Federal Pell Grant - Up to $5,550 per year based on need, complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility.

Federal S.E.O.G. - Awarded to full time Pell Grant recipients with exceptional need. Complete the FAFSA.

Federal College Work Study - Awarded to eligible students who secure an available position on campus, based on available funding and need. Work applications available in the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Perkins Loans - Up to $4,000 to students with demonstrated financial need on a first come, first served basis until funds are exhausted. Students must be in good academic standing.

Federal Subsidized Student Loan - Students must file the FAFSA to determine eligibility. Students enrolled at least half time with demonstrated need may apply through the Financial Aid Office. Yearly loan amounts up to $3,500 for freshmen; $4,500 for sophomores; $5,500 for juniors and seniors; and $8500 for graduate students. Interest and payment are deferred. Additional unsubsidized Stafford Loan up to $2000 now available to all dependent/independent students.

Federal Unsubsidized Student Loan - Additional unsubsidized Federal Student Loan up to $2000 now available to all dependent/independent students.  Combines with Robert T. Stafford Loan for those who do not qualify for the maximum loan amount in that program. Interest is not deferred. Additional unsubsidized loan money is available to independent students. Yearly loan amounts up to $4,000 per year for Freshman and Sophomores, $5,000 for Juniors and Seniors.

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) - Available to parents of dependent students who do not have adverse credit history. Pre-approval can be done quickly on-line. 

Alternative Loan for Students - Students may elect to apply for private education loans through private lenders. Private alternative student loans should only be sought after all other financial aid options have been exhausted. A credit check will be performed by the selected lender and a credit worthy co-signer is generally required.

Not all private education lenders are alike, please do your research, review several lenders websites to make the most informed choices and get a phone number to ask the lender questions.

Some questions to ask are:

What is the interest rate? Is it fixed or variable?
Are there additional fees?
Can the principal and interest be deferred while I am in school?
Are there any repayment incentives?

To be in compliance with federal reporting requirements, WIU does not recommend any lenders for alternative student loans. Information on alternative education loans can be obtained through your personal financial institution or on the web. 


New for 2010-2011 – WIU now participates in the Federal Direct Student Loan Program.