General Catalog – Getting Started
- Student Obligations and Responsibilities
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Undergraduate Applications for Admission
- Tuition and Fees
- Tuition Information for Oregon Residents
- Tuition Waiver Opportunities
- Financing Your Education
- Financial Aid Recipients Rights and Responsibilities
- Undergraduate and Graduate Financial Aid Programs and Requirements
- Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Billing Information
- Refund and Tuition Adjustment Policy
- Registrar's Office
- Summer School
Student Obligations and Responsibilities 
It is the applicant's responsibility to insure that the admissions application and all supporting documents are postmarked or received in the Office of Admissions by the published priority date. Complete applications with supporting documents postmarked or received after the priority date will be reviewed for admission on a space-available basis. All documents sent to the Office of Admissions become the property of Washington State University and will not be returned.
Once an applicant enrolls at WSU Vancouver, it is the applicant's responsibility to submit official transcripts of transfer work to the Office of Admissions.
Undergraduate Admissions
The following information pertains to students who are working toward a bachelor's degree, certificate program, or teaching endorsement, or who are taking course work for personal enrichment or for transfer to another college. For Graduate Admissions, please see the "Graduate Programs" section of this catalog.
For more information or to make an appointment with an admissions counselor, call 360-546-9779 or send an e-mail to .
Admissions
The Office of Admissions coordinates all initial application inquiries and admissions activities, including degree options counseling, unofficial transcript review, admission application processing, and referrals to various campus resources.
Freshman Admission Requirements and Application Process
Freshman applicants will be considered for admission on the basis of their academic records, which include transcripts, test scores (SAT or ACT), a personal statement, and other relevant materials as requested. The high school transcript must show completion of no less than the following course work in grades 9-12:
English: Four years (three of which must be composition and literature)
Mathematics: Three years college preparatory mathematics (one year of geometry and two years of algebra including an introductory component of trigonometry). Additional mathematics is strongly recommended.
Science: Two years (including at least one year of laboratory science: biology, chemistry, physics, or Principles of Technology). Note: Students applying for college freshman admission, beginning in fall 2010, will need to complete two years of laboratory science, including one year of algebra-based biology, chemistry, or physics.
Social Science: Three years (including at least one year of history).
Foreign Language: Two years of the same foreign language, Native American language, or American Sign Language.
Fine Arts: One year of the fine, visual, or performing arts, or one additional year of academic elective.
It is strongly recommended for students planning to major in science or science-related fields to complete at least three years of science (including at least two years of laboratory science).
Applicants who have not graduated from high school at the time of application must maintain a satisfactory record, complete all required courses specified for admission to WSU, and provide evidence of graduation, higher credential such as an associate of arts or associate of science degree, or completion of the GED prior to enrollment.
Freshman applicants over 25 years of age should contact the Office of Admissions concerning requirements for re-entry students.
Graduates of unaccredited high schools should write to the Director of Admissions for further information.
Applicants are recommended to apply with a full and complete application packet by January 31 for priority consideration for the fall semester. Applicants for spring semester should apply by November 15 for priority consideration.
A complete application includes the application form, official high school transcript provided in a sealed envelope, SAT or ACT score report from the testing agency, personal statement, and nonrefundable application fee. Students may apply online at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/apply.
Transfer Admission Requirements and Application Process
Transfer applicants who have successfully completed a Direct Transfer Associate (DTA) from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution at the time of application will be admitted as space allows. Transfer applicants without a DTA, but with at least 27 semester (40 quarter) hours of transferable credit from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution normally will be admitted as space allows, provided they have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. Transfer applicants with a 2.0-2.49 cumulative grade point average will be admitted as space allows. Applicants with fewer than 27 semester (40 quarter) hours of transferable credit will be considered for admission if they also meet the freshman admission requirements.
Transfer of Credits
WSU Vancouver grants appropriate transfer credit for college-level work completed at regionally accredited institutions.
Ninety semester hours shall be the maximum allowed by transfer toward a four-year degree, and 120 semester hours shall be the maximum amount allowed by transfer toward a five-year degree.
The maximum combined lower-division transfer credit allowed from regionally accredited institutions, CLEP (College Level Examination Program), AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate), and military credit shall be 73 semester hours toward a baccalaureate degree irrespective of when those hours were earned.
Two full years of credit and completion of lower-division General Education Requirements normally will be granted to students who have been awarded the Direct Transfer Associate (DTA) degree from a Washington community college. The Associate of Arts-Oregon transfer degree from an Oregon community college guarantees completion of the lower-division General Education Requirements (GERs), but does not guarantee junior standing or 60 semester credits. Certain approved associate's degrees from Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Idaho may also be considered to have fulfilled the lower division GERs for graduation, but do not guarantee junior status (60 semester credits). For details on specific degrees consult the Office of Admissions.
Students who have completed at least 70 transferable quarter credit hours toward completion of an approved AA degree may complete the Direct Transfer Associate (DTA) degrees from a Washington or Oregon two-year college after their initial enrollment at WSU.
Students who have completed the Associate of Science Transfer (AST) degree from a Washington community college will receive the same priority consideration for admission to the baccalaureate institution as they would for completing the direct transfer associate degree and will be given junior status. Additional general education requirements as required by Washington State University, must be met prior to the completion of a baccalaureate degree. Students are responsible for checking specific major requirements in the year prior to transferring.
Completion of lower-division General Education Requirements will be granted to students who have completed all of the lower-division General Education Requirements at another regionally accredited Washington baccalaureate institution, provided the sending institution so certifies.
One quarter credit is equal to .66 semester credits. The amount of credit transferred is not less, but the units of measure are different. To translate quarter credits into semester credits, multiply the number of quarter credits by .66 (for instance, 5 x .66 = 3.33).
For example:
| Quarter Hours | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.66 |
| 2 | 1.33 |
| 3 | 2.00 |
| 4 | 2.66 |
| 5 | 3.33 |
| 90 | 60.00 |
| 180 | 120.00 |
The number of transferable credits is determined using a degree audit reporting system (DARS). Using DARS, the Office of Admissions evaluates courses fulfilling general education requirements (GERs) and some departmental equivalents.
Grades received in transferable college-level courses are used in calculating a grade point average (GPA). Grades of "D" are transferable. The department may, however, require students to repeat courses in the major field of study in which "D" grades were received. Grades lower than "C" will be disregarded if the course is repeated and another grade is earned. Courses in which students earned grades of "C" or above will not be accepted if repeated for credit or for raising their GPA. Transfer GPAs are not averaged into the WSU GPA.
Once the application and required materials are received, transcripts are evaluated. When the evaluation is complete, applicants are notified by mail and a degree audit may be run online.
Undergraduate Applications for Admission, www.vancouver.wsu.edu/apply
| Application Type | Purpose | Required Materials | Recommended Deadline | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Application | For students seeking a bachelor's degree from WSU |
Transfer Students: Applicants with at
least 27 semester (40 quarter) credits at
the time of application
|
|
Transfer Students: Transferable associate's degree from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution or a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA). Applicants without an associate's degree or with a 2.0-2.49 cumulative GPA will be admitted as space allows Freshman Students: Comprehensive review of high school courses completed, grade point average (GPA), SAT or ACT, and personal statement |
| Former Student Returning Application | For former WSU students who have been absent for more than one year (former students absent for only one semester may enroll without reapplying for admission) |
|
| 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in transfer and WSU course work combined |
| Non Degree Application (not eligible for financial aid) | For students seeking personal enrichment, not a degree; also for students completing certificate or graduate program prerequisites |
|
|
None |
| International Undergraduate Application | For students who are not US citizens or permanent residents (with the exception of Washington residents that qualify under the Higher Education Affidavit) |
|
| Please see www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ads/under_inter.htm for the most current information |
University Priority Application Dates
Priority admissions application dates are January 31 for fall semester, November 15 for spring semester, and March 1 for summer session. Note that the following undergraduate degree programs have special deadlines:
Departmental Application Deadlines
| Department | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Business | March 1 (Summer/Fall) |
| October 1 (Spring) | |
| Education | January 15 (Summer start only) |
| Nursing | January 15 (Fall) |
| August 5 (Spring) |
In addition to the regular undergraduate degree application, a separate, departmental portfolio application is also required for Education and Nursing applicants. Departmental applications are available from the departments.
Applicants are considered for admission based on course work completed at the time the application is submitted. Once work is completed, students must send an official copy of their final transcript to the WSU Vancouver Office of Admissions.
Send official transcripts from each college/university attended to:
Office of Admissions
Washington State University Vancouver
14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98686-9600
Note: Admission to the University does not guarantee admission to a specific academic program.
Steps to Apply
Step One: Meet with an admissions counselor (Call 360-546-9779 for an appointment.)
