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Applying for Financial Aid

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We’re here to help you understand the financial aid process — and make college happen! Use the timeline below to apply for aid.

We’re here to help you understand the financial aid process — and make college happen! Use the timeline below to apply for aid. AMY O’CONNELL, director of Undergraduate Admissions

Apply for Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is your Free, one stop shop for all Federal, State and JWU aid. Be sure to create a FSA User ID for you as well as a parent prior to starting your FAFSA at studentaid.gov. To maximize your financial aid eligibility, apply as early as possible after FAFSA opens. You can automatically insert your income by using the IRS data match.

Review these PDFs for more FAFSA information:

5 Reasons to File Your FAFSA

1. It’s the ONLY way to determine if you are eligible for federal and state aid.
2. FREE.
3. It takes just 30 minutes.
4. There’s no obligation to accept student loans.
5. If you have financial need, you may qualify for grants.

Eligible students who can apply:

High school students
Transfer students
Graduate students
Adult Learners
Veterans

Note: For information regarding academic program licensing and certification, visit the JWU Catalog’s Licensure & Professional Certification Disclosures.

FAFSA Tips

FAFSA Tutorials on YouTube
If required, complete the verification process by submitting tax transcripts and verification worksheet(s).
After you file, review your Student Aid Report (SAR) to make corrections.

Note: At the time of filing, the FAFSA Form is completed using your federal income tax data from two years prior. (This is called “prior-prior year” filing.) For example:

The 2022–23 FAFSA form asks for 2020 tax information
The 2021–22 FAFSA form asks for 2019 tax information

If you or your parents or legal guardians (whose information was supplied on the FAFSA) experienced a loss of employment or reduction in assets or income for other reasons; if your family has other circumstances that cannot be reported on the FAFSA form; or you have any other questions, please reach out to our financial services team for additional assistance in determining if the circumstances warrant a financial aid adjustment.

Loans

Loans allow you to borrow money for school. They are legal obligations – and you must repay them, with interest. Talk to your JWU financial planner about loan options, repayment plans and managing debt.

Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans

“Subsidized” means that the federal government pays the interest while you’re in school.
Federal Direct Parent PLUS: Low-interest loan. You must be a parent or stepparent and a US citizen or eligible noncitizen

Tuition Reimbursement

Check with your employer’s human resources department to see if they have a tuition assistance program.

Earned Money (Federal Work Study)

Private Loans

We recommend that you exhaust ALL grant, scholarship and federal loan options prior to obtaining a private loan.

Financial Planners

Your JWU financial planner guides you through every step of paying for college, and helps you:

Understand your aid offer
Translate financial terms and aid types
Understand the verification process
Review tuition and fees
Discuss payment plan options — monthly, term, loans
Appeal for additional resources

For any questions, contact our financial services team.

May: Complete Forms

Once you decide to enroll at JWU, complete these quick steps:

1. Submit your deposit
2. Use your FSA ID from the Department of Education to complete your entrance counseling and Master Promissory Note (MPN)

TIP: Review your invoice with your annual charges and financial aid.

July: Finalize Your Payment Plan

You’re almost a JWU Wildcat — just a few more steps! You will receive info so you can:

1. Finalize your payment plan
2. Finalize your housing plans
3. Submit all requested financial aid forms (by the appropriate deadlines)