Yes, WGU accepts FAFSA and participates in federal student aid programs

Western Governors University (WGU) is a regionally accredited online university and a participant in the federal student aid system. This means you can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and potentially receive federal grants, loans, and work-study funds if you meet the requirements. WGU's Federal School Code is 033394, which you'll need when filling out your FAFSA form.

Because WGU is accredited and participates in federal aid, the financial aid process works similarly to traditional universities. After you submit your FAFSA, the results go to WGU's financial aid office, which determines what federal aid you may receive based on your enrollment status and cost of attendance at the school.

Key Takeaways

  • WGU's Federal School Code is 033394, which you enter on your FAFSA to direct your results to the university.
  • Federal Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans are all available to WGU students who meet FAFSA requirements.
  • Your aid package depends on your enrollment status (full-time or part-time) and the cost of your specific degree program.
  • WGU also offers institutional scholarships and payment plans separate from federal aid.

How to add WGU to your FAFSA

When you complete your FAFSA form, you'll reach a section asking which schools should receive your information. Enter WGU's Federal School Code: 033394. You can add WGU as one of up to ten schools on a single FAFSA.

After you submit your FAFSA, your results (called your Student Aid Report) are sent to WGU's financial aid office within a few days. From there, WGU calculates your aid package based on your FAFSA data and your enrollment status at the university. You don't need to do anything else to send your FAFSA results to WGU — the system does it automatically once you list the school code.

Types of federal aid available at WGU

If your FAFSA results show you have financial need, WGU can offer you federal Pell Grants (which you don't repay), Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans (which you do repay with interest), and Direct PLUS Loans if you're a graduate student or parent borrower. The amount you receive depends on your Expected Family Contribution (now called the Student Aid Index), your cost of attendance at WGU, and how much aid other sources are providing.

WGU also administers Federal Work-Study if you're enrolled full-time and have demonstrated financial need. Work-Study provides part-time employment on or off campus at an hourly wage, with earnings going toward your education costs.

How WGU calculates your aid package

WGU's financial aid office uses your FAFSA information to determine your cost of attendance — the total amount the university estimates you'll spend on tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for your enrollment period. They subtract any other aid you're receiving (scholarships, grants from other sources) and your Expected Family Contribution to arrive at your financial need.

Your aid package is then built to cover that need, typically starting with grants, then loans. Because WGU is an online school with flexible enrollment, your cost of attendance and aid package can differ from a traditional university's. Your enrollment status (whether you're taking a full course load or part-time) affects both your cost and the federal aid you're allowed to receive.

Enrollment status and how it affects your aid

At WGU, full-time enrollment typically means you're working toward completing your degree within a standard timeframe — usually 12 months for a bachelor's degree or 6 months for a master's degree. Part-time enrollment means you're taking longer to finish. Your enrollment status determines how much federal aid you can receive and whether you're may be able to access for certain aid types like Work-Study.

When you enroll at WGU, you'll work with an enrollment counselor to set your pace. That pace is reported to the financial aid office and used to calculate your aid package. If you change your pace later, your aid package may change as well, so it's worth confirming with financial aid before making that decision.

Other funding sources WGU offers beyond FAFSA

WGU offers institutional scholarships and grants that come directly from the university, separate from federal aid. These include scholarships for military members and veterans, scholarships for working adults, and need-based grants. You don't apply for these separately — WGU's financial aid office considers you for them automatically based on your enrollment and FAFSA information.

WGU also offers payment plans that let you spread tuition costs over your enrollment period without taking out loans. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or assistance programs, and WGU can work with your employer's financial aid office to coordinate those payments with your federal aid.

What happens after you submit your FAFSA to WGU

Once WGU receives your FAFSA results, their financial aid office reviews your information and sends you an aid package letter. This letter shows what federal aid you've been offered, what you still owe, and what payment options are available. You'll have a chance to accept or decline the loans offered — accepting a loan is not automatic.

If you have questions about your aid package or need to update information (such as a change in your family's income or enrollment status), contact WGU's financial aid office directly. They can recalculate your aid if your circumstances change during the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use federal loans if WGU offers them?

No. You can accept grants and decline loans. Your aid package letter will show you what you're offered and let you choose which aid to accept. If you decline loans but later decide you need them, you can contact financial aid to add them to your package.

What if I don't meet FAFSA requirements or have no financial need?

You can still attend WGU and pay out of pocket, use employer tuition assistance, or take out private student loans. WGU's financial aid office can discuss payment plans and other options with you even if you're not receiving federal aid.

Can I update my FAFSA information after I've submitted it to WGU?

Yes. You can make corrections or updates to your FAFSA at any time, and the changes will be sent to WGU automatically. If the changes affect your financial need, WGU will recalculate your aid package and send you an updated offer.

Does WGU accept FAFSA for graduate programs?

Yes. Graduate students can submit FAFSA and receive federal aid, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans. Graduate programs have different costs and aid packages than undergraduate programs, so your aid will be calculated based on your specific degree.