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Most of the financial aid programs we offer have a common set of eligibility rules. To qualify for federal financial aid, a student must meet all of the following conditions:
- be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or other eligible noncitizens. Some aid programs are available for international students.
- be admitted to the University in an approved degree or certificate program (review your options for aid if you are a non-matriculated student).
- not have loans in excess of the aggregate limits of the aid programs.
- not be disqualified based on a conviction for a drug-related offense while you were enrolled in school and receiving federal student aid.
- be registered with the Selective Service (if required).
- be making satisfactory academic progress towards a degree.
- provide financial information (including parents’ information, where required).
Learn More About Federal Financial Aid
In general, students whose FAFSA is received after January 15, part-time and post-baccalaureate (5th year) students are considered for only limited types of aid. However, if you are in a degree or approved certificate program, you may still be eligible to apply for Federal Pell grants and Washington College Grants (for undergraduates pursuing first bachelor’s degree) and the Federal Direct Loan programs.
Less than full-time students or others with exceptional circumstances may contact our office for possible consideration for other forms of aid.
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Fee-Based Programs
The University offers both state supported and fee-based degree programs. Students who are enrolled in most fee-based programs will use a different process to register for classes and pay for their courses than students in state supported programs.
When interacting with counselors in the Financial Aid office it is helpful to identify yourself as a student who is enrolled in a fee-based program. This will allow our staff to provide you with information specific to your situation; prevent interruptions of aid disbursement; and to provide you with information about the right amount of aid available.
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Non-Matriculated Students
Generally to be eligible for aid you must be a matriculated student in an approved degree or certificate program. The only exception is for non-matriculated students who are taking courses required for admission into an approved degree program. If you are taking courses required for admissions, then you can be considered for the Federal Stafford Student Loan programs for a period of 12 consecutive months. You must be enrolled in at least 6 credits of required prerequisites per quarter to qualify for aid. The actual amount you can borrow will depend upon your dependency status, costs and financial need.
To document your eligibility for these funds, you must submit a statement from your academic advisor of the courses required for admissions to your intended program. You can download the Preparatory Coursework Instructions for more information.
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International Students
An international student is a non-resident alien on a non-immigrant visa which permits full time study in the United States. A student must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen (permanent resident) to receive federal financial aid.
Federal regulations and University of Washington policy severely limit the types of financial assistance available to international students. University admissions policies require that students with F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, and G-series visas have enough resources to meet their expenses throughout their stay at the UW; students with these visas are not eligible for federal student aid.
Students should search their own country’s banks, embassy and/or ministry of education as they may offer additional information about other financial aid opportunities and loan programs. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at UW Tacoma provides further resources for financial assistance.
