What you need to do ...
To apply for federal financial aid, you need to complete the steps listed below. It is important that you complete these steps as quickly as possible, so your financial aid will be in place before you begin classes.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Complete the Student Data Form online or download pdf.
- Complete and turn in any other documents the Financial Aid office requests in a timely manner.
- Communicate with the Financial Aid office, 316.677.9400.
What is Financial Aid?
Financial aid at WATC consists of three major categories:
- Grants
Pell Grant — A federal grant that is awarded based on need. To determine eligibility, students must complete the FAFSA. The maximum amount a student can receive for the 2007–2008 award year is $4,310, and the minimum is $400. This is money that in most cases does not have to be paid back.
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) — A federal grant that is awarded based on need and other academic standards determined by the Department of Education. To determine eligibility, students must complete the FAFSA. Contact Financial Aid, 316.677.9400, for more information about this grant.
- Loans
Stafford Loans — A federal Stafford loan is a loan that must be repaid. This type of loan comes in two forms: subsidized and unsubsidized. Students must be enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester to receive these loans. To determine eligibility, students must complete the FAFSA. Contact Financial Aid, 316.677.9400, for more information about these loans.
Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) — A PLUS loan is a loan a parent can apply for to help with their child’s educational costs. This loan must be repaid and is the parents’ responsibility. Contact Financial Aid, 316.677.9400, for details about this loan or to request a pre-approval form.
Private Loans — Private loans are another option for students who need assistance. Private loans are approved/denied based on the student's credit score. Contact Financial Aid, 316.677.9400, for more details. To apply, visit www.slmfinancial.com and complete the online application. Students may also apply with any other private loan company or bank they wish to use.
- Scholarships A list of federal and outside scholarships most common to WATC are available by clicking on the links below. Please feel free to print them and apply for anything that looks applicable to your program of study.
2008–2009
Scholarships and Assistance Information 2008–2009
Scholarships and Assistance Information 2008–2009 Health Sciences
- If you are interested in the Aerostructures Technician program, feel free to print the Aerostructures Technician Scholarship Application and return it to the Main Campus.
- You can also search a nationwide database of scholarships at www.fastweb.com.
Which programs are eligible for federal financial aid?
Not all programs at WATC are eligible for federal financial aid, including grants and loans. The Department of Education determines which programs are eligible. The following programs are eligible to receive federal financial aid:
- Accounting
- Administrative Office Technology
- Air Conditioning Technology
- Architectural Design Technology
- Automotive Collision Repair
- Automotive Technology
- Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Avionics Technology
- Business Administrative Technology
- Dental Assistant
- Health Care - AAS
- Interior Design
- Machining Technology
- Mechanical Design Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Medical Assistant
- Practical Nurse
- Surgical Technology
- Welding
When will I receive my financial aid?
Your financial aid funds will be disbursed (transferred to your student account) on your specified disbursement date(s). Typically there are two disbursements for a student attending both fall and spring semesters — one in the fall and one in the spring. These disbursements usually occur 30 days after the first day of class for that semester. If a student only attends one semester in the award year, their first disbursements will occur 30 days after the first day of class, and the second will occur at the midpoint of the semester. To find out what your exact disbursement date(s) will be, please contact Financial Aid, 316.677.9400.
Will I receive a check in the mail?
All financial aid will be applied to the balance of your student account first (tuition, fees, etc.). However, if the amount of your financial aid is greater than the total of your charges, you will have what’s called a credit balance. The business office will mail any credit balance to your address within 14 days after financial aid transfers your funds to the business office.
Example 1: Your total charges are $3,000, and your total financial aid award is $2,000 — you owe $1,000.
Examples 2: Your total charges are $3,000, and your total financial aid award is $5,000 — you have a credit balance of $2,000, and this amount will be mailed to you.
Before receiving a loan at WATC all new students must complete two items:
- Entrance Interview/Counseling Federal regulations require borrowers to complete an Entrance Interview. You loan cannot be transferred to your student account until this requirement has been met. Log on to www.mappingyourfuture.org and select Student Loan Counseling Interview, then select Stafford Entrance and proceed though the frames to complete the entrance counseling session. Once you complete the session successfully WATC will receive an electronic notification. If you do not have access to a computer come by the financial aid office and complete a paper entrance form.
- Master Promissory Note
For students to borrow Federal Stafford loan money, regulations require that they complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) with the lender of their choice. Please click here to choose your lender.
Veterans educational benefits can sometimes be overwhelming and confusing. Please contact our veterans benefits administrator for details, forms and information. You can also visit the VA Web site at www.gibill.va.gov.
LaVerne Schmidt
Veterans Benefits Administrator
316.677.9595