Before applying, it is useful to know whether you have met freshman or transfer admission requirements. If you are transferring credits to WSU Vancouver, it is helpful to know if you have met the General Education Requirements (GERs). A meeting with an admissions counselor is not required, but is highly recommended to help students determine where they stand.
Step Two: Choose the appropriate application. Undergraduate Application: Use this application if you are seeking an undergraduate degree and have never attended WSU.
Former Student Returning Application: Use this application if you have attended any WSU campus in the past during fall or spring term, have not attended classes for more than one year, and are now returning to continue your undergraduate study.
Non degree Application: Use this application if you want to enroll in classes for one or more of the following reasons:
- Personal enrichment
- To complete course work for transfer to another institution
- To complete prerequisites in preparation for a graduate degree
- To earn a certificate at WSU
- Other reasons unrelated to a degree
Note: Non degree students are not eligible for financial aid.
International Undergraduate Application: Use this application if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Step Three: Complete and submit the application and any required supporting documents.
Transfer Undergraduate Application
You are a transfer student if you enrolled in a regionally accredited college or university after the summer following your high school graduation.
- Apply online at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/apply or complete the paper application form.
- Submit payment for the nonrefundable application fee.
- Request an official transcript from each college or university attended and mail to:
Office of Admissions
Washington State University Vancouver
14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98686-9600
Application Tips
- Transcripts are not considered official if the seal on the envelope has been broken.
- Transcripts from universities or colleges outside the United States require an English translation if not in English. These translations should be complete, literal, word-for-word, and in the same format as the original. Grades should not be converted to a U.S. scale.
- Student applications will be processed for the semester and year indicated on the application form. If your plans to enroll for that term change, you must reapply and repay the application fee.
- In addition to the Transfer Undergraduate Application, a separate departmental portfolio application is required for Business, Education, and Nursing applicants.
- Carefully answer each question and include payment. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
- Direct any questions to the Office of Admissions at 360-546-9779.
Freshman Undergraduate Application
You are a freshman applicant if you have graduated or anticipate graduating from high school and have not been enrolled in college after the summer following your high school graduation. (Running Start students or students who have completed college course work while in high school are considered freshmen for admission purposes.)
- Apply online at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/apply or complete the paper application form. A personal statement is required for freshman applicants (questions are included with application.)
- Submit payment for the nonrefundable application fee.
- Submit an official high school transcript.
- Submit official ACT or SAT test results directly from the testing agency. All campuses use the same code for the ACT (code 4482) and SAT (code 4705).
Former Student Returning (FSR) Application
- Students formerly enrolled at Washington State University and who have been absent for only one semester (excluding summer sessions) may enroll without reapplying for admission. Students absent for more than one semester are required to submit an FSR application and fee prior to enrollment. The FSR application is available at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/apply. FSR applicants will be granted direct admission if they are in good academic standing. FSR applicants whose previous academic record at WSU is unsatisfactory will be required to follow established academic reinstatement procedures prior to admission.
- Request an official transcript from each college or university you have attended since last attending WSU and mail to:
Office of Admissions
Washington State University Vancouver
14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98686-9600
Application Tip
- Transcripts are not considered official if the seal on the envelope has been broken.
Non degree Application
- Apply online and submit nonrefundable application fee at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/apply.
- If applying by mail, a PDF version of the application is available at this link.
International Undergraduate Application
- Call Educational Testing Service (1-609-771-7100) or go to the Web at www.ets.org and order official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores to be forwarded to WSU. Do not send your own copies of TOEFL scores. For exemptions from the TOEFL, visit http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ads/req_international.htm.
- Apply online at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/apply. Also complete the Certificate of Financial Responsibility to show assured support for your first year and projected support for the total number of years needed to complete your degree.*
- Submit payment for the application fee.
- Request an official transcript from each college or university attended and mail to:
Office of Admissions
Washington State University Vancouver
14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98686-9600
U.S.A.
- Irreplaceable original international documents should be sent directly to:
Terra Kendrick
International Credentials Specialist
International Programs
Washington State University
Bryan Hall 108
Pullman, WA 99164-5110
The sender must include a postage-paid return envelope, personally write the return address, and indicate "irreplaceable documents" on the outside of the envelope. International Programs will gently handle the documents and promptly return them.
*A bank official's signature and seal are required on this financial certificate or on a letter from the bank. The Certificate of Financial Responsibility cannot be more than three months old at the time of application.
| Student's Share of Instructional Cost at WSU | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pursuant to legislative provisions, Washington State University is required to provide students with information on the estimated amount the state is contributing to the support of their education. The following table indicates state support by tuition category per Full Time Equivalent (FTE) student attending WSU. (A full time equivalent student in this context is calculated based on 30 credits per year for an undergraduate, and 20 credits per year for a graduate student.) Costs for health sciences are not included. | ||||
| 2007-2008 State Support of Higher Education Students | ||||
| Undergraduate | Graduate | |||
| Resident | Nonresident | Resident | Nonresident | |
| Total Costs | $9,484.00 | $9,484.00 | $23,786.00 | $23,786.00 |
| Operating Fee | $5,524.00 | $15,402.00 | $6,860.00 | $17,293.00 |
| State Support | $3,960.00 | — | $16,926.00 | $6,493.00 |
Programs and Policies
The Co-Admission Program
WSU Vancouver has partnered with Clark College in Vancouver and Lower Columbia College (LCC) in Longview to create the Co-Admission Program. The goal of the program is to provide an early bridge for Clark and LCC students who plan to complete lower-division studies at their community college and upper-division studies at WSU Vancouver. Students in the program have access to services from both institutions, including advising, career services, fitness centers, libraries, and more.
Program Benefits
- Free official Clark College and LCC academic transcripts automatically sent to WSU Vancouver
- Take advantage of services on both campuses:
- See advisors and counselors (Admissions, Career Services, and Financial Aid).
- Join clubs and organizations.
- Use the libraries and computer labs.
- Enjoy campus events.
- Use recreational and fitness center opportunities.
- Apply for a number of University Scholarships
Clark and Lower Columbia College students may be granted co-admission to WSU Vancouver in two ways:
Track A: Students who have completed 40-60 quarter transferable credits at the time of application.
Track B: Students who meet WSU's freshman admission standards.
Clark and Lower Columbia College students who have completed more than 60 transferable credits should follow the regular transfer admission process.
For more information, or to download a Co-Admission application, visit www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ads and click on "Co-Admission Program."
Tuition and Fees
www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/calendars
| Tuition and Fees / Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, fees, and other charges are subject to change and are effective when established by the legislature of the State of Washington and adopted by the WSU Board of Regents. | ||
| Tuition is due the first day of the semester. Please check the academic calendar for late payment fee dates. Billing statements will NOT be mailed. A summary of a student's account activity is available using myWSU at my.wsu.edu. Please refer to www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/calendars for important information. | ||
| Full-time Fees (per semester) | Undergraduate | Graduate |
| Resident (10-18 hours)* | $3,360.00 | $4,034.00 |
| Resident (19 hours and above)* | $3,360.00+ | $4,034.00+ |
| $311.00/cr | $378.00/cr | |
| Nonresident (10-18 hours)* | $8,878.00 | $9,838.00 |
| Nonresident (19 hours and above)* | $8,878.00+ | $9,838.00 |
| $863.00/cr | $959.00/cr | |
| Part-time Fees (per credit hour) (2 hour minimum charge) | Undergraduate | Graduate |
| Resident* | $336.00 | $403.00 |
| Nonresident* | $888.00 | $984.00 |
| *Fees are based on credit hour enrollments: 1-9 credits are charged part-time fees; 10-18 credits are charged full-time fees; 19 credits and above are charged full-time fees plus an additional charge per credit hour for each credit over 18. The credit hours listed on this table are for fee purposes only. Full-time undergraduate enrollment is normally 12 credit hours. | ||
| **Graduate nursing students have a separate fee schedule. Refer to www.vancouver.wsu.edu/registrar and click on "Tuition and Fees" for detailed information. | ||
Residency for Tuition Purposes
Residency for tuition and fee purposes is determined by the Washington State Legislature.
The administration of Washington state law regarding residency status shall be the responsibility of the Board of Regents. The Office of the Registrar is assigned the responsibility to represent the Board of Regents on questions of residency status for undergraduate and professional students. The Graduate School represents the Board of Regents for graduate students.
A student is a resident if (1) he or she is financially dependent on a parent(s) or legal guardian and (2) one parent or legal guardian maintains a bona fide domicile in the state of Washington. A student is a resident if (1) he or she is financially independent of his or her parent(s) or legal guardian and (2) he or she maintains a bona fide domicile in the state of Washington that is separate and distinct from an educational purpose. Washington state law provides that it is the student's burden to prove that he or she is a resident for tuition-paying purposes. Please refer to the list of evidence to be considered below.
