Financial Aid
Undergraduate Award
Reference Guide
Whitworth University
Financial Aid Reference Guide
as of 2/18/2016
Financial Aid Staff Contact Information. . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Understanding Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Types of Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Cost and Payment Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Disbursement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Financial Aid Timeline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Contact Information
Whitworth Financial Aid Staff
Other Important Numbers
Whitworth Financial Aid Office
Academic Services
300 West Hawthorne Road
Spokane, WA 99251
Phone (Spokane): 509.777.3215 or 509.777.4340
Phone (toll-free): 800.533.4668
Fax: 509.777.4601
Email: [email protected]
Student Last Names A-D:
Sarah Gill, Assistant Director
[email protected]
Phone: 509.777.4306
Student Last Names E-J:
Rocco Stefano, Financial Aid Counselor
[email protected]
Phone: 509.777.4378
Student Last Names K-L:
Traci Stensland, Director
[email protected]
Phone: 509.777.4335
Student Last Names M-O:
David Barnes, Senior Associate Director
[email protected]
Phone: 509.777.4309
509.777.3203
[email protected]
www.whitworth.edu/academic
Admissions
800.533.4668 or 509.777.4786
[email protected]
www.whitworth.edu/admissions
Financial Aid Office
509.777.3215
[email protected]
www.whitworth.edu/financialaid
Housing
509.777.4533
[email protected]
www.whitworth.edu/housing
Office of the Registrar
509.777.3205
[email protected]
www.whitworth.edu/registrar
Student Accounting Services
Lori Johnson, Assistant Director
[email protected]
Phone: 509.777.4234
800.535.4668 or by last name:
A-H: 509.777.4317
I-R: 509.777.4203
S-Z: 509.777.3209
[email protected]
www.whitworth.edu/studentaccountingservices
Student Last Names W-Z:
Student Employment
Student Last Names P-V:
John Breneman, Associate Director
[email protected]
Phone: 509.777.4836
509.777.4707
[email protected]
www.whitworth.edu/studentemployment
Scholarship Coordinator:
Jennifer Keen
[email protected]
Phone: 509.777.4545
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Understanding Financial Aid
Whitworth University Financial Aid Office Mission Statement
The mission of the Financial Aid Office at Whitworth University is to serve our students and their families, acknowledging their
individuality and uniqueness.
We will provide an environment that is welcoming, accommodating and professional.
Our role in the community will be to educate and provide guidance, support, and encouragement for those individuals interested in the
financial aid process.
We will perform our duties with a high degree of integrity, expertise, enthusiasm, and professionalism.
In order to enable our students to achieve their educational goals, we will be good stewards of all resources available to us.
We support the overall mission of Whitworth University, acknowledging God’s presence in our lives.
What is Financial Aid?
Financial aid is monetary assistance intended to help students pay the costs related to higher education. Financial aid comes in many
forms: grants, scholarships, loans, and student employment. Typically, a student’s financial aid award will reflect a combination of several
forms of aid. The federal government expects the student (and parent, for dependent students) to provide the first resource toward college
costs. In most cases, financial aid does not cover all of a student’s expenses; it is a resource to help bridge the gap between the family’s
resources and the cost of attendance.
Whitworth University is widely regarded as one of the best higher-education values in the Western United States. A Whitworth degree
is a great investment for the student who seeks to prepare for a successful career and a life that makes a difference in the world. We
recognize that this investment is significant, and we are committed to partnering with families to keep a Whitworth education within
reach.
Whitworth University keeps financial aid awards consistent from year to year if the family’s FASFA remains similar.
How is Financial Aid Calculated?
Once you submit your FAFSA to the federal processor, you will receive an email with a link to your electronic Student Aid Report (SAR).
The federal processor will determine your expected family contribution (EFC). The following formula is used to determine whether the
student qualifies for need-based aid.
Cost of Attendance – Estimated Family Contribution = Financial Need
The financial need determined by this formula does not indicate what a family can or must pay toward higher education. Whitworth
reviews each application carefully to assure that the student is considered for all sources of financial aid. If you have special circumstances,
visit www.whitworth.edu/financialaid/forms/index.htm#3.
