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Admission Policy for Application Fee Waiver Requests

(Last updated: August 2020)

Requests for the waiver of the Undergraduate application fee are considered on a case-by-case basis for applicants who (1) demonstrate significant financial hardship; (2) are U.S. Armed Forces personnel or veterans who have received a non-punitive discharge; or (3) are permanent, full-time WCU employees.

  1. Financial Hardship: Waivers are not automatic—an applicant must submit the Undergraduate Admissions Application Fee Waiver Request form.  The evidence and significance of need, timeliness of the request, and recentness of the documentation will be considered. The number of fee waivers that may be issued for each term is limited. Examples of evidence of need include, but are not limited to: 
    • FAFSA documentation that a student qualifies for a full Pell Grant (Expected Family Contribution of $0) or has significant need;
    • Eligibility for federal free or reduced-priced meals;
    • Eligibility for an SAT or ACT fee waiver;
    • Eligibility for Food Stamps or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF);
    • Documentation that the annual income of an applicant (dependent's family) falls below the National Poverty Level;
    • Documentation that an applicant is a foster child or ward of the state; OR
    • Documentation from an official (e.g., school counselor, financial aid officer, social worker, etc.) who can substantiate unusual or significant financial need.
  2. Military Service: United States Armed Forces personnel or veterans who have received a non-punitive discharge must provide sufficient documentation to verify eligibility for an application fee waiver (i.e., copy of military transcripts or DD Form 214). Note: Military dependents are not eligible for this specific waiver.
  3. WCU Employees: WCU Employees: Full-time, permanent WCU employees may qualify for a waiver of the undergraduate application fee. It is the responsibility of the applicant to alert the Office of Admission in writing (can be by email) of their university employment status at the time of application.

The application for admission, Undergraduate Admissions Application Fee Waiver Request, and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Office of Admission in advance of any stated application deadlines. WCU reserves the right to modify or eliminate the application fee waiver policy at any point that circumstances warrant such a change.

Mike A. Langford
Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Western Carolina University

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