WATC > Admissions > Paying for College > Financial Aid
 

Financial Aid

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.

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – WATC school code = 005498. If you need assistance, watch a video on FAFSA below.
  2. Complete the Student Data Form online.
  3. Complete and turn in any other documents the Financial Aid office requests in a timely manner.
    See the Forms section below.

Communicate with the Financial Aid office, 316.677.9400.

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 2010-2011 award year is $5,550, and the minimum is $555. 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

Loans

Stafford Loans — A federal Direct 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 repaidand 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 educational loans are approved/denied based on the student’s credit score. It is highly suggested that the student apply with a cosigner. The private education loan options for students at WATC are listed below, however, students may also apply with any other private loan company or bank they wish to use. Please contact the Financial Aid office at 316.677.9400 with questions.

* Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan

* Chase Select Loan

Scholarships

You can view and apply for internal WATC scholarships here.

The state of Kansas currently has many scholarship opportunities for WATC students including the Kansas Vocational Scholarship, the Nursing Service Scholarship, and the Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship. You can also search the  Fastweb nationwide database of scholarships.

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.

Financial Aid Forms

2011 – 2012

*NEW – Complete your 2011-2012 Non-Filer Statement (Independent or Dependent) or Independent Verification Worksheet online. Visit our online forms section for details.

2010 – 2011

Loan Information

Beginning with the 2010-2011 academic year, WATC will participate in the Federal Direct Loan Program for students.  This means that if you borrow a federal Stafford or PLUS loan for the fall 2010 term (or later), your funding will come directly from the federal government instead of a private lender.

If you are a continuing or new student who plans to borrow a federal Stafford or PLUS loan for the 2010-11 award year, you will be required to complete a Federal Direct Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling Session, even if you have previously completed both items with a private lender for past student loans.

You need to complete the following two items at www.studentloans.gov.

Complete an Entrance Counseling Session

Federal regulations require borrowers to complete an Entrance Counseling Session.  Your loan cannot be transferred to your student account until this requirement has been met.

  1. Go to www.studentloans.gov
  2. Select Sign In (you will use the same PIN# as you used for your FAFSA)
  3. Click on Complete Entrance Counseling and follow the steps until it is submitted successfully

Complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN)

Federal regulations also require borrowers to complete a Master Promissory Note.  Your loan cannot be transferred to your student account until this requirement has been met.

  1. Go to www.studentloans.gov
  2. Select Sign In (you will use the same PIN# as you used for your FAFSA)
  3. Click on Complete Master Promissory Note and follow the steps until it is submitted successfully

Veterans Assistance

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

Online Financial Aid Resources