Financial Aid Office Appointment
What can I expect during my appointment with the Financial Aid Office?
All new students will have an opportunity to meet with a financial aid officer for a private, individual packaging appointment. During this meeting, students will learn about the financial assistance available at West Coast University to cover costs in their first academic year.
Students are encouraged to visit the Financial Aid Office on campus at any point during their student lifecycle. Read additional details about the financial assistance available at WCU and what to expect during the packaging appointment.
Will my transfer credits be reviewed prior to my packaging appointment with the Financial Aid Office?
Students who request to transfer credits from previously attended institutions must submit sealed official transcripts to the Registrar’s Office from originating institutions prior to their first day of class. If students are unable to submit transcripts or transcripts are unavailable, they may be conditionally enrolled for a period of one term through the submission of unofficial transcripts, submitted no later than four days after the start of a student’s first term.
If your packaging appointment with the Financial Aid Office is scheduled before your official transcripts are evaluated, you will be notified when transfer credits post to your academic record. You may request a meeting with the Financial Aid Office to see how the transfer credits impact financial aid eligibility.
Program Costs & Payment Options
How much do programs cost at West Coast University?
The tuition costs for West Coast University programs may be found at the links below:
- California Undergraduate Programs
- California Graduate Programs
- Florida Undergraduate Programs
- Texas Undergraduate Programs
- Texas Graduate Programs
What is the cost of the program after my transfer credits have been evaluated and applied?
Total program costs may vary due to factors such as transfer credits and the number of courses attempted compared to the number of courses successfully completed. In your packaging appointment, a financial aid officer will help you come up with a strategy for covering the costs that will be incurred in your first academic year.
In your meeting, you will learn how tuition amounts are calculated to help determine program costs after transfer credits are applied to your academic record.
How much will the program cost after my federal student aid is calculated? Will federal aid cover the full program cost?
While federal student aid may be incorporated into your plan (assuming you qualify), the financial aid officer will help you explore other options as there is typically a remaining balance that is not covered by federal funds.
Total program costs may vary due to factors such as transfer credits and the number of courses attempted compared to the number successfully completed. In your packaging appointment, a financial aid officer will help you come up with a strategy for covering the costs that will be incurred in your first academic year.
What types of funding options are available to cover my costs?
West Coast University students who qualify can take advantage of various types of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, federal and private student loans, federal work-study, and more. For more detailed information, visit the Financial Aid Programs page of the WCU catalog.
Does West Coast University accept funding from outside agencies?
West Coast University does accept funding from outside agencies. Provide a copy of your offer letter from the outside agency to your financial aid officer who will counsel you on next steps.
Federal Student Aid & Private Loans
How much federal student aid am I eligible to receive?
To learn about your federal student aid options and get an estimate of how much student aid you may be eligible to receive, visit the Types of Financial Aid page on the Federal Student Aid website.
What is the difference between federal student loans and private loans?
Federal student loans and federal parent loans are funded by the federal government, whereas private student loans are made by a lender such as a bank, credit union, state agency, or a school. Federal student loans come with benefits such as fixed interest rates and income-driven repayment plans, and they are bound by terms and conditions that are established by law.
The Federal Student Aid website has a more extensive breakdown of the differences between federal and private student loans.
When do I begin repayment of federal student loans?
After you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment, you will have a six-month grace period before you are required to begin repayment. During this period, you'll receive repayment information from your loan servicer, and you'll be notified of your first payment due date. Payments are usually due monthly. Learn more about repaying federal student loans.
Do I need a cosigner for a private student loan?
Generally, private loans require that the borrower is a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or a permanent resident and must be creditworthy. International students are eligible with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident) and appropriate U.S. citizenship and immigration service documentation. If the student has no credit or a poor credit history, he or she may still qualify for a loan by applying with a creditworthy co-borrower.
Most lenders expect you to have a qualified co-borrower before they will approve the loan. Interest rates and repayment terms vary between private lenders.
West Coast University does not make any recommendations regarding private lender selection for students who decide to pursue private loan options. Students may borrow from any lender. Be sure to research and review each lender's terms and conditions before making a final decision.
If I transfer to West Coast University from another school, will this impact my eligibility for federal student aid?
When you transfer from one school to another, there are a many different factors that could affect the amount and types of student aid for which you are eligible. If you are considering transferring to West Coast University, you can find more information on the Federal Student Aid website.
Does West Coast University accept military benefits or participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program with the Department of Veterans Affairs?
