Financial Aid: First-Time Applicants

Students Applying for Financial Aid for the first time should follow these steps:

Step 1

Note the deadlines

  • The output document resulting from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (F.A.F.S.A.) is the Institutional Student Information Record or Student Aid Report (SAR). These forms must be received in the University's data files with a valid EFC, and with Western's school code, 001380, by March 15. The applicant should allow two weeks for the processing of the electronic F.A.F.S.A., hence March 1st is the recommended filing date.
Step 2

Fill out an application

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov,  and complete it according to the instructions. Western Connecticut State University's code, 001380, is required.
  • All 18-25 year-old males must be registered for the armed services draft in order to apply for financial assistance.
Step 3

If selected for verification, you must:

  • If you are selected for verification by the US Department of Education, you must submit the following information to the Office of Student Financial Services by April 15th to be considered an on-time applicant.
  • If you are applying as a dependent student, you must submit a signed copy of your parents' previous year's Federal Income Tax Return (form 1040A or 1040 and supporting schedules) to the Office of Student Financial Services.
  • All students must submit a signed copy of their own previous year's Federal Income Tax Return (form 1040EZ, 1040A or 1040 and supporting schedules) to the Office of Student Financial Services.
  • If a student or his/her parent did not file a tax return for the previous year, a non-filers certification form must be signed and returned to the Office of Student Financial Services
  • A verification worksheet also needs to be completed, please contact the Office of Student Financial Services.

Note: Any aid awarded to a student is contingent upon WCSU receiving federal and/or state funds. Also, please be advised that you must be accepted by the Admissions Office by the March 15th deadline in order to be considered an on time financial aid applicant. Students accepted by Admissions after the March 15th date can still apply for financial aid. Student awards may also be adjusted with the receipt of new financial information during the academic year. Financial aid is awarded to matriculated students who are registered at least half-time (6 credit hours).  For more information concerning the above process or any related questions, please call our office at 203-837-8580.

Transfer Students

If you are transferring to Western Connecticut State University, you must complete the paperwork listed above.

In addition to the previous process, you must not have been convicted for any offense under any federal or state law involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs during a period of enrollment for which you were receiving Title IV aid.


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