Financial dependence or independence shall be determined by the amount and source of a student's finances and whether or not the student has been claimed as a deduction on federal income tax forms in the calendar year immediately preceding the semester for which residency is sought. The term domicile means a person's true, fixed, and permanent home and place of habitation.
Active duty U.S. military personnel stationed in Washington and their spouses and dependent children shall be classified resident.
Evidence to be considered in verifying Washington residency primarily for purposes other than education must have been in existence no less than 12 consecutive months and may include the following: 1. Registration of motor vehicles, motor homes, travel trailers, boats, or other personal property; 2. Driver's license; 3. Employment records; 4. Income tax returns; 5. Voter registration; 6. Selective service registration; 7. Purchase of primary residence, lease agreement, or monthly rental receipts; 8. Resident status of students in schools attended outside the state of Washington; 9. Membership in professional, business, civic, or other organizations; 10. Records of checking or savings accounts and safety deposit box rental.
Once a student's residency classification has been determined, that classification will remain unchanged in the absence of written evidence justifying change during the time the student is in continuous enrollment.
Applications for change in residency status and all supporting evidence must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar or the Graduate School no later than the 30th calendar day following the first day of instruction of the semester for which application is made. The burden of proof of residency status lies with the student.
If erroneous, untrue, or incorrect information submitted on an application results in an improper classification of resident or nonresident status or a final determination is reversed through the appeals process, Washington State University shall recover from the student or refund to the student, as the case may be, an amount equal to the total difference in tuition and fees had proper classification been made.
In accordance with RCW 28B.15.014 certain nonresidents may be exempt from paying the nonresident tuition and fee differential. To be eligible for an exemption a nonresident student must provide documented evidence that the student resides in the state of Washington and (1) holds a graduate service appointment involving not less than 20 hours per week; (2) is a faculty member, classified staff member, or administratively exempt employee holding not less than a half-time appointment or the spouse or dependent child of such a person; or (3) is an immigrant having refugee classification from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service or the spouse or dependent child of such refugee, if the refugee (a) is on parole status, or (b) has received an immigrant visa, or (c) has applied for United States citizenship. Exemption from nonresident tuition and fee differential shall apply only during the term(s) such person shall hold such classification, appointment, or be employed. To determine if a student qualifies for one or more of these exemptions, graduate students may inquire at the Graduate School in Pullman at 509-335-6424 and undergraduates may inquire at the Office of Student Affairs in Pullman at 509-335-4531.
Additional information about residency requirements and the application for change of residency status can be found at www.registrar.wsu.edu or by contacting the WSU Vancouver Student Affairs office. The Washington State Legislature determines residency classification and the law applies to all colleges and universities in the state. See RCW 28B.15.012 at www.leg.wa.gov/wsladm/rcw.cfm. This catalog is intended to provide a brief summary of the residency requirements and does not replace or supercede any residency law enacted by the Legislature.
Tuition Information for Oregon Residents
Border Bill
The state of Washington's "Border Bill" is a program that allows Oregon residents who live in specified counties to attend WSU Vancouver part-time (eight credits or less per semester) and pay resident tuition rates for courses. The specific Oregon counties whose residents are eligible for this benefit are Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Gilliam, Hood River, Morrow, Multnomah, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, and Washington. The benefit applies to undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree seeking students.
To be eligible for the Border Bill, a student must be able to verify that he or she has resided in one of these counties for at least 90 days prior to enrollment at WSU Vancouver. An Oregon driver's license, showing an eligible address, is generally acceptable proof of residence if it was issued more than 90 days prior to enrollment. Other documents that may be used for residency verification could include, but are not limited to, copies of voter registration, lease agreement, utility bill, phone bill, etc.
Exclusions
- The Border Bill does not cover courses offered through WSU Pullman, WSU Spokane, or the Distance Degree Program (DDP).
- International students who hold student or visiting scholar visas are not eligible for this benefit.
Restrictions
- If a student chooses to enroll in more than eight credits total for a single academic term, the student will pay non-resident rates for all credits.
- Should enrollment for a specific semester be eight credits or less, but the Border Bill does not cover some of the credits, a student's account will reflect both resident and non-resident fees. For example, if a student registers for three credits through WSU Vancouver and three credits through WSU Pullman, charges would be three credits of resident tuition for the Vancouver course and three credits of non-resident tuition for the Pullman course.
All other fees are the student's responsibility, including late registration fees, late payment charges, special course fees, etc. Please call 360-546-9559 if there are questions.
The Border Bill Application form is available on the Web at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/forms/.
Tuition Waiver Opportunities
Waiver of fees for children of law enforcement officers and firefighters
Students who are the children of law enforcement officers or firefighters who lost their lives or became totally disabled in the line of duty while employed by any public law enforcement agency or full-time or volunteer fire department in the state of Washington may be eligible for a partial tuition waiver. Washington law defines a totally disabled individual for waiver purposes as a person who has become permanently disabled for life by bodily injury or disease and is thereby prevented from performing any occupation of gainful pursuit.
Students claiming this exemption should apply through the Veterans' Services representative located in the Student Services Center, Room 100. Please provide legal documentation of the death or disablement under the conditions prescribed for eligibility in RCW 28B.15.380. Please note this waiver cannot be used for self-sustaining courses such as Summer Session Classes.
Tuition waivers for WSU and state employees
A fee waiver option is available for eligible individuals who wish to enroll for up to 6 credits for fall or spring semesters or 4 credits for summer. Individuals enrolling for more than the credit hour limits are not eligible for this program. This program is based on availability of space and facilities.
Eligible individuals (some restrictions apply)
WSU Employees–
- Civil service employees holding half time or greater appointments and having permanent status by the second Friday of the term (fall and spring semesters) or the first day of class for the summer sessions.
- Civil service employees on trial service appointments meeting the above criteria.
- Faculty and administrative professional employees holding half-time or greater appointments.
- Employees covered by collective bargaining unit agreements are eligible on the same basis as civil service employees unless otherwise defined by the terms of the applicable bargaining unit contracts.
Others–
- Employees of other state of Washington agencies or higher education institutions meeting the WSU employee eligibility requirements are eligible for benefit for fall and spring semesters ONLY.
- ROTC faculty and staff employed at WSU locations who meet the WSU employee eligibility requirements above are eligible on a space available basis.
Admission
Qualified individuals who wish to enroll under this program must follow regular admission procedures and present a completed staff/faculty registration authorization form to the WSU Vancouver registrar's office. Forms and instructions are available online at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/forms_index.htm.
Complete information on this fee waiver program can be found in the WSU Business Policies and Procedures Manual online at www.wsu.edu/%7Eforms/PDF/BPPM/60-00.pdf. (Fall and spring see 60.70; summer refer to 60.73)
Fees
WSU charges each eligible individual a non-refundable $5.00 administrative fee plus any special course and laboratory fees, as well as any applicable late registration fees and late tuition and fee payment charges.
Enrollment Restrictions
Individualized instruction such as independent study, distance degree program courses, thesis, dissertation, research, internships, tutorials, self-sustaining courses (fall and spring semesters), private lessons, or practicums may not be taken under the fee waiver.
Audit Enrollments
Auditing under the fee waiver is limited to two courses per semester. Laboratory courses may not be audited. The instructor's signature is required for auditing.
Applicants wishing to use the fee waiver to audit summer courses should check with the WSU Vancouver registrar's office to see if they qualify as special conditions apply. Fee waiver students will be admitted to class on a space available basis and are responsible for paying a $5.00 non-refundable administrative fee plus any special course fees or other fees as appropriate.
