial Aid

Important Dates for Financial Aid

Summer 2026

Summer 2026 aid eligibility will be determined using registered hours and remaining 2025-26 aid eligibility. Once a student is registered financial aid will determine aid eligibility and notify the student via email.

If you have questions, wish to cancel or reduce funds, or your enrollment changes, contact the Financial Aid Office, Sherman Hall 127, by calling 309/298-2446 or email  financial-aid@wiu.edu

Fall 2026

  1. Check your WIU email frequently for notifications from the Financial Aid Office.
  2. FAFSA application and other submissions received in August will be considered in date order beginning in September due to the volume of processing in August.
  3. 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.
  4. Important dates in August:
    • 3rd   – first day to utilize ChargeIt! via the University Bookstore
    • 24th  –  Classes Begin
  5. Important dates in September:
    • 4th  – last day to waive student health insurance
    • 4th  – last day 100% credit (10th  day)
    • 7th  – Labor Day – No Classes/University Closed
    •  8th   – first round of financial aid released
    • 9th  -  first day for direct deposit of refunds from Billings if you have more aid than allowable costs. 

The WIU priority consideration date for admissions is March 1, but applications are accepted throughout the year. Financial aid applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and any applications received after July 1 may not be completed prior to the beginning of the fall semester.