Financial Aid FAQs
Financial aid can be an overwhelming process. We are here to help! The following are some questions we are frequently asked. If your questions are not answered here, or if you need additional information, contact the Financial Aid Office at [email protected] or at 1-800-228-9972 ext. 7229.
What is Wayne State's school code?
Wayne State College’s Title IV code is 002566.
When will I receive my financial aid award?
Awarding for new freshmen will begin in February each year. Current and returning student awarding will begin in April of each year.
Where is my financial aid refund?
Financial aid typically disburses to your student account during the second week of the semester. If your financial aid is greater than the amount owed on your student account, a refund is issued. To check the disbursement date for a given term, use the academic calendar. If the date has come and you have not received your aid, it may be due to one of these common reasons:
- You have financial aid that requires full-time enrollment, and you are not registered in enough credit hours.
- You are not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress
- You have not completed all requirements to be eligible for aid.
- Your aid was disbursed, but you still have a remaining balance.
Learn more about financial aid disbursements here
Do I have to apply for financial aid each year?
Yes, in order to be eligible for financial aid for consecutive academic years, you must complete a FAFSA each year. You can update your FAFSA form online each year at studentaid.gov.
Will my financial aid be adjusted if I receive an outside scholarship?
It may be. We will review your financial aid package to determine if any changes are necessary. If changes are made, we will send you an email to notify you that you have a revised award.
Do I need to report my outside scholarships?
Yes, reporting your outside scholarships to the Financial Aid Office early is important. Many times outside scholarships can have an impact on your current financial aid package, so we would like to be able to notify you of those adjustments early.
How do I accept my financial aid award?
To accept your financial aid award, you will need to log in to WildcatsOnline.
- Log in to myWSC.
- Select WildcatsOnline from the Top Apps dropdown menu.
- Once in WildcatsOnline, select the Financial Aid tab. You will see a summary of your aid/scholarship offers.
- Under My Links on the right, select Accept/Decline Awards.
- Select the aid year/award period. Review the terms and conditions and select "Continue.
- Mark each award appropriately and select Submit/Save.
View helpsheet for how to accept your financial aid awards.
Will my financial aid award be the same each year?
Since college costs change and family income fluctuates, your award probably will not be the same each year. Changes in your aid award will generally parallel changes in your family situation. Your academic standing can also affect the amount of your award.
If I choose to live off campus, will my financial aid be affected?
Your financial aid will not be affected by your decision to live off campus. The financial aid cost of attendance includes an amount for room and board whether you live on or off campus.
Why don't I have a financial aid award?
You may be selected for financial aid verification. Please check your Wayne State College email for notification from Student Financial Services regarding the steps you need to take to complete this verification process. You can also find My To-Dos in Wildcats Online on the Financial Aid tab. For further information or questions, please call Student Financial Services at 1-800-228-9972 ext. 7229.
Learn more about the FAFSA verification process.
What is included in the financial aid cost of attendance?
Financial aid cost of attendance includes estimates for tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses. Personal expenses are miscellaneous expenses a student may incur such as transportation, entertainment, laundry detergent, etc.
What is the Student Aid Index (SAI)?
Your SAI is an index number that college financial aid staff use to determine how much financial aid you would receive if you were to attend their school. The information you report on your FAFSA is used to calculate your SAI. Your SAI is not the amount of money your family will have to pay for college, nor is it the amount of federal student aid you will receive.
What are my other options for payment if my financial aid doesn't cover my bill?
Other options for payment include Parent PLUS loans, payment plans, or alternative loans. For more information regarding Parent PLUS loans, please go to studentaid.gov. Wayne State College partners with Nelnet Business Solutions to make college easier to pay for with a tuition payment plan. This plan allows you to split your charges into monthly payments for each term.
Visit www.mycollegepaymentplan.com/waynestate for more information or to sign up. Alternative loans are an additional option for payment. Alternative loans are loans that the student has to apply for and be approved for by an outside agency.
Where can I find information about loan repayment?
Login to your studentaid.gov account for more information about repayment options, forgiveness programs, and consolidation.
What if my financial aid and scholarships are more than what I owe to Wayne State College?
If your financial aid is more than your semester cost at Wayne State College, you will be issued a refund for the difference. Your refund can be directly deposited into your bank account by signing up on the Student Account tab on WildcatsOnline.
My family's financial circumstances have changed since we applied for aid. Can WSC take these changes into consideration?
Yes, view the special circumstances for financial aid section of our website. You can complete the Special Circumstances Form and submit it through secure document upload. If you have any questions, please contact Student Financial Services at 1-800-228-9972 ext. 7229 to discuss your situation.
My parent will not be claiming me as a dependent on their tax return. Can I file the FAFSA as an independent student?
Dependency, for federal aid purposes, is not determined by whether or not you are claimed on your parent’s tax return. A family’s decision that paying for college is the responsibility of the student is also not a determining factor. The FAFSA asks a series of questions that determine whether you are a dependent or independent student for purposes of applying for federal aid.
My parents are divorced. How do I complete the FAFSA?
If your parents are divorced, separated, or never married and don’t live together, the parent who provided more financial support in the last year in the one who must contribute to the FAFSA.
Does Wayne State College have a payment plan?
Yes, Wayne State College offers a payment plan to help with out-of-pocket expenses. For more information, visit our page on Nelnet Payment Plans.