Tuition waiver for persons age 60 and over
Persons age 60 or over who are residents of the state of Washington may enroll in up to six audit hours per semester for fall and spring only using a tuition fee waiver form obtained at the WSU Vancouver registrar's office. (See "Audit Enrollments" information above.)
| Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Limits | ||
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Eligibility: There are two types of Stafford Loans, subsized and unsubsidized. Your eligibility for these loan types is indicated in your Financial Aid Award Notification. | ||
| Annual Limits (including summer) | Dependent Students* | Independent Students* |
| Freshman (0-29 credit hours completed) | $3,500.00 | $7,500.00 |
| Sophomore (30-59 credit hours completed) | $4,500.00 | $8,500.00 |
| Junior/Senior/5th year(60+ credit hours completed) | $5,500.00 | $10,500.00 |
| Life-time Stafford Borrowing Limits for Undergraduate Study** | $23,000.00 | $46,000 ($23,000 maximum subsidized) |
| *If a Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) is denied, the dependent student is allowed to borrow at the same level as an independent student for the denial year. All Stafford and PLUS loan disbursements require at least half-time (6 credit hours per semester) student enrollment. | ||
| **Includes all amounts borrowed (but not repaid) for undergraduate study regardless of breaks in program or changes in majors. | ||
| Graduate Annual (including Summer) Maximum Stafford Loan Amounts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Subsidized Stafford Maximum (depending on financial need) | $8,500.00 | |
| Unsubsidized Stafford Maximum (depending on cost of attendance) | $20,500.00 | |
| Total per year | $20,500.00 | |
| Lifetime StaffordBorrowing Limit* | $140,000.00 | |
| *Includes all amounts borrowed (but not repaid) for undergraduate and graduate study regardless of breaks in program or changes in majors. | ||
Financing Your Education
Paying for college is often the main concern that faces both students and parents. At Washington State University Vancouver, the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) is committed to assisting families in finding ways to meet those costs. The following information will help you navigate the WSU financial aid system.
How do I apply for Financial Aid?
At WSU you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA must be completed each year you plan to attend college; WSU's priority deadline is March 1. If you apply after the March 1 priority deadline you are awarded on a funds-available basis for many need-based programs. The following are important tips to keep in mind when applying for financial aid:
- Apply for a PIN to use as your electronic signature on the FAFSA. PINs may be requested by visiting www.pin.ed.gov. If parent info is on the FAFSA, they will need a separate PIN as well.
- The FAFSA is available on the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This page provides instructions for the FAFSA process and a guide to frequently asked questions. Applying via the Web is the fastest and most accurate way to file the FAFSA.
- Submit the FAFSA after January 1, but before March 1.
- WSU Vancouver's Federal School Code is 003800 (same as Pullman's).
- If necessary, estimate tax information on the FAFSA, but make corrections once income tax forms have been filed.
- To be eligible for federal aid and University scholarships, you must be officially admitted and enrolled in a course of study leading to a degree or certificate.
- Re-apply each year. The FAFSA should be completed every January. You should receive a reminder to complete your new FAFSA from the U.S. Department of Education during November or December preceding the award year. Your PIN may be used to file the new year's FAFSA online.
- To apply for financial aid for summer session, submit a supplemental summer financial aid application by March 1. Applications are available at the beginning of spring semester or online at www.finaid.wsu.edu. Awards are based on your re maining financial aid eligibility for the current academic year.
What is the Student Aid Report (SAR)?
Once a FAFSA has been processed at the federal level, a Student Aid Report (SAR) will be sent from the Federal Processor. The SAR is the acknowledgment or transcript of the information submitted on the FAFSA. You will receive a SAR within a few days. WSU will receive the application information electronically about the same time.
Review the SAR for accuracy and make corrections if needed. For example, if estimated tax figures were used, now is the time to correct the SAR to reflect actual tax amounts. If there are no changes, keep the SAR for your records.
What is my Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?
When you file a FAFSA an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is calculated. The Federal Processor analyzes the information provided on the FAFSA to estimate the amount you, your spouse (if married), and/or your parents can contribute towards your education. The EFC is further used to determine eligibility for financial aid at Washington State University.
The EFC is determined by a federal formula. Subtract the EFC from the cost of attending Washington State University, and the result is the student's "need" or eligibility for need-based financial aid programs. The lower the EFC, the more grants and subsidized loan funding you may receive.
What if I have special circumstances?
If there are unusual or special circumstances not reflected on the FAFSA that may affect aid eligibility, submit this information in writing to the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA). Special circumstances considered might be the loss of income, unforeseen medical/dental expenses that are not reimbursed, and/or childcare costs.
What is Verification?
The Office of Student Financial Aid is required to verify a percentage of student applications each year to ensure the most accurate and fair awarding practices. Some students and parents will be required to submit tax documents, verification of family size, and/or other documentation to support items reported on the FAFSA. If your family is selected for verification by the OSFA, please make every attempt to supply this information as soon as possible. Files selected for verification are reviewed manually by financial aid staff members, so the first information returned is the first reviewed. Returning the information to our office quickly ensures the best chances of having financial aid funds available on the first day of classes.
When do I receive my award letter?
Preliminary award letters are mailed beginning in April for new students who applied for financial aid prior to March 1. Financial Aid Award Notification letters will be mailed throughout the summer. You need to accept, reject, or reduce loan amounts on your award notification prior to receiving loan application instructions. One copy of the award notification must be returned to the OSFA. You can also view your award online through myWSU.
How will I receive my financial aid funds?
Student financial aid funds (Stafford Loans, PLUS loan, grants, scholarships, etc.) will be disbursed to your Washington State University student account at the beginning of each semester. You must be enrolled at least full-time (12 credits undergraduate) for the majority of these funds to disburse. If you do not plan to enroll full-time, notify the OSFA in writing so your aid can be adjusted.
What is my student account?
Every WSU student has an account at University Receivables/Student Accounts. The student account is where all charges are billed and credits are listed. Any cash payment, deposit, or financial aid is credited to your student account. Any University bill (such as tuition charges, late fees, parking tickets, library fines, health insurance costs, etc.) is listed as a charge.
How will my tuition be paid and will I get a refund?
All of your financial aid funds (including scholarships and fee waivers, but not work study) are first applied to your tuition/fee bill, and then to miscellaneous fees (if the miscellaneous fee permission sheet was signed). When these charges are paid in full, any remaining funds will be refunded/ disbursed in the form of a check or by direct deposit into your bank account (if you submitted a Direct Deposit Authorization form) for use on other education related expenses for the semester.
If your parents borrowed the parent loan (PLUS), funds will be available no sooner than the beginning of each semester. PLUS loan funds will be deposited to your student account just like all other financial aid.
How do I get my extra financial aid money?
Tuition and fees are deducted prior to distribution of financial aid checks.
We recommend submitting a direct deposit authorization form to allow financial aid funds to be electronically deposited into your checking account. You can complete this form on line at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/finaid/.
If you do not sign up for direct deposit your refund check will be mailed on the first day of the semester to the local address on file.
What is a consortium agreement?
A Consortium Agreement is a written, formal agreement between two institutions eligible to participate in Title IV Federal funding programs. The Consortium Agreement allows you to enroll in courses at another institution while working toward a degree from Washington State University. To be eligible you must be registered for at least six credits (but less than 12 credits) at WSU Vancouver, and be concurrently enrolled at Clark College or Lower Columbia College. Other colleges are considered on a case-by-case basis. Financial aid is based on the total credits you are taking at both institutions. You may not receive financial aid from more than one institution at a time. Contact the WSU Vancouver Office of Financial Aid for details. The consortium agreement must be signed at the beginning of each WSU semester, and community college transcripts are to be submitted within two weeks of receiving your grades. Failure to do so will result in aid being withheld for the following semester.
What are scholarships?
Scholarships can be an important part of funding a college education. Recipients are recognized for academic performance, talents, financial need, and community involvement. WSU encourages students to achieve new heights in intellectual and personal development, and is committed to rewarding these achievements through many scholarship programs.
We encourage you to apply for admission early since several scholarships are awarded upon offer of admission.
WSU Vancouver offers over 80 locally funded scholarships that range in value from $500 to $3,000. WSU Pullman offers University-wide scholarships available to students at all WSU campuses. Scholarship applications are available mid-fall and can be picked up from the Student Services Center, or downloaded from the Internet at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/scholarships. January 31 is the deadline for most University-wide scholarships. May 1 is the deadline for most WSU Vancouver scholarships.
| Credit Hour Requirements for Undergraduate Aid Programs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type of Aid Program | Hours of Enrollment Required | Eligibility |
| Federal Pell Grant | 12 or more credit hours 9-11 credit hours 6 credit hours |
Eligible for 100% of award Eligible for 75% of award Eligible for 50% of award |
| Washington State Need Grant | 12 or more credit hours 9-11 credit hours 6 credit hours |
Eligible for 100% of award Eligible for 75% of award Eligible for 50% of award |
| Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) | 12 or more credit hours | |
| Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) | 12 or more credit hours | |
| National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART) | 12 or more credit hours | |
| Institutional Grant | 12 or more credit hours | |
| Federal/State Work Study | 6 or more credit hours | |
| Federal Stafford Loan | 6 or more credit hours | |
| Federal Perkins Loan | 12 or more credit hours | |
| Nursing Loan | 12 or more credit hours | |
| Federal PLUS Loan | 6 or more credit hours | |
| Credit Hour Requirements for Graduate Aid Programs | |
|---|---|
| Type of Aid Program | Hours of Enrollment Required/Eligibility |
| Federal Stafford Loan (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) | 5 or more credit hours |
| Health Professions Student | 10 or more credit hours |
| State Work Study | 5 or more credit hours |
Are there any alternative funding opportunities?
