WCU participates in several types of Title IV Federal Financial Aid programs, many of which are based on financial need. Students seeking financial assistance must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.ed.gov . You will also need to apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) www.pin.ed.gov . The University’s Financial Aid Officer uses this form to determine your eligibility and to assist you in deciding what resources are best suited to your circumstances. Students must meet all eligibility requirements to qualify for Federal Student Aid.

Financial Aid Advising.

Government guaranteed loans are an important part of financing your educational expenses. West Coast University provides you with information and counseling to assist you in managing your loans effectively. Confidential loan counseling is available upon request.

Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements.

To be eligible for Federal Financial Aid, you must be: 1. A citizen of the United States or an eligible permanent resident; 2. Enrolled in an eligible program; 3. Making satisfactory academic progress toward graduation; 4. A high school graduate or have obtained a GED or the equivalent; 5. Not in default on a financial aid loan nor owe a refund to a financial aid grant received at any postsecondary college or institution; 6. Registered with the U.S. Selective Service, if applicable.

Federal Financial Aid Programs

The following is a description of the financial aid programs available at West Coast University for students who qualify.  Additional information may be obtained through the Financial Services Department.

Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG)

Students may be eligible for ACG funds if they meet the following criteria:
1. Have a valid ISIR and receive a Pell Grant for the same award year;
2. Be a US citizen/Eligible Non-citizen;
3. Enrolled at least half time in a degree granting institution;
4. Enrolled in the first academic year of a program of study;
5. Not previously enrolled in an undergraduate program;
6. Successfully completed a rigorous secondary school program of study and graduated after January 1, 2006, for first year students and after January 1, 2005 for second year students.  See a financial aid officer to determine of the program of study meets these requirements.

Note – if second year students, must have successfully completed their first year and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Cal Grant Program

Cal Grant A and B are State Grant programs administered by the State of California and are available to students who are California residents, who have applied before the March 2nd deadline, and who are enrolled in the institution at the commencement of the award year.  Cal Grant funds are awarded based on semester enrollment during the award year. Grants are based on funds available from the State and do not have to be repaid.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal PELL Grant program provides a foundation of assistance to which other forms of aid may be added.  Eligibility for the Federal PELL Grant Program is determined by a standard formula that is revised and approved every year by the federal government.  Unlike loans, grants do not have to be paid back.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are available to a limited number of students with exceptional financial need.  Grants are based on funds available and do not have to be repaid.  Need is determined by the financial resources of the student and parents and the cost of attendance.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

The Federal Work-Study program provides jobs for graduate and undergraduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.  The program encourages community service work related to the student’s course of study.  Funds under this program are limited.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan

Under the Federal Direct Loan (FDL) program the University originates the Direct Loan.  The loan is then sent to the U.S. Department of Education’s Common Origination and Disbursement Center (COD) and disbursed to the University electronically through the Grant Administration and Payment System (G5).  The origination fees vary based on award year.  The loans are serviced by the Direct Loan Servicing System.  All information will be disclosed during the financial aid application process.

Subsidized Direct Stafford Loan

Federal Subsidized Stafford loans are available to students with financial need. Students may borrow up to $3,500 for their first academic year, $4,500 for the second academic year, and $5,500 for the third and fourth academic years, at a fixed interest rate currently of 4.5% for undergraduates and 6.8% for graduate students, which is established annually by the U.S. Department of Education. The interest is paid by the federal government while students are in school and for six months after students cease their enrollment. Regular payments begin six months after students cease enrollment or fail to carry at least one-half the normal full-time University workload.

Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan

Unsubsidized Stafford loans are available for students to borrow for additional education costs. Independent students can borrow up to $9,500 for their first academic year, $10,500 for the second academic year and $12,500 for their third and fourth academic years, as a combined total with the Federal Stafford loan, at a fixed interest rate of 6.80 percent. 

With the exception of demonstrating financial need, borrowers must meet all eligibility criteria of the Federal Subsidized Stafford loan program. Interest payments begin immediately after the loan is fully disbursed or may be added to the principal balance. Regular payments begin six months after students cease enrollment or fail to carry at least one-half the normal full-time school workload.

Loan Amounts

Interest Rates

The interest rate on Subsidized Loans will be:

* Current interest rate on Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is 6.8%.

Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

Federal Parent Loans for undergraduate students provide additional funds for credit-worthy parents to help pay for students’ educational expenses. The interest rates for these loans are fixed at 7.9 percent (established annually by the US Department of Education) and repayment begins immediately after the loan is fully disbursed. Federal PLUS loans may be obtained from lenders that participate in the Federal Family Education Loan programs.

Direct PLUS loans for Graduate Students (GRAD/PLUS)

Federal GRAD/PLUS Loans for students pursuing a graduate or professional degree provide additional funds for credit-worthy graduate students to help pay for students’ educational expenses. The interest rates for these loans are fixed at 7.9 percent for Direct PLUS loans and repayment begins immediately after the loan is fully disbursed. Federal PLUS loans may be obtained from lenders that participate in the Federal Family Education Loan programs or from the Federal Direct Loan Program.