Applying for Financial Aid
At WSSU, approximately 85% of our students receive some type of financial aid. And we understand that the Financial Aid Process can seem overwhelming - even to those of us who work with the process year-to-year. The more you know about the process, the more successful you will be in completing the process.
The first step in deciding how to pay for your education is to understand how much it will cost and how much money you may need after any financial aid awards.
The next step is to review the information below to learn more about the process.
You apply for financial aid by completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application online.
We encourage you to submit and complete your FAFSA as soon as possible. The WSSU priority deadline is March 1st. Although there are no guarantees, a priority application means that you have a better chance of receiving funds that are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Tips for Completing the FAFSA
The cost of attendance (COA) represents the total educational expenses a student may incur while attending WSSU for an academic year of nine (9) months, and is a critical element in determining a student’s eligibility for financial aid assistance.
The COA includes both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs are determined by the school and based on the amount normally assessed for most residents. The Student bill is made up of these Direct costs. Indirect costs are not set by the school and include costs that may vary from student to student. These costs are typically presented as:
Direct Costs | Indirect Costs |
---|---|
Tuition and Fees* | Books and Supplies |
Room and Board |
Transportation** |
Miscellaneous / Personal |
* Includes the cost of the University's mandatory health insurance. Students may waive the University's plan by providing proof of current health insurance coverage.
**The distance education cost of attendance does not include transportation and will be assessed only for students living off-campus.
To review the Cost of Attendance, click on the appropriate link below:
- For NC Resident
- For Non NC Resident
- For NC Resident - Health Sciences Graduate/Doctoral Program
- For Non NC Resident - Health Sciences Graduate/Doctoral Program
Each year, WSSU establishes a total cost of attendance based on a student’s housing status (on-campus, off-campus, or living with a parent/relative), enrollment status (full-time or part-time) and residency status (in-state or out-of-state) and type (undergraduate or graduate).