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Native American students who are registered with a tribe may be eligible for these grants. Contact the tribal agency.
WSU short-term loan program
Students receiving financial aid that is not credited to the student account on the first day of class may be eligible to borrow a Short Term Loan in order to purchase books. Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) to determine if you are eligible for this emergency funding. A cosigner may be required. Short Term Loans are repaid automatically when financial aid funds become available.
Limited funds are also available for unanticipated or emergency expenses. Repayment is usually due one to two months from the day the loan is made. Apply in person at the Student Services Center. For more information, call 360-546-9559.
What happens if I cancel my enrollment?
If you cancel enrollment at Washington State University or you are disenrolled for nonpayment of tuition, the Office of Student Financial Aid will perform a cancellation-of-enrollment calculation to determine if you need to return all or any portion of the aid received. Each calculation varies, based on individual costs and award information.
- Students must pay back funds received. The amount is prorated based on the percentage of days completed in the academic term, up to 60 percent. If the student has completed 60 percent of the semester or more, no calculation is performed; the University retains 100 percent of tuition and fees. Students may also be assessed a withdrawal fee. Plus, the student remains responsible for repayment of the balance of any loans that Washington State University has not returned to the lender.
- Students found to be eligible for funds not yet received. Students will be notified in writing by the Office of Student Financial Aid within 14 days of withdrawal. Students must notify the office in writing of decision to receive those funds, which will increase loan indebtedness.
- If loan proceeds are returned to lender as a result of student withdrawal, the student will be notified of the returned loan amount. The University will notify lender of change in enrollment status. Student should contact lender or loan servicing agency to discuss repayment terms and options.
- Withdrawal or disenrollment will affect satisfactory academic progress. If a student withdraws more than twice in a four-semester period, the student will become ineligible for financial aid. If the student withdraws after the tenth day of classes, the student will be held accountable for the number of credits that normally would have been completed during the term.
- If a student is a scholarship recipient, the scholarship donor(s) will determine if all or part of the funds should be returned to them.
Exit Interview
An exit interview must be completed with financial aid whenever a student receiving student loans graduates, leaves WSU, or drops below half-time status. Failure to do so may result in default of loan with balance, interest, and late charges due immediately. Refusal to submit all information will cause the loan to be in default and due immediately.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources
my.wsu.edu
This is a web-based service center for WSU students. With a network ID and password, students can access specific information from this site, including financial aid, grades, registration, and student accounts, as well as a place to maintain their address and emergency notification data.
www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/finaid
Information about financial aid at Washington State University is available at this site. The site also offers a link to myWSU.
www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/scholarships
Here students will find general information about WSU departmental, miscellaneous, and University merit scholarships, as well as resources to apply for outside scholarships.
www.finaid.org
This site provides general information about federal financial aid programs as well as several different scholarship searches. Information concerning financial aid is available at many different sites on the Internet. Using any search engine, type the keyword "financial aid" or "scholarship."
A-Z of Financial Aid and Scholarships Workshops
All prospective students and parents wanting to know more about the financial aid and scholarship process are encouraged to attend. For schedule information visit www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/finaid.
Financial Aid Recipients Rights and Responsibilities
Student Rights
As a student receiving financial aid at Washington State University, you have the following rights:
- You may decline all or any part of your financial aid award. This must be done in writing.
- You may be able to return loan proceeds within 14 days of the date of disbursement. The remaining balance on your student account must be institutional charges to be able to return loan proceeds.
- You will be notified in writing of any changes made by the OSFA to your financial aid eligibility and/or your awards.
- You may request review of your financial aid application due to special or unusual circumstances that would change the Expected Family Contribution and/or the Cost of Attendance. All such requests should be submitted in writing to the OSFA.
- You may request a re-evaluation of any decision (except from the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Committee) concerning your financial aid award.
- In protection of your rights under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the staff at the OSFA cannot release specific information about your financial aid award to anyone over the telephone. You must present picture ID when seeking information in person about your financial aid awards.
- You have the right to contact the Student Financial Aid Ombudsman to resolve issues related to student loans. The Ombudsman phone number is 1-877-557-2575, and the Web address is www.ombudsman.ed.gov.
Student Responsibilities
As a student receiving financial aid at Washington State University, you have the following responsibilities:
- Report to the OSFA, in writing, any additional resources such as Veterans Education Benefits, scholarships, tuition waivers, and funding from outside agencies, etc.
- Be admitted by the Office of Admissions to a course of study leading to a degree or certificate.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Refer to the SAP section in this catalog, the "Financial Aid" section of the Student Handbook, or on the Web at www.finaid.wsu.edu.
- Immediately inform Washington State University of any address changes through myWSU at my.wsu.edu.
- Notify the OSFA if you do not plan to attend Washington State University.
- Confirm the awarded loan amounts on the Financial Aid Award Notification and return one copy to the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Before your aid can be released
After the FAFSA has been filed, you have received your Financial Aid Award Notification, and loan applications have been completed and returned, there may still be some steps that must be taken to allow your aid to be released to your student account at the beginning of the semester. The following are some of the common reasons that funding may be held:
- Entrance Counseling not completed for Stafford borrowers. All first time Stafford Loan borrowers are required to complete a one-time loan counseling session before loan funds will be released. You can complete this requirement on the Web at www.mapping-your-future.org.
- Insufficient credit hours of enrollment. Please refer to the "Credit Hour Requirements for Aid Programs" section of this handbook. Credit requirements vary by undergraduate and graduate program.
To check on your status and to ensure all steps have been completed, please refer to the "To do list" under "Finances" on myWSU or call the OSFA at 360-546-9559.
Undergraduate and Graduate Financial Aid Programs and Requirements
Grants and Tuition/Fee Waivers
Grants are only available to first-time undergraduates. Grants and tuition/fee waivers are made first available to the highest need students. Other students are awarded upon a "funds available basis." These programs do not require repayment and are intended to help pay tuition and other institutional expenses. Meet the March 1 priority deadline to ensure funds are available.
Federal Pell Grant (Pell)
Pell Grants are available to eligible students pursuing their first undergraduate degree and not enrolled in a professional program.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
SEOG funds are designed to assist students with the highest level of need.
Washington State Need Grant (SNG)
SNG is a program for high-need Washington residents pursuing their first undergraduate degree.
Institutional Grants
This program was designed by Washington State University to assist undergraduate Washington residents with high financial need.
Work-Study
Work-Study is either a federal or state program that offers part-time jobs to students with need to help pay tuition and other educational costs.
Work-Study jobs usually require ten to fifteen hours per week. Students are paid for the hours worked. These programs are awarded by the Office of Student Financial Aid to students with the highest level of financial need, as determined by the FAFSA.
Learn about Work-Study jobs on campus by visiting our Career Services website and viewing resources for students www.vancouver.wsu.edu/career.
Loans
A student loan is money borrowed to cover tuition and educational expenses for undergraduate and graduate programs. Not all loans are based on financial need.
Federal Subsidized Stafford
A loan based on financial need. Payments on the principal are optional while the student is enrolled at least half-time (6 undergraduate and 5 graduate credit hours). The interest is paid by the federal government while enrolled at least half-time, during a grace period, or during authorized periods of deferment.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford
This is a loan not based on financial need. Payments on the principal and/or interest are optional while students are enrolled at least half-time, but interest accrues. Students may pay the interest or allow it to accumulate until beginning repayment.
Interest Rates
For subsidized Stafford Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2008, the interest rate is fixed at 6.0%. while unsubsidized Stafford Loans have a fixed interest rate of 6.8%.
Federal PLUS Loan
The Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) enables parents to borrow on behalf of dependent undergraduate students enrolled at least half time. Repayment begins 60 days after it has been fully disbursed. Effective 7/1/06 the interest rate is fixed at 8.5%. Interest rates on prior PLUS loans vary but will not exceed 9 percent.
If a parent's application for a PLUS is denied, the student may qualify for an additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan (up to the annual maximum of the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan for an independent student.) This amount may not equal the amount of the original PLUS. The student must provide the Office of Student Financial Aid with a copy of the PLUS denial letter issued directly from the lending institution. Effective 7/1/06 graduate students also have the option to apply for a PLUS loan with the same terms as referenced above. In this case, the student is the borrower not the parent.
Federal Perkins Loan and Nursing Loan
The University administers both of these loans for first-time undergraduate students with high financial need. These loans have a 5% fixed interest rate and a nine-month grace period prior to repayment.
Private Loans
Students with remaining financial need on their financial aid award notification and/or whose cost of attendance has not been met, may qualify for a private loan. Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid or visit www.finaid.wsu.edu/privloans.htm for more information.
