If you wish to be reviewed for need-based financial aid programs, such as grants, and/or take advantage of federal loan programs, you must complete a FAFSA every year.

We are committed to awarding aid at approximately the same level unless there has been a significant change to the family’s financial situation as reflected on the FAFSA. Merit awards can be renewed for a maximum of eight semesters as long as students maintain their GPA requirement.

If a situation arises that causes a drastic change in a family’s financial situation after the FAFSA has been filed, special circumstances may be applied for. Call the Office of Financial Aid at 724-223-6019 to discuss the level of lost income. If significant, a Special Circumstances Form will be mailed to the student in order to re-evaluate the financial aid package. If a Pennsylvania resident, the student will also be mailed a Reduced Income Form for PA state grant eligibility.

The federal government requires that we verify a number of students’ FAFSA’s by comparing the results with the data reported on their family’s income tax returns. If selected, you will be asked to provide our office with your Federal Tax Return Transcripts, W-2’s, and a completed Financial Aid Verification Worksheet. Discrepancies in the data reported could result in a change to the financial aid package.

The W&J housing policy requires the primary residence of commuters to be located within fifteen miles of campus, and students must apply for permission to change housing status through the Office of Residence Life. A change from on campus to off campus will not result in a change to financial aid. A change from resident to commuter (living at home with parents or guardians) may result in a change to the student’s financial aid.

The remaining balance can be paid with a personal payment by check or credit card, payments can be arranged through the College’s tuition payment plan, or loans with the student and or parent as the borrower. A combination of the above listed methods may also be used if that’s more convenient.

If a student’s account develops a credit balance, that amount may be refunded to the student directly or may be credited to costs incurred during the subsequent semester. All credit balances are refunded to students at the end of each spring term.

Parents can borrow a Direct PLUS Loan (a federal loan for parents of a dependent student) or a private loan for parents (offered through some lending institutions). Both loans can be borrowed up to the total cost of attendance minus the total of the student’s other financial aid.

Student loans go into repayment six months after graduation or the last date of attendance. Parent PLUS loans begin repayment sixty days after the final disbursement for the year or parents can choose to defer repayment. Payments can be deferred until six months after the date the student ceases to be enrolled at least part time. Accruing interest can be paid monthly or quarterly or be capitalized quarterly. The grace period for private lenders varies by lender.

The student must complete and sign a Master Promissory Note, which will be used for all of the student’s Direct Loans while enrolled at Washington & Jefferson College. An online entrance counseling session must be completed as well before money can be disbursed from the lender.

We encourage families to shop around for the loan product which best meets their needs. This includes reviewing private loans and/or a Direct PLUS Loan. Private loans are credit based, so if the loan is to be borrowed by the student, they will most likely require a cosigner. Some lenders also offer private loans that a parent, or other interested party, can apply for in their own name on behalf of a student. Once a loan product is chosen, students need to submit an application and if credit is approved, W&J will be contacted for certification. Most private loans are applied for directly on the lender’s website.

Students who demonstrate need may be eligible for a federal work study job. Students who don’t demonstrate need may still be able to work on campus in a College work study job. Check with the Office of Financial Aid.

Preference in the hiring process is given to students who are offered Federal Work Study in their financial aid package. These students will receive a Work Authorization Form through their W&J email. This form is proof of their employment eligibility to hiring supervisors. Campus jobs are posted on Handshake. Sign in using your W&J email (xxxx@washjeff.edu). Instructions for finding a job are on the student employment section of the website. The work authorization form must be presented to the hiring supervisor once a job is found.

Student workers are paid semi-monthly in a paycheck from the College based on the number of hours worked.