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Types of Financial Aid
Gift Aid, which includes scholarships and grants, is a financial aid resource funded by the institution you attend, or by federal and/or state
governments. Gift aid does not require repayment.
Self-Help Aid, which includes loans and work-study, is a financial aid resource that a student may borrow and then repay or may earn
through a work-study program.
Scholarships and Grants
Whitworth Academic Scholarships
Many students admitted to Whitworth receive scholarships on the basis of academic merit. These scholarships are awarded by the
Whitworth Admissions Office and are based on high school grade-point average and/or standardized test scores. These scholarships
are included in the financial aid award and are renewable for four years, as long as the student makes satisfactory academic progress.
The amount of the scholarships does not fluctuate based on a student’s change in need or increased costs.
Whitworth-Sponsored University Grants and Scholarships
These grants and scholarships are awarded to students with high academic achievements or particular talents, or those who
have filed the FAFSA. All Whitworth-sponsored aid is for tuition only.
Federal Pell Grant
The federal government provides grants to students who demonstrate the highest level of financial need as calculated by the federal
formula for the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not yet
earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. A recipient’s specific award depends upon the student’s EFC and enrollment status.
Students can receive this grant for a maximum of six years.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
Students with the highest levels of financial need may also be awarded a federal SEOG. The source of this funding is the federal
government; the selection of recipients is determined by the institution.
To learn more about federal grants, visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/types/grants-scholarships/fseog.
Washington State Need Grant
A certain number of students are eligible for grant funds under the Washington State Need Grant (WSNG) Program. To be
eligible, the student must demonstrate financial need; be a resident of the state of Washington, and, if a dependent student, have
parents who are Washington residents; be enrolled half time or greater; be seeking his/her first undergraduate degree in an eligible
degree-seeking program; and have a family income below specified criteria set by the state of Washington. Eligible students
will automatically be awarded this grant as part of the financial aid packaging process, provided they filed a FAFSA and funds
are available. Preference is given to on-time filers. As with federal grants, the WSNG does not require repayment. The state also
provides a variety of scholarship opportunities for foster youth. Eligibility criteria vary by program; please visit the state’s website
at www.wsac.wa.gov. To maintain elegibility, students must complete at least half of the credits upon which their grant was based
each semester and cannot go more than two consecutive semesters in which they complete less than the full number of credits upon
which the grant was based.
College Bound Scholarship/Whitworth Bound Scholarship
The amount of the scholarship is based on tuition and an allowance for books at a public university and is covered through a
combination of funding through the College Bound Scholarship, Washington State Need Grant, Passport to College Promise
and Opportunity Scholarship. While a book allowance is used in the determination of the amount of the scholarship, Whitworth
applies the full scholarship to tuition and room-and-board costs. There is no separate amount set aside for books
If you are eligible for the College Bound Scholarship and if you attend Whitworth University, you may also receive the
Whitworth Bound Scholarship, which entitles you to 100 percent of your Whitworth tuition being covered during your four
years of enrollment. You must be an incoming 2016 freshman, have an entering GPA of 3.5 or higher, and must maintain
eligibility for the College Bound Scholarship.
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Outside Scholarships
Federal regulation requires Whitworth to include all scholarships a student receives in his or her financial aid award. We realize that
students make substantial efforts to earn these awards; therefore, it is our policy not to reduce your award due to the receipt of these
scholarships, provided that the total aid does not exceed a student’s demonstrated financial need. In some instances, the receipt
of outside scholarships will have an impact on a student’s federal and/or state eligibility. If this occurs, we will try to minimize the
changes to your award and will reduce any student/parent loans first. You will be notified if any modifications to your financial aid
award are required.
Typically, outside scholarships are credited to your Whitworth student account in the fall term unless otherwise noted
by the donor.
To report an outside scholarship, use the following online form: https://www.whitworth.edu/outsidescholarshipreport.
Work Study/Student Employment
Most Whitworth students are eligible to apply for on- or off-campus jobs. Work-study can help students pay for college
expenses, gain work experience, learn job-search and time-management skills, and network within the Whitworth and
Spokane communities.
If a student has completed the FAFSA, he/she may be eligible for state or federal work-study. While eligibility for work-study
is not a requirement for a student to search for employment, some positions may require that a student be eligible in one of
these programs.