The Loan Application Process
When a student accepts a student loan, he/she will receive instructions about the Master Promissory Note (MPN). The MPN is the legal contract between the borrower and the lender, ensuring that the borrower will repay the loan. Start the loan application process by getting information from EdFund, which includes instructions for completing the loan application online at www.edfund.net.
The loan amounts for which the student is eligible are listed on the financial aid award notification. The student must confirm acceptance of the award amounts shown and return one signed copy of the notification to the Office of Student Financial Aid before completing the MPN.
Common Reasons Why Funding is Withheld
Entrance counseling was not completed
First-time Stafford Loan borrowers must complete a one-time loan counseling interview before loan funds are released. Complete the session online. Go to www.mapping-your-future.org and click "Student Loan Counseling Interview," then "Stafford Entrance."
not enrolled for enough semester credit hours
If a student has grants as part of his/her aid package, the student must contact the Office of Student Financial Aid if he/she plans to enroll less than full time. The award will be adjusted accordingly.
did not complete enough credit hours
If the student did not complete the minimum number of hours required in the previous term, he/she will be placed on probation or have aid denied. See the section on Satisfactory Academic Progress for more information.
achieved less than a 2.0 GPA in each of the last two semesters, regardless of cumulative GPA
Failing to maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the end of any semester will cause the student's aid to be denied. See the section on Satisfactory Academic Progress for more information.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
When students accept financial aid, they also accept responsibility for making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). This section is designed to help students understand the requirements for satisfactory academic progress associated with receiving financial assistance.
Please read all of this information carefully. Students are responsible for understanding these requirements.
This policy is subject to change. Please refer to the web information for the most current requirements. Information about Satisfactory Academic Progress is also available in the Student Handbook and on the Web at www.finaid.wsu.edu/sap.htm.
Questions regarding the requirements as outlined here, should be directed to the Office of Student Financial Aid at 360-546-9559 or .
What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
Federal financial aid regulations require that recipients of federal and state aid make satisfactory academic progress toward the completion of a degree. This means that the Office of Student Financial Aid will monitor a student's academic progress each term and notify him/her of any deficiencies that could jeopardize receipt of future aid.
Requirements
Students applying for financial assistance must be in compliance with the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP) as a condition of initial or continuing eligibility.
- Financial Aid will be denied to students who fail to maintain progress under the policy.
- At the end of each term a review will be made to ensure compliance with the grade point average (GPA), maximum time limit, and maximum hour requirements of the policy.
First-time aid applicants who have previously attended WSU must also be in compliance with the policy even though aid has not been received during periods of prior attendance.
Credit hour requirements
- Full-time students (12 or more credit hours) must complete at least 12 credit hours in that term.
- Three-quarter-time students (9-11 credit hours) must complete at least 9 credit hours in that term.
- Half-time students (6-8 credit hours) must complete at least 6 credit hours in that term.
- Less than half-time students (5 or less) must complete all of credits enrolled in that term.
GPA requirements
- Academic standing policies require that all students maintain a 2.0 cumulative/term GPA.
- Grades of A, B, C, D, S, or Pass are acceptable.
- Grades of F, W, X, Audit, or I are NOT acceptable and may cause students to be put on probationary status or lose eligibility for financial aid.
Maximum time frame
- Financial aid may be received for up to six (6) full-time years to obtain an undergraduate degree at Washington State University. Credit hours transferred from other institutions will count toward the maximum time frame.
- Part-time enrollment (less than 12 credits) will be counted as one-half or three-fourths of one term. For example, at the end of the first year, students should have at least 24 credit hours completed and at the end of the second year, at least 48 credit hours completed. Part-time students will be expected to complete a minimum number of credit hours for each term of enrollment. All terms of enrollment at WSU will count toward the maximum time frame, even if no financial aid was received. Summer enrollment is also counted in this time frame.
Second bachelor's degree students
Students obtaining second bachelor's degrees (classified as 5B students) are eligible for financial aid for three (3) full-time years at Washington State University. Students must maintain at least a cumulative/term 2.0 GPA each term enrolled.
Limits and restrictions
- Not for credit courses (for example, Math 91, Math 92, Math 99, Math 100, Math 101) will count toward minimum credit hours completed. Not for credit and remedial credit courses will only be counted for one academic year. Not for credit courses are monitored by the SAP system.
- Repeated courses count once in the calculation of minimum hours completed. Therefore, a repeat of an "A", "B", "C", "D", "Pass" or "S" will not count as additional credits unless otherwise noted in the WSU Schedule of Classes. Students repeating a course in which an "I" or "X" was previously received will not be funded except on a case-by-case basis. Students may be required by their college to repeat courses with a C- or lower but will not be funded nor counted as credits completed by the OSFA.
Probation/Denial
If a student fails to make satisfactory progress during any term, the student will be placed on probation or have aid denied. The following criteria are used for determining status:
Probationary status occurs when the student fails to complete the minimum number of hours required, based on individual enrollment. Students are allowed one probationary term to complete the minimum credit hours needed.
| Credits Enrolled | Credits Completed |
|---|---|
| 5 or less | 3 |
| 6 | 3-5 |
| 7 | 3-5 |
| 8 | 3-5 |
| 9 | 4-8 |
| 10 | 4-8 |
| 11 | 4-8 |
| 12 | 6-11 |
Students whose only problem is receiving less than a 2.0 term or cumulative GPA for the first time will receive a probationary letter that must be signed and returned.
Criteria for denial of financial aid funds
Denial of financial aid funds occurs when students:
- Fail to complete at least 50% of the minimum number of hours required, based on individual enrollment.
- Have less than a cumulative or term 2.0 GPA for any two terms of enrollment.
- Have been placed on denial status.
- Failed to complete the number of enrolled credits during probationary period.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal procedure
Overview
Appeals will not be reviewed for any student who has not filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and is seeking a loan from a private lender. A list of lenders who do not monitor academic progress is available on the Web at www.finaid.wsu.edu/preflndAlt.htm. A student has the right to appeal the denial of financial aid. The appeal must be submitted no later than the midpoint of the term for which the student is enrolled or it will be denied. Appeals will not be reviewed until all requested information has been received. If the student appeals after the midpoint of the term he/she must state why he/she did not appeal sooner and supply verification of grades from his/her instructors. ALL infractions must be appealed to the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Committee. Students who fail two consecutive SAP contracts must file a written appeal and schedule an interview with the SAP committee. Students who fail three contracts are not eligible to file an appeal until they are in compliance with the SAP policy. Only under extreme circumstances will an appeal be accepted for review. Examples of these circumstances are: death of an immediate family member; medical emergency, such as surgery or hospitalization of the student or immediate family member.
Appeal instructions
Write an appeal describing the circumstances that led to this situation. Please limit your appeal to 500 words or less.
Cover the following points in your appeal:
- The circumstances that occurred which led to my deficiency are...
- My plan to resolve my deficiency includes the following...
- I plan to take...(# of credits) during the...(term).
If you are not currently enrolled:
- I will take...(list courses/numbers)... during the...(term).
- My anticipated graduation date is...(month/year).
- I can be contacted for additional information at my e-mail address (if available)...
Submit supporting documentation to show why an exception should be made. It is your responsibility to demonstrate how circumstances justify making an exception to the policy.
If the reason for the appeal is due to a medical condition, you must supply a letter from your health care provider stating whether or not they feel you are well enough to be attending. Do not send us your medical records.
If the reason for the appeal is due to maximum time frame, you must provide a letter from your academic advisor confirming your anticipated graduation date with your appeal.
Send the completed appeal, including documentation, to the Office of Student Financial Aid. Do not forget to sign the appeal. You do not need to sign if submitted electronically. The Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Committee will notify you if any additional information is required.
Appeal process/results
Review: The SAP Committee will review your appeal for reinstatement of aid. Their decision will be based on the strength of your appeal, the documentation submitted, and your academic record.
Notification: You will be notified by mail or by e-mail (if provided) of the committee's decision.
Appeal Approved: If your appeal is approved, you will be sent a contract stating the conditions you must meet by the end of the term to retain eligibility. You must sign and return the contact. Your financial aid will be held until the signed contract is returned. If the contract is not returned within two weeks and your aid had already been delivered, the aid will be cancelled and a bill created.
Appeal Denied: If your appeal is not approved, you will not receive financial aid until you have met the SAP requirements. You have one opportunity to schedule an appointment directly with the SAP Appeals Committee to discuss any additional information or documentation you may have in regards to your appeal. If you must meet with the SAP Appeals Committee for failing two consecutive contracts will only have one opportunity to present your case. You may re-appeal after you have met the SAP conditions.
