Financial Aid       

West Chester University

25 University Avenue, Suite #030
West Chester, PA 19383
Phone: (610) 436-2627
Fax: (610) 436-2574


5 Steps to Financial Aid @ WCU

Step 1: Apply for Financial Aid Watch Video

  • MARCH 1st is the priority deadline to apply for financial aid for the next academic year (Fall/Spring). Students are encouraged to complete and submit the on-line Free Application for Federal Student Aid - (FAFSA) to help to ensure the timely processing and delivery of your financial aid package. Our federal code 003328. Students/families that file their federal tax returns early may be eligible to electronically retrieve tax information from the Internal Revenue Service and have it automatically transferred into your FAFSA. IRS Taxpayers that plan to wait to file their tax returns are encouraged to file the FAFSA with estimated tax information to meet the March 1st deadline.
  • PIN - Students and their parents (if dependent) will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to electronically sign the FAFSA. The (PIN) can be obtained as part of the FAFSA completion process. You will need a PIN to sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN) if you receive a Federal Student Loan. Do NOT share this with anyone. Keep this number in a secure place.
  • Do not wait to be accepted by a college to submit the FAFSA. The schools listed on your FAFSA will receive your information. You must be accepted as a “DEGREE” status student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program to receive aid.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  • Grants- The information you provided on your FAFSA will determine your eligibility for federal and state grants. The information from your FAFSA will be sent directly to your state grant agency by the Department of Education. State grant award levels and eligibility criteria are controlled by the awarding state, in compliance with that state's deadline.Some states, such as Delaware, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, and Ohio have reciprocal agreements with Pennsylvania. New Jersey and New York do NOT have reciprocal agreements with Pennsylvania; therefore, New Jersey and New York residents cannot bring their state grants to Pennsylvania.
  • Loans - ALL students who submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA will be offered a Federal Direct Student Loan. Once you have a package you may ACCEPT/DECLINE the offer via MYWCU.
  • Student Employment - to apply for the Federal Work Study Student Employment Program, indicate your interest by your response to the Federal Work Study question on the FAFSA and submit a WCU Federal Work Study Student Employment application.
  • Scholarships - various resources are provided regarding scholarships and other popular websites.For incoming students the consideration for academic and merit scholarships begins with the Admissions process.
  • Veteran's Educational Programs and Benefits. Additional information is available in the financial aid office.Watch Video

When you complete and submit your FAFSAWatch Video you will receive a confirmation code and an “Expected Family Contribution” (EFC) from The Department of Education. The EFC is used to determine your eligibility for certain federal grants and various types for financial aid. The EFC does not represent what you will pay for college but rather what the Department of Education suggests you are able to pay. The financial aid office imports records from the Department of Education on a weekly basis.