There are several federal programs available to help students pay for educational expenses. All students interested in applying for federal financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who need help in completing the FAFSA or who have questions about their aid eligibility are encouraged to meet with an advisor in the Financial Aid office.

A student is eligible to apply for assistance from the federal financial aid programs if they meet the following criteria:

• Is a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
• Has a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent.
• Maintains satisfactory academic progress.

A student is not eligible for federal financial assistance if they:

• Are enrolled as a high school student;
• Are in default on a student loan or owes an overpayment on a Pell Grant;
• Has borrowed in excess of the annual or aggregate loan limits in the Federal Direct Loan program.

 
Courses not leading to a certificate or an Associate’s Degree at Washburn Tech are not eligible for federal financial aid.

Continuing Education courses are not eligible for any federal financial aid programs.

Federal Pell Grant

The Pell Grant program provides grants to help undergraduate students with financial need to meet the cost of their post-secondary education. A student is not eligible for a Pell Grant if he/she has received a bachelor’s degree. Unlike a loan, a grant typically does not need to be repaid. Eligibility is determined by using the following factors:

• The Student Aid Index (SAI) or Pell eligibility flag provided by the U.S. Department of Education after submitting a FAFSA;
• Enrollment status;
• Cost of attendance;
• Pell Lifetime Eligibility Used percentage.

Pell Grant funds are credited to a student’s account to pay for institutional charges at Washburn Tech. Any remaining proceeds are refunded to the student to be used for other related educational expenses.

Federal Work Study (FWS)

Federal Work Study (FWS) is a need-based program that provides students the opportunity to apply for jobs that allow them to earn money to pay educational expenses. Students who have completed the FAFSA and have a financial aid offer may see Federal Work Study on their aid offer and can begin applying for FWS jobs. Those who do not have an offer of FWS can complete the waitlist form at MyWashburn > Student Employment Information > Federal Work Study Waitlist.

Federal Direct Loan Program (DL)

The three types of loans available under the DL program are Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and Parent loans for undergraduate students (PLUS).

The Subsidized and Unsubsidized loan programs are available to both dependent and independent students who are enrolled at least half-time. Eligibility for the Direct Subsidized loan is based on financial need while eligibility for the Direct Unsubsidized loan is not based on financial need. 

The maximum amount a dependent freshman-level student can borrow per academic year is $5,500, of which, up to $3,500 may be in Direct Subsidized funds if the student has a financial need. If a parent applies for a PLUS loan on behalf of their dependent student and is denied, the student may apply for up to an additional $4,000 from the Direct Unsubsidized program. The maximum amount an independent freshman-level student can borrow per academic year is $9,500, of which, up to $3,500 may be in Direct Subsidized funds if the student has financial need. Under the Direct Subsidized loan program, the government pays the interest due until the student enters repayment. Under the Direct Unsubsidized loan program, the student is responsible for interest that accrues from the date of the first disbursement.

Direct PLUS Loans are available to biological or adoptive parents and current stepparents, with a good credit history, to help pay for the education of a dependent undergraduate student who is enrolled at least half-time. Parents may borrow up to the total cost of attendance less any student aid received. A separate application is required of the parent.

Eligible loan funds are split into two equal amounts, and students typically receive half in the fall and half in the spring. Summer enrollment and final periods of enrollment that are less than one year in length may have an impact on loan amounts. Students in these situations should contact the Financial Aid office for more information.

Repayment

Subsidized and Unsubsidized loan repayment begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. PLUS loan repayment begins immediately after the date of the second disbursement unless the parent requests delayed repayment.

Origination Fee

The federal government deducts loan fees from each of these loans.
Subsidized and Unsubsidized – 1.057%
PLUS – 4.228%

Credit Balances – Refund Checks

If a student account has a credit balance as a result of excess financial aid, a refund will be generated, except in the case of non-refundable payments, such as from a third party. The preferred method of refunding excess financial aid to the student is via direct deposit to a checking or savings account, (which the student sets up in WU-View, Electronic Refunds). Refund checks that are issued are available in the Cashier’s Office at Washburn Tech.

Subsidized and Unsubsidized – the refund check is issued to the student
PLUS - the check is issued to the parent who applied for the loan unless otherwise indicated on the PLUS application or a signed authorization from the parent requests the balance to be issued to the student.

Scholarships

Washburn Tech distributes scholarship opportunities to students as they become available. Each scholarship has specific criteria of eligibility and specific deadlines for application. Most scholarships are available for application between January and May for the upcoming fall or spring semesters.

Scholarship opportunities can be found on the Washburn Tech webpage and in the Student Services Office at Washburn Tech. Status updates are also added to the Washburn Tech Facebook page as new opportunities become available.

Other Sources of Financial Assistance

Many organizations and agencies provide financial assistance to students. These include but are not limited to: Kansas Dept. for Children and Families, Heartland Works, Jones foundation, Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Veterans Administration. Veterans may wish to contact the Regional Office of the VA for assistance at 1-800-827-1000. Information on any of these agencies can be obtained from the Washburn Tech Financial Aid Office.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Please see the section of this Academic Catalog titled "Satisfactory Academic Progress" for complete information on Washburn Tech's SAP policy