Other Policies: All decisions of the SAP Committee are final. If financial aid was delivered in error for the current term, the aid will be reversed and you will be required to repay the funds to the University.
Other academic policies(see University Reinstatement Rules 38, 39)
Students who are deficient under Rules 38 or 39 (as listed in the catalog), must also have approval for reinstatement certified by the academic department or the Student Resource Center (SRC). Note: Reinstatement by the academic department or the SRC is not the same as reinstatement from the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Notification: A student must provide a copy of his/her academic reinstatement conditions with the financial aid appeal.
More Information: Consult an academic coordinator, the SRC, or the current University catalog.
Billing Information
Tuition is due the first day of the semester. WSU does not mail billing statements. Students can access their account information at any time from myWSU at my.wsu.edu. Charges for each semester will post on the account one week prior to the start of classes.
The student should check his/her account online and make the necessary arrangements to have the tuition paid on time. If someone besides the student pays on the tuition owed, the student should make certain the party is aware of the amount owed in time to meet the payment deadline. Late charges are assessed for unpaid tuition and fees.
Students are encouraged to pay online. A payment link is available from myWSU.
Student Obligations
Registration for courses at Washington State University constitutes a legal obligation to pay tuition and fees, subject to the University's Refund and Tuition Adjustment Policy if a student officially cancels enrollment.
It is the student's responsibility to maintain his/her address. Use myWSU to keep all contact information current.
Students are expected to check their student account information on myWSU to verify all financial obligations to the University are met by the published deadlines.
Questions about a student's account or information that would affect the balance should be directed to Student Affairs in the Student Services Center, or call 360-546-9559.
Late registration
Students whose initial registration for a specific semester occurs after the term begins, will be assessed a late registration fee. Beginning the first day of classes through the second Friday of the semester, the fee is $25.00. Registration after the second Friday of the semester will not be permitted without prior approval from the registrar's office and the student will be assessed a $100.00 late registration fee.
Late adds
Any classes added after the second Friday of the semester that result in additional tuition must be paid for before the credits will be added to the student's registration. Payment deadlines are still applicable and missed deadlines may result in the addition of late payment service charges to the student's account.
Cancellation fee
Cancellation of enrollment may result in the application of an administrative cancellation fee. Please read "Refund and Tuition Adjustment Policy" in this catalog.
Disenrollment
Accounts with unpaid tuition and mandatory fees at 5:00 p.m. on the published deadlines will be assessed the late payment service charges. Students with an unpaid balance at the end of the semester will be academically disenrolled from all classes. No grades will be recorded on the student's transcript until all financial obligations to the University are resolved.
Past due accounts
In the event a student fails to pay the full amount due, causing the account to be referred to a collection agency, the student will be responsible for payment of the account, all additional costs of collection, attorney fees, and related charges. Delinquent accounts are reported to credit bureaus which has a negative impact on the student's credit history. Registration will be blocked and transcripts and diplomas will be withheld until all financial obligations are resolved.
Checks not honored
Checks written for a student's account that are returned to WSU unpaid for any reason will result in a $30.00 unpaid check fee. If the returned check had originally been written to pay for tuition, it will be considered as non-payment and late fees will be assessed if applicable. Transcripts and diplomas will be withheld for unpaid overdue accounts.
Instructions for credit balances
Students are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit. Forms are available on the Web at www.wsu.edu/studacct/directdeposit.htm or at Student Affairs in VSSC 100.
Checks for credit balances will be either deposited directly into the student's account or mailed to the home address on the first day of the term.
Refunds of credit balances will be dispersed to the student via direct deposit or WSU check as stated above. However, an overpayment created by a credit card payment will be refunded directly to the credit card company upon discovery. The student should monitor his/her account using myWSU and contact the University regarding the disbursement of credit balances.
Important note: Current semester tuition and special course fees will be paid from financial aid before a credit balance refund check is issued. Other charges may not be covered by financial aid. It is the student's responsibility to carefully check his/her account summary on myWSU to determine if a balance is still owed on the account.
| Other Estimated Fees and Charges | |
|---|---|
| Note: Fees listed below are those in effect at time of publication and are subject to change. | |
| Auditing a course Charge for each audit hour (does not apply to students paying full tuition) | $105.00 |
| Challenging a course Charge for each challenge examination (Only students currently registered at Washington State University are eligible to challenge courses) | $320.00 |
| Checks not honored Charge for each check returned | $30.00 |
| Graduation application; bachelor's degree | $41.00 |
| Graduation application; master's and doctor's degrees | $50.00 |
| ID card, charge for replacement | $10.00 |
| 3% late fee Charged to students who pay tuition and fees after September 8, 2008 for fall and January 26, 2009 for spring | 3% of tuition |
| 5% late fee Charged to students who pay tuition and fees after September 23, 2008 for fall and February 10, 2009 for spring | 5% of tuition |
| 7% late fee Charged to students who pay tuition and fees after October 8, 2008 for fall and February 25, 2009 for spring | 7% of tuition |
| Late registration fee Charge for enrollment between August 25-September 5, 2008 for fall and Jan. 12-23, 2009 for spring | $25.00 |
| Late registration fee Charge for enrollment after September 5, 2008, for fall or January 23, 2009, for spring | $100.00 |
| Sports pass (optional) for Undergraduate Students Fall and spring semester All Sports pass | $129.00 |
| Sports pass (optional) for Graduate Students Fall and spring semester All Sports pass | $175.00 |
| Student concert pass (optional) | $60.00 |
| Teacher's statutory certification | $37.00 |
| Transcript fee (per copy) (regular) | $5.00 |
| Transcript fee (per copy) (emergency/24 hours) | $10.00 |
| Nonrefundable registration fee for state employee, WSU faculty/staff/exempt, or senior citizen (limit six credits in fall or spring semester) | $5.00 |
Tuition and fees payment instructions
Tuition is due the first day of the semester. No billing statements will be mailed. If tuition is not paid by the published deadlines (refer to chart above), late payment service charges will accrue.
Electronic payments
The University strongly recommends utilizing an electronic form of payment as it is generally faster, easier, and less expensive. Payments may be submitted electronically on the Web at www.wsu.edu/payment. The following information must be known to the person making the payment(s):
- Student's WSU identification number
- Student's month and day of birth
- Credit card number and expiration date of the card
If using the electronic check method, the person making the payment will need to provide his/her financial institution routing number. Electronic checks are available for United States financial institutions only.
Payments made by electronic check or by credit card before 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday should be posted to the student's account by the next business day. Electronic check or credit card payments received after 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday should be posted to the account by the second business day.
US Mail
Make the check payable to Washington State University and write the WSU student identification number on the check. Mail to Washington State University Cashier, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98686. The cancelled check serves as the receipt. Do NOT mail cash.
Payments sent through the U.S. Postal Service will be posted to the student's account the first business day after receipt. Late fees will be applied to the account if payment sent through the U.S. Postal Service arrives after the published due dates.
Pay in Person
The cashier is located in the Student Services Center, Room 100. In-person payments made before 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday should be posted to the student's account by the next business day. In-person payments received between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday should be posted to the account by the second business day.
Drop box
Students may deposit a payment in the drop box outside the Student Services Center, VSSC 100. Do not pay with cash if utilizing the drop box. Payments made at the drop box may not be posted to the student's account until the second business day.
Be sure and check the account on myWSU after each payment to ensure it was properly applied.
Third-party payments
If a company or government agency is paying tuition on behalf of a student, please direct them to forward the necessary paperwork to the WSU Student Accounts Office, French Administration Building, Room 342, Pullman, WA 99164-1039. This will authorize a credit to the student's account and the company/agency will be billed by the University.
Payments from non-United States sources
Suggested methods of payment are International Postal Money Orders or Checks, traveler's checks, and bank money orders which are payable through a United States financial institution. Other methods of payment may subject a student to charges for expenses incurred by Washington State University to collect U.S. funds.
Changes in residency
- If a student is classified as a NONRESIDENT and has established or has information to establish residency, he/she will need to submit a Residency Questionnaire. This form can be found at the Web site www.registrar.wsu.edu by clicking on the "Residency Information" link. Complete the form, and attach all supporting documentation and submit the packet to Student Affairs in VSSC 100. Applications for residency status must be submitted in the first 30 calendar days of fall or spring semester. For fall 2008, the deadline is September 23, 2008 and for spring 2009, the application must be received by February 10, 2009.
- The definition of resident status is available at the same Web site noted above.
