Getting Started - Financial Aid - Western Illinois University

Contact Info

Financial Aid
Sherman Hall 127
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455

Email: Financial-Aid@wiu.edu
Phone: (309) 298-2446
Fax: (309) 298-2353
TT: (309) 298-1856
Hours: M-F 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

WIU Title IV School Code: 001780

 Welcome to Financial Aid

Thinking about joining WIU as a Leatherneck? Review our Financial Aid Brochure and Discover What To Expect: Financial Aid at WIU!

2014-15 FAFSA Application Processing

The Financial Aid Office began processing 2014-15 award letters in January 2014. Unfortunately, due to significant staffing changes this spring, students and families may experience a delay of their 2014-15 financial aid notifications and award letters.

We are working diligently to process applications, and we apologize for any inconvenience these delays will cause. We appreciate your patience as we understand this information is critical to the college decision-making process. 

Please continue to monitor your WIU email and STARS accounts for notifications from the WIU Financial Aid Office.

2014-15 FAFSA Application Processing

The WIU Financial Aid Office began processing 2014-15 award letters January 23, 2014.

We are so excited that many of you followed our request to file early 1,300 filed on January 1st ...

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2014-15 Federal Loan Rates Announced

Interest rates are established each year for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans for which the first disbursement is on or after July 1 through the following June 30. The rate is the sum of a uniform index rate plus an add-on that ...

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Direct Loan Consolidation Changes

The U.S. Department of Education has made interim changes to the Direct Consolidation Loan process, which may impact the loan consolidation process for some students. 

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2014-15 MAP Grant Deadline Announced

In an announcement made by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) on February 26, 2014, the 2014-15 Illinois MAP Grant has been suspended for all applications submitted and processed after Thursday, February 27, 2014.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Western's Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy changed during the Fall 2011 semester. These changes were in compliance with new federal regulations that went into effect July 1, 2011 ...

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Repeated Course Info

New federal financial aid regulations beginning Fall 2011 affect our ability to base financial aid on courses that you have already taken ...

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Pell Lifetime Limit

New limits for the grant have been established, restricting the lifetime Pell funds a student may receive to the equivalent of six years ...

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Financial Aid Scams

When completing your FAFSA, applying for outside scholarships, or consolidating loans, be aware of financial scams. Unreliable sources often ask for money or donations, personal banking information, or require students to attend seminars to "learn more". Others tell applicants they are "guaranteed" to receive ...

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Loanlook Now Available to WIU Students & Alumni

Loanlook gives students easy access to their student loan information. Have private loans? Loanlook can track those too! Download the app (iOS and Android) to receive loan information and reminders on your mobile device. Take a look and see what Loanlook can do for you!

Get Started

There's a lot to cover, so the best place to begin is our Getting Started section - here you can find checklists, timelines, helpful hints, and other tools created specifically for WIU students.

The first step is always completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be done online at www.fafsa.gov. If you're looking for a quick and easy review, check out the:

Of course, different types of students may need different information. Click below to determine if there are any specific instructions or requirements that may apply to you:

Stay in Touch

Are you looking for an easy way to stay up to date in the world of financial aid? Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! These are both great and convenient ways for WIU students and parents to receive regular reminders, updates, and current financial aid news directly from our office.