Step 1
For new students, the first step is to apply for Admission. As part of the Admission process, students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, and students will receive notification of the merit scholarship eligibility at the same time they are notified of their Admission status.
Step 2
To be considered for federal, state, and/or Willamette University grant funding, federal student loans, federal parent loans, and federal work study (student employment), all students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Willamette's FAFSA School Code is 003227.
For 2024-25, given all of the issues the federal processor is having with the FAFSA, there is no priority deadline. Please file the 2024-25 FAFSA as soon as possible.
Step 3
Receive your Financial Aid Award Letter. New students will receive notification of their FAFSA-based aid eligibility beginning in February, continuing students will receive notification of their FAFSA-based eligibility beginning in May.
Step 4
Accept or Decline your awards online.
If you need financial assistance beyond what has already been awarded to you, you can request a re-evaluation of your aid eligibility by completing the Financial Aid Appeal Form. Please contact us if you have additional questions about this form or the appeal process.
Step 5
Apply for loans, complete all other required paperwork, etc. The Office of Financial Aid will notify you, via email, of any additional processes or paperwork required for you to receive the aid that you have been offered.
Early Action/Early Decision Applicants
If you are admitted Early Action or Early Decision and want to receive an early need-based financial aid award, you may submit the FAFSA on or after October 1st the year prior to when you will start school. (For example, you will need to file the 20-21 FAFSA on or after October 1, 2019.) The Office of Financial Aid will review your eligibility for all need-based federal, state, and institutional funding.
Undocumented Students
Submit a paper FAFSA (a PDF of the form is available at https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out#starting-your-fafsa-form-and-providing-your-basic-personal-information) to the Office of Financial Aid in order to be considered for aid in addition to any merit scholarship offered upon admission. Oregon residents can complete the ORSAA instead of the paper FAFSA.
The Office of Financial Aid has been notified that Sallie Mae is now offering private student loans to DACA students. Students must be able to provide their Employment Authorization Document and social security number to Sallie Mae. In addition, students will need to have a U.S. citizen or permanent resident as a co-signer. At this time, we are aware of just this loan for DACA students. However, we strongly encourage students and families to research other options that might be available. Our office will certify any loan that the student and family choose.
Competitive Scholarships
Talent Scholarships for Debate, Music, and Theatre are available for new students and require separate applications and/or auditions. Please click on the scholarship types for more details about their application processes.
Competitive Scholarships for Debate, Music, Theatre, Studio Art, STEM, Public Health, and Environmental Science are available for new students and require separate applications and/or auditions. Please select the scholarship types for more details about their application processes.