Willamette uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as the primary financial aid application. The FAFSA uses a federal formula that calculates the expected family contribution (EFC) for each applicant. When Willamette receives your FAFSA information we not only learn about your EFC, we learn about your eligiblility for government and University need-based funds. The EFC is calculated by considering a family’s financial strength, including income and assets. Other factors that are considered include the number of family members and the number of family members in college. Students with an EFC that is less than Willamette’s costs are qualified for need-based financial aid.
How to Apply for Need-Based Financial Aid
Early Action
- If you wish to have an early financial aid estimate, file the College Scholarship Service Financial Aid PROFILE (CSS PROFILE) by December 1. The CSS PROFILE is available on-line at www.collegeboard.com. Please note that PROFILE requires a fee and you will still need to complete the FAFSA.
- File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1 (and no earlier than January 1). The FAFSA is available on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
- Comply by stated deadlines with any additional requests for information to verify and finalize your financial aid award (e.g., student and parent tax returns, etc.).
Regular Decision
- File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1 (and no earlier than January 1). The FAFSA is available on-line at www.fafsa.gov.
- Comply by stated deadlines with any additional requests for information to verify and finalize your financial aid award (e.g., student and parent tax returns, etc.).
