This data may not be reflective of the current, published version of the Catalog. To access the most recent version of the Catalog, please visit http://catalog.jwu.edu

How to Apply

Please see the appropriate tab for information regarding how to apply for financial aid.

To be considered for financial assistance, complete the steps listed below.

1. Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID)

Students and their parents can apply online for a FSA ID. The FSA ID allows students and parents to sign the FAFSA electronically and to correct previously processed FAFSA information online. Both the student and at least one parent must apply for a FSA ID.

2. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is available online. This form must be completed as soon as possible after October 1.

The information for financial assistance is then processed by the federal processor and sent to Student Academic & Financial Services at the university. The FAFSA code for JWU is 003404.

3. Independent Students

To be considered independent for financial aid purposes, students must answer "yes" to one of the following questions:

Were you born before January 1, 1996?
As of today, are you married? (Answer yes if you are separated, but not divorced.)
At the beginning of the 2019–20 school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program (such as an M.A., MBA, M.D., J.D., Ph.D., Ed.D. or graduate certificate, etc.)?
Are you currently serving on active duty in the US Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
Are you a veteran of the US Armed Forces?
Do you have or will you have children who will receive more than half of their support from you between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020?
Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2020?
At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent or ward of the court?
As determined by a court in your state of legal residence, are you or were you an emancipated minor?
Does someone other than your parent or stepparent have legal guardianship of you, as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?
At any time on or after July 1, 2018, did your high school or school district homeless liaison determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?
At any time on or after July 1, 2018, did the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?
At any time on or after July 1, 2018, did the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or traditional living program determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?

If you do not have a determination that you are homeless, but you believe you are an unaccompanied youth who is homeless or self-supporting and at risk of being homeless, answer "no" to the FAFSA questions concerning being homeless. Then contact your financial aid office to explain your situation.

Students who cannot answer "yes" to one of the above questions are considered dependent and must complete their FAFSA as a dependent student by providing both parent and student information. Please feel free to contact Student Academic & Financial Services with any questions.

4. Verification and Other Documentation

Student Academic & Financial Services may request additional documentation to verify information provided on the FAFSA (e.g., parent tax transcripts, student tax transcripts, verification worksheet, etc.). Tax transcripts can be obtained online or by calling your local IRS office. The student’s financial aid package will not be complete until all requested documentation has been received and reviewed by Financial Aid. In addition, all student loan borrowers must complete an entrance and exit counseling session during which students will be advised on their loan obligations.

Student Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for financial aid, the student must meet the following criteria:

Be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress. (Financial aid will be suspended until satisfactory academic progress is again achieved.)
Be enrolled in a degree program.
Not owe a refund on a Federal Pell Grant, or be in default on a Federal Student Loan or Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS).
Sign a Statement of Educational Purpose, a Statement of Registration Status, and a Statement on Overpayments and Defaults.
For most programs, must demonstrate financial need.

Students are eligible to receive financial aid as long as they maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined in this catalog. Students who fail to maintain satisfactory academic progress will be notified by Student Academic & Financial Services.

Financial need is the difference between the cost of the student’s education (tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses) and the total contribution expected from the student and his/her family. The student’s total family contribution is based on an analysis of the information which the student and/or parent supplied on the FAFSA. Some of the items considered are total family income, assets, the number of people in the household, the number of siblings in college, and the student’s own resources, such as earnings, savings and untaxed income which the student may receive. Johnson & Wales University also considers these items when determining eligibility for university funds.