Students must apply for financial aid every year
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and supporting documentation requested by our office must be submitted every year. The FAFSA is available at FAFSA.gov on January 1 each year. WCU’s priority filing date is March 31; however, we encourage students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. If the FAFSA is not completed by the priority filing deadline, there may not be enough time for the award to be made prior to billing for the fall semester.
Applying early helps
Many financial aid funding sources are limited. The earlier paperwork is completed, the more assistance the student may receive, if eligible. There are families who miss out on work study and grant funds every year because paperwork is completed late.
Notification of financial aid package All communication from the Financial Aid Office is sent directly to the student.
New students should check the Catamont Gateway for award information.
Currently enrolled and returning students are responsible for checking Catamount email for award notificaiton. You may also view your financial aid requirements and award information in My Cat at any time.
Timing of award notification
Award notifications will be available through Catamount Gateway beginning approximately April 1 for new students for the fall semester
Award notifications will be available in My Cat to continuing students beginning approximately April 1 for the fall semester
Award notifications will be available through Catamount Gateway beginning November 1 for new students for the spring semester
Award notifications will be available through Catamount Gateway beginning April 15 for new students for the summer semester
Satisfactory Academic Progress
All students must maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to receive financial aid.
Communication from the Financial Aid Office
All communication from our office will be sent to the student. Please confirm with your student that he/she is checking Catamount email (if enrolled) and personal email (new students) on a regular basis. New students should check Catamount Gateway reguarly for missing information. Currently enrolled and continuing students should be monitoring the financial aid requirements tab in My Cat for missing information. Missing information will cause delays in the awarding process.