- If a student's claim is based on employment with a Washington institution of higher education (student, student's spouse, or student's parent working 20 hours or more a week), then application may be made for a full or partial waiver of the non-resident portion of tuition and fees. Graduate students should apply through the Graduate School, French Administration Building Room 324, WSU, Pullman, WA 99164-1030. Early application is encouraged because these limited awards are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Students must pay the resident portion of their fees by the published deadline or late fees begin to accrue. If resident status is denied, the remainder of the tuition and fees must be paid immediately to avoid late payment service charges.
Scholarships
If WSU has received scholarship funds for a student, the amount is included on the account summary.
- If a scholarship has been awarded by WSU but does not appear on the student's account summary, report to the WSU Vancouver Office of Financial Aid in the Student Services Center or call 360-546-9559.
- If the student expects an award from a service, fraternal, or similar group, he/she should contact the donor if the award does not appear on the account summary. However, fees must be paid by the published deadlines to avoid late payment charges.
Perkins National Direct Student Loans, health profession and nursing loans
The student's account summary reflects these loans ONLY if the necessary forms have been signed. If these awards do not show on the WSU student account summary, report to the WSU Vancouver Office of Financial Aid, in the Student Services Center, or call 360-546-9559.
Operating fee waivers
Graduate students holding graduate service appointments such as teaching, research, or staff assistant may be qualified for a waiver of the resident operating fee portion of tuition and fees. Non-resident students holding half-time assistantships also may qualify for a waiver of the non-resident portion of tuition. To qualify, a student must:
- Be registered as a full-time graduate student (10-18 credits).
- Be appointed for the entire semester.
- Have an appointment which qualifies for the waiver.
Upon verification that the above conditions have been met, the resident operating fee waiver may be credited to the student account. If a student believes he/she qualifies for the waiver and has not received it, he/she should bring a copy of the Personnel Action form(s) to the Student Affairs office located in the Student Services Center, room 100.
Even with an operating fee waiver, there are additional fees. The student is responsible for timely payment of remaining fees. Late fees will accrue on any unpaid balance.
Claims
A students' account may include other claims besides registration charges. All claims must be paid or settled by the published deadlines to avoid late payment service fees. Only the department originating the claim can cancel it.
Refund and Tuition Adjustment Policy
Pending revisions in governmental regulations, the refund policy may change after publication of this catalog.
Students who wish to drop all of their classes before the first day of the semester must do so using the myWSU registration system. After the semester has started, students can cancel their enrollment by filling out the online cancellation of enrollment form at www.cancel.wsu.edu. In the event of technical problems with the cancellation page, contact the WSU Vancouver Registrar's Office at 360-546-9565 or 360-546-9553.
Semester registration fees
Students who cancel enrollment after the semester has started will be charged an administrative fee of 5% of the assessed tuition and mandatory fees, but no more than $100.00. Students are liable for all other amounts owed.
Tuition, operating, and student services and activities fees will be refunded in full (minus the 5% administrative fee) if students officially cancel enrollment by 11:59 pm of the first Friday of the term. Students who cancel enrollment after classes have started will have their charges reduced based upon the week of cancellation as follows:
| Week | Charges Reduced |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | 100% |
| Week 2 | 80% |
| Week 3 | 80% |
| Week 4 | 70% |
| Week 5 | 60% |
| Week 6 | 60% |
| Week 7 | 50% |
| Week 8 | 50% |
| Week 9 | 40% |
| Week 10 and after | 0% |
Refunds or adjustments for students who receive financial aid will be computed on a modified schedule provided by the Federal Financial Aid Office.
Weeks during which the University is on vacation for the entire week do not count in this adjustment schedule.
A student with an unpaid tuition balance at the end of the semester will be disenrolled from all classes. No grades will be recorded on the student's transcript until all tuition and mandatory fees are paid in full.
Fee adjustments
Course Withdrawals after the 30th day: No tuition adjustment for individual course withdrawals will be made beginning 30 calendar days after the start of the semester.
For example, a student who enrolled in 16 credit hours, withdraws after the fourth week from a three-credit course and then adds a three-credit course will be accountable for 19 credits and owe for the one additional credit over 18.
Full refunds of the additional per credit hour charges (for each credit over 18) are given if the credit load is reduced to 18 hours or fewer within the first 30 calendar days of the semester.
Summer session fees are refunded in full when a student officially drops courses or cancels enrollment by the published refund deadline dates. Please refer to the summer session Web site (www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/summer.htm) under "Enrollment Change Deadlines" for the specific refund deadline for each course. Summer session audit fees are also refundable until the published refund dates. Faculty/staff fees are nonrefundable.
Student medical insurance
Students who have optional student medical insurance and want a refund or other change, must contact Health and Wellness Services at 509-335-3573 or email and request that the insurance be taken off the account and a refund issued. After September 19, 2008 no refunds will be made.
Special course fees
A full refund of special course fees is given if the student withdraws from a course requiring such a fee within the first 10 days of instruction of the semester. There is no refund after the 10th day of instruction of the semester. Refunds given as an exception to this policy may be requested through the academic department that provides the course(s). A complete list of special course fees is available on the web at www.schedules.wsu.edu/Schedules/Apps/CourseFees.ASP.
Refund appeal procedures
Students canceling enrollment under certain unusual circumstances, such as documented health problems, death in the immediate family, military service, job relocation, etc. may be eligible to petition for a reduction in tuition for the current semester. Consult with Student Affairs regarding these procedures.
Registrar's Office
The Registrar's Office coordinates all registration activities including, but not limited to, myWSU registration system, supplemental registration, cancellation of enrollment, change of major, and undergraduate application for degree.
myWSU
Students can complete most registration processes on the Web using myWSU which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For questions related to the myWSU registration system, contact the Registrar's Office at 360-546-9565, 360-546- 9553, or e-mail registrar@vancouver.wsu.edu.
Note: Students must have a network ID (NID) and password to register on the Web. First-time users can establish a NID and password through myWSU.
1. Go to my.wsu.edu
2. Sign in using your NID and password
3. From the left side navigation bar, select "Academics" and then "Register & Plan"
4. Click on the "Registration" link
Students who have questions or problems with either their network ID or password should contact the WSU Vancouver Help Desk in the Classroom Building, Room 218, or call 360-546-9770, Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, students can go to the computer lab or call 360-546-9543 from Noon-5 p.m. for assistance.
Registration holds
Registration holds are placed on student records by administrative offices. Students with one or more registration holds will be unable to register until all holds are cleared by the responsible offices. Listed below are the contacts for each type of hold:
| Hold | Contact |
|---|---|
| Academic deficiency | Major department or SRC |
| Admissions (Undergraduate and Graduate) | 360-546-9779 |
| Advising (Undergraduate) | Academic advisor |
| Financial Aid (student loans) | 360-546-9559 |
| International Programs | 360-546-9559 |
| Student Accounts | 360-546-9559 |
| Student Affairs | 360-546-9559 |
| Student Conduct | 360-546-9781 |
| Writing Portfolio () | 360-546-9650 |
Confidentiality of Student Records
For specific information regarding Student Rights Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), please refer to the WSU Vancouver Student Handbook at www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/handbook.
Student records maintained by the WSU Vancouver Registrar's Office are considered confidential. Students may view their file by submitting a written request to the campus registrar at WSU Vancouver.
Student Records
The WSU Vancouver Registrar's Office keeps a file of all nonelectronic registration related transactions and correspondence. An advising file is maintained by each student's academic coordinator.
Transcripts
Transcripts can be ordered through the WSU Vancouver Registrar's Office. The cost for each regularly processed transcript is $5.00. Emergency copies (sent within 24 hours) are $10 each.
To order a transcript, go to www.vancouver.wsu.edu/registrar.
Summer School
www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/summer.htm
WSU Vancouver primarily offers three summer sessions, two six-week blocks and one eight-week block, that allow students to complete courses at a more accelerated rate. Classes meet more frequently during the summer and often for longer blocks of time.
Admissions
For more information contact the Office of Admissions at 360-546-9779 or e-mail .
WSU students enrolled in fall or spring semester classes do not need to reapply but simply register through myWSU.
Credit Load
Because of the short duration of summer offerings, caution should be exercised when selecting the number of credits for each block. For example, nine credits taken in a six-week session is equivalent to 22.5 credits taken during a 15-week semester; six credits in a four-week period is equivalent to 24 credits in a 15-week semester. Graduate students should contact the graduate school or major department for credit load recommendations.
Summer Tuition and Fees
The summer session fee schedule is different from fall and spring. Please refer to the summer session Web site noted above for the most current information regarding summer tuition rates.
Summer session fees are refunded in full when a student officially drops courses or cancels enrollment by the published refund deadline dates. Please refer to the summer session Web site under "Enrollment Change Deadlines" for the specific refund deadline for each course. Summer session audit fees are also refundable until the published refund dates. Faculty/Staff fees are nonrefundable.