Students can begin searching for jobs when they arrive on campus in early September. Students should be sure to bring an
up-to-date résumé with them. While most jobs are available in the fall, there are positions available year ’round.
For more information about work-study, visit www.whitworth.edu/studentemployment.
Education Loans
Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loan
Most Whitworth students borrow through either the subsidized or unsubsidized Federal Student Loan Program. Federal Direct
Student Loan funds are borrowed directly from the government. The Federal Direct Subsidized Student Loan is for students who
demonstrate financial need; usually, the federal government pays the interest while the student is enrolled in school. Eligibility for
the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan is not contingent upon financial need; hence, the borrower is responsible for interest
that accrues on the loan while the student is in school.
Combined Federal Direct Student Loan Annual Limits:
$5,500 (0-29 credits)
$6,500 (30-59 credits)
$7,500 (60+ credits)
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors/Seniors
Repayment: Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loan repayment begins six months after the student graduates or ceases to be
enrolled at least half time.
Aggregate Limit: Dependent undergraduates are limited to a total of $31,000. Independent students are limited to $57,500. Of
those amounts, $23,000 can be subsidized.
If you intend to borrow direct loans, first-time borrowers must complete the following steps:
1.Sign a Master Promissory Note. Go to the Federal Student Aid Loan website at www.studentloans.gov to sign a MPN. Use
your Federal Student Aid I.D. Once you are on the site, click on Complete New MPN for student loans. From here, select
subsidized/unsubsidized and follow the steps to complete your MPN.
2.Complete entrance counseling at www.studentloans.gov before funds can be disbursed.
For more information about loans, visit www.studentloans.gov.
Federal Perkins Loan
The Federal Perkins Loan is a low-interest loan (fixed at 5 percent) available to undergraduate students who demonstrate high
financial need. Dollars to fund this program come from former students who are currently repaying their loans. Whitworth is the
lender for this program. To receive a loan, you must be enrolled at least half time in a degree-seeking program. For students starting
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Whitworth University Financial Aid Guide
in the fall, required paperwork is sent to students during the summer and should be completed and returned promptly. Due to new
federal regulations, Perkins Loans for new students will not be re-awarded in subsequent years. Students must qualify based on their
economic circumstances in each academic cycle. Funds are limited.
Repayment begins after a nine-month grace period. The grace period begins after graduation or any period of less than halftime enrollment. For more information regarding deferment and forbearance, visit our website at www.whitworth.edu/
studentaccountingservices/loanoffice.
The Federal Perkins Loan program is unique because of its option to have loans forgiven for working in certain types of jobs after
you leave school. See our website for details. Depending on the availability of funds, an undergraduate student could borrow up to
$27,500 ($11,000 maximum until two years of academic work are completed).
Federal PLUS Loan Program
The Federal PLUS Loan Program allows parents of dependent students to borrow money to help meet education expenses.
Parents must prove that they have no negative credit history to qualify for this loan.
The maximum PLUS Loan amount is calculated by subtracting the total aid awarded to the student from the cost of attendance.
Currently, the interest rate is fixed at 6.84 percent and subject to change July 1. If a parent is denied a PLUS Loan, the student may
be eligible for an additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan from $4,000-5,000.
Apply: An application must be completed; if approved, a PLUS Master Promissory Note must also be completed.
The PLUS Loan application and Master Promissory Note must be completed at www.studentloans.gov.
Private Education Loans
Numerous banks offer private educational loan programs to further assist students and families with college expenses.
All private educational loan programs are based on credit-worthiness. Most banks require a credit-worthy co-signer in order to
approve loans to undergraduate student applicants.
Many banks offer some types of private educational loans. All will require school certification.
Borrowing this type of private educational loan may have a negative impact on your existing financial aid package.
Please contact the Whitworth Financial Aid Office before borrowing money through one of these loans or visit
www.whitworth.edu/financialaid/loans.htm.
Cost and Payment Information
What does it cost to attend Whitworth University?
Estimated Nine Month Full-Time Budget for 2016-17
Whitworth Costs
Tuition
Fees
Room & Board
Total Expenses
On Campus
$39,600
$962
$11,170
$51,732
Off Campus
$39,600
$962
See below.