The California undergraduate campuses participate in the Post-9/11 GI Bill® Yellow Ribbon program. A limited number of qualified students will receive the offer each academic year. Offers are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. Submit a Yellow Ribbon application via WCU's secure student portal to request consideration for these funds. Get additional information regarding military educational benefits.
How do I check my eligibility for veterans’ benefits?
Veterans or active-duty military who are unsure of their eligibility should contact the Veterans Administration or Department of Defense directly.
I have been granted Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA). Do I qualify for federal student aid?
Undocumented students, including DACA recipients, are not eligible for federal student aid.
What options do international students have to cover program costs?
West Coast University and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security require confirmation of financial resources from all applicants who hold or plan to apply for an international student (F-1) visa at the time they apply for admissions.
Most foreign citizens are not eligible for federal student aid from the U.S. Department of Education. There are, however, some instances in which noncitizens may be eligible for financial aid from the U.S. federal government. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Generally, private loans require that the borrower is a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. national, or a permanent resident, and they must creditworthy. International students are eligible with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident) and appropriate U.S. citizenship or immigration service documentation.
Grants & Scholarships
Does West Coast University offer any institutional grants or scholarships?
West Coast University offers several scholarship and grant opportunities to students who qualify. To be eligible for WCU scholarships or grants, students must be admitted to the university and meet any fund-specific eligibility requirements. Unless otherwise noted, all WCU scholarships and grants are applied toward university tuition and fees. Funds are limited and not all who apply will receive an offer.
Learn more about the current scholarships and grants that are available:
Where can I apply for external scholarships?
Scholarships may be offered by external agencies, employers, companies, communities, religious groups, professional or social organizations. Students admitted to West Coast University will be granted access to Scholarship Universe, a database of external scholarships.
Does West Coast University offer any scholarships for transfer students?
Transfer students can receive scholarships and grants if they meet the eligibility requirements.
West Coast University offers several scholarship and grant opportunities to students who qualify. To be eligible for WCU scholarships or grants, students must be admitted to the university and meet any fund-specific eligibility requirements. Unless otherwise noted, all WCU scholarships and grants are applied toward university tuition and fees. Funds are limited and not all who apply will receive an offer.
Learn more about the current scholarships and grants that are available:
Are graduate students eligible for the Federal Pell Grant?
Graduate students are not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. Learn more about the Federal Pell Grant and its eligibility requirements.
What happens to my financial aid if I cancel before I start school?
If a student gives written notice of cancellation without attending any courses, all expected financial aid funds will be cancelled. Learn more about a student’s right to cancel an enrollment agreement at West Coast University.
FAFSA Application
How do I know that my FAFSA was successfully submitted?
Once you submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, you will be taken to a “Confirmation” page with a confirmation number. Your confirmation number serves as proof of your successful FAFSA submission or correction.
Be sure to print the confirmation page to keep on file. If you provided an email address on your FAFSA form or correction, your confirmation information will be emailed to you automatically.
To check the status of your FAFSA form, take the following steps:
- Log in to fafsa.gov.
- Select that you are a student.
- Select “Continue.”
- Your FAFSA status can be found on the “My FAFSA” page, which you’ll see right after you log in if you’ve started or completed a FAFSA form.
To check the status of your FAFSA form, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).
What is the school code for West Coast University? Where do I enter the school code on my FAFSA?
The school code is 036983 for all West Coast University programs and campuses. Enter it as shown below on your FAFSA.
Do I need to complete the FAFSA if I plan to make cash payments to cover program costs? Do I have to complete the FAFSA every year?
All students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov, available on October 1st of each calendar year. The campus financial aid officer uses this information to determine a student’s eligibility for federal aid programs, and it assists them in deciding what resources may be best suited to the student’s circumstances.
A student must meet all eligibility requirements to qualify for federal student aid. Renewal of financial aid is not automatic. Recipients are required to reapply each year by the announced deadline. Students who opt to make cash payments must complete a new payment contract each academic year.
Can I have my financial aid award adjusted if I have a change in circumstances?
Students who have an unusual change in circumstances may be eligible to have their financial aid rewards adjusted. These can include circumstances such as a decrease in income, a loss of assets, or change in dependency status. If you want to have your financial aid reevaluated, you will need to submit a professional judgment request with your campus Financial Aid office. If you are considered eligible, our Financial Aid department will make adjustments to the information used to determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which could possibly lead to an updated financial aid package. Read more about our professional judgment policy.
