FAO
Financial Aid Office

Federal Student Financial Aid (SFA)
SFA is assistance for students enrolled at least half time in participating schools.  It helps to cover school expenses, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation.  The three types of aid are grants, loans, and work-study.

Grants
Grants are financial aid that does not have to be repaid.  Grants are for undergraduate students and the amount is based on need, school cost, and enrollment status.  While most people consider Grants and Scholarships to be synonymous terms, most Grants are based on financial need while Scholarships are generally based on academic merit.  More information about grants can be found at http://www.cfnc.org/. http://www.cfnc.org/static/pdf/home/sc/pdf/G635b.pdf

ISIR
Student Aid Report printed by the school.

Loans
Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.  Both undergraduate and graduate students may borrow money.  Parents may also borrow money to help offset educational expenses for dependent undergraduate students.  Maximum loan amounts increase with each year of completed study.  More information about loans can be found at http://www.cfnc.org/.

Federal Stafford Loans are made to students through two programs:

• Direct Loan Program: Using the Direct Loan Program, students borrow directly from the federal government. WCU uses the Direct Loan Program to award Federal Stafford Loans to students.
• Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP): Using the FFELP program, private lenders provide the funds.

Perkins Loans: WCU uses the limited funds in this program to provide low-interest loans to the students with the most need.

Federal Plus Loans: Federal Plus Loans are made to qualifying parents of dependent undergraduate students.

PDA
Personal Data Application - Western Carolina University's institutional application that is required from all students applying for federal aid.

SAR
Student Aid Report-report mailed to student when FAFSA is processed.

Scholarships
Scholarships are funds awarded primarily for academic merit that do not have to be repaid.

Where do I apply for Scholarships?
Students interested in receiving academic merit scholarships administered by the WCU Admission Office are not required to complete any additional applications.  There are numerous scholarships that have no direct connection to WCU, which students can apply for.  A good source for information on both North Carolina scholarships and national scholarships can be found at http://www.cfnc.org/.

SFA
Student Financial Aid

Work Study
Money for education expenses paid by the school for on campus or community-based work.  This award is based on need and is paid to students as they work.