$40,562
On-campus room and board is based upon a shared double room with the maximum meal plan. Other estimated costs
are based upon survey information. Your budget may vary.
Other Estimated
Books & Personal
Avg. Direct Student
Room & Board Transportation
CostsSupplies Expenses
Loan Fees
On Campus
See above
$840
$1,128
$2,052
$78
Off Campus Without Parent
$9,585$840$1,128 $2,052
$78
$3,168$840$1,128 $1,809
$78
Off Campus
With Parent
Loan fees are based on the average amount Whitworth undergraduate students borrowed through the Direct Student
Loan Program in 2015-16.
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How much I will owe each semester after my financial aid is applied to my Whitworth student account?
Estimate your semester costs by using our online Full-Time Undergraduate Cost Estimator, at www.whitworth.edu/costest.
What options are there to pay my balance?
Families are often concerned about how they will pay the balance due to Whitworth after financial aid has been applied. Three options are
listed below:
1.Pay the balance in full before each semester begins. Whitworth bills for just one semester at a time,
so families need only pay the balance for each semester before it starts.
2.The Whitworth Student Accounting Services Office offers a monthly payment plan to help families manage the
balance they owe to the university. For a nominal annual fee of $45, families can choose to make payments either
on the 10th or 20th of each month, as indicated below. Payments are debited directly from a designated checking
or savings account. The payment schedules offered are as follows:
• 12-month: Paperwork is due by the end of May.
Payments begin in June and end in May.
• 10-month: Paperwork is due by the end of July.
Payments begin in August and end in May.
• Nine-month: Paperwork is due by the end of August.
Payments begin in September and end in May.
3.Parents of dependent students may want to consider borrowing through a Federal Direct Parent Loan (PLUS) to cover their annual
balance or to lower their monthly payments. Federal Direct Parent Loans must be approved by the U.S. Department of Education,
based on parents’ credit reports. For more information about Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans, visit www.studentloans.gov.
Prior to the beginning of each term, students receive an email from Whitworth’s Student Accounting Services Office that provides
information about the bill/payment options for the upcoming semester. For questions regarding payment arrangements, please contact the
student accounting services office (see Page 2).
Disbursement
The Whitworth University Financial Aid and Student Accounting Services offices work closely to assure timely delivery of funds to
students. Please read the following information related to credit balances.
What must occur in order for my financial aid to transfer to my student account?
You must be registered in the number of credits upon which your financial aid is calculated.
Your Whitworth student account must show accurate charges related to your attendance for the term.
Your financial aid file must be complete – including any online processes related to student loans.
Further, you must have begun the classes for which financial aid was awarded to assist you in
order to receive funds from your disbursement.
What is a credit balance?
A credit balance is the amount of money, usually from financial aid, that remains in a student’s account after his/her charges are paid
in full.
When can I anticipate receiving my credit balance?
Credit balance refunds are prepared ONLY if all of the above criteria have been met. Please visit www.whitworth.edu/
disbursementinformation for an overview of the expected dates when credit balances are available each term.
Students should come to Whitworth prepared to purchase books and supplies without relying on their financial aid refund.
The Federal Direct Student and PLUS Loan programs as well as the Federal Pell Grant Program require your current data to be
received and processed by the U.S. Department of Education before funds can be transmitted to your student account.
Financial aid funds are transferred to Whitworth student accounts twice weekly. Credit balance funds are processed on Wednesdays
and Fridays, with the funds (issued via check) available for pickup after 1 p.m. in the Whitworth Student Accounting Services
Office. Be prepared to show photo I.D. Credit balance funds issued via direct deposit are transmitted to students’ bank accounts on
Wednesdays and Fridays and are generally available within 1-3 days from the time of transmittal, depending upon your bank’s policy.
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Whitworth University Financial Aid Guide
To sign up for direct deposit, go to WhitNet, select WhitNet for Students, click on Student Account Information then click on the link
on the left side of the menu that says “Bank Info for Non-Salary Refunds/Payments,” and enter the requested banking information. If
you change banks or close your account, please notify us as soon as possible to avoid any delay in processing your refund.
Students with tuition remission who have completed the correct paperwork with Whitworth Human Resource Services can anticipate
that their credit checks will be available a week or two into the semester.
Communication
Where can I find financial aid forms?
To find financial aid forms, please visit www.whitworth.edu/financialaid/forms.
What does it mean to be selected for verification?
The federal processor selects students for verification and requires the financial aid office to confirm data reported on their FAFSAs.
If you are selected, you must complete the requested verification worksheet (which is available in our “Forms” section on the financial
aid website), and return it to the financial aid office. If you filed a tax return and did not load your IRS tax data into the FAFSA, you
must also provide a federal tax transcript directly from the IRS. Students and parents can obtain a federal tax transcript by calling
800.908.9946 or by ordering it at www.irs.gov. For students who worked but did not file a tax return, a copy of the W2 or statement
of earnings may be required. Your financial aid advisor will compare these documents with the FAFSA you completed. You will be
notified if changes in verification affect your financial aid award. Please allow 10-14 business days to process verification documents
once all requested documents have been received by the financial aid office.
How does the financial aid office communicate with students?
In an effort to support Whitworth’s commitment to sustainability, the financial aid office staff communicates with students primarily
electronically.
Freshman students will receive a paper financial aid award; thereafter, all award notifications are provided electronically. Sophomore,
junior and senior students are sent an email alert and directed to Pirate Port.
Other types of information are sent to students via email or provided on the financial aid website.
For more information about consumer information related to financial aid, visit www.whitworth.edu/consumerinformation.
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Financial Aid Timeline
What can I expect in the coming months?
January
• Print a FAFSA worksheet from the web at www.fafsa.gov.
• Gather the necessary documents needed to complete the FAFSA.
• Complete the FAFSA worksheet.
• Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov. For full consideration of all resources, Whitworth’s priority FAFSA deadline is
March 1 for new students and May 1 for returning students. Whitworth’s federal school code is 003804.
February/March/April/May
• Receive your electronic Student Aid Report from the federal processor and review it for accuracy. Make any necessary changes to
your FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov.
• Receive your financial aid award notification from Whitworth.
• Read through the award; to understand the types of aid, visit www.whitworth.edu/financialaid.
• Review your financial aid award information to determine what is needed to complete your financial aid file
at Whitworth. If you need a form, visit www.whitworth/financialaid/forms.
• Visit WhitNet on Pirate Port to see your award notice and to determine whether you are missing any documents.
• If you estimated tax information on your FAFSA, consider going back into your FAFSA and loading your IRS tax data.
June
• Receive the confirmation billing e-packet from Whitworth Student Accounting Services via your student email.
• Review your charges and financial aid for accuracy.
• Determine whether there is a balance due for the semester.
• Consider a payment plan. Parents may want to apply for a Federal Direct Parent Loan (PLUS).
• Register for fall classes at Whitworth with the support and guidance of your academic advisor.
• Submit a final high-school transcript with confirmation of your high-school graduation to the Whitworth Admissions Office.
July
• Complete processes related to Federal Direct Student Loans. New borrowers must complete two online processes
(Entrance Loan Counseling and Master Promissory Note) in order to receive funds under this program.
Please visit www.studentloans.gov to complete these processes.
• If you are eligible for a Perkins Loan, complete and return Perkins Loan documents you’ve received in the mail by the
date indicated in the packet.
• If you have been awarded work-study, watch for an email from Whitworth Student Employment that provides
information on how to apply for on-campus work-study positions.
• Prepare a résumé to bring with you to apply for on-campus work-study positions.
August
• At this point, if all required documents have been submitted and processed, your financial aid file should be complete and final, and
you should have submitted the confirmation e-billing packet to student accounting services.
September
• Visit the student employment booth at the Welcome Fair during Orientation Week. Pick up a work-study job-search packet.
• Begin your on-campus work-study job search.
• If your award is finalized and your loan processes complete, your financial aid funds should transfer to your
Whitworth student account during the first week of classes.
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Whitworth University is committed to delivering a mission-driven educational program that cultivates in students the capacity to engage
effectively across myriad dimensions of diversity; the university therefore complies, in its admissions and financial aid policies, with all
federal, state and local non-discrimination laws that are applicable to religious nonprofit institutions and does not engage in unlawful
discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability.
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