The following is a description of the various financial aid programs available at West Coast University for students who qualify. Additional information may be obtained through the Student Financial Services Office.

Federal Aid Programs

Federal Pell Grant:  The Federal Pell Grant program provides a foundation of assistance to which other forms of aid may be added. Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant Program is determined by a standard need-analysis formula that is revised and approved every year by the federal government. The student must be enrolled in an undergraduate program and may not already have a bachelor’s or professional degree. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be paid back. The maximum Federal Pell Grant for 2021-2021 is $6,495 per academic year. In certain situations, an eligible student can receive up to 150 percent of the maximum annual Federal Pell grant amount for an award year. A student can receive a Federal Pell Grant for no more than 12 semesters or the equivalent.

Federal Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant:  The Federal Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant is offered to students who are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant on the basis of their Expected Family Contribution as calculated from FAFSA data, but meet the remaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements.  In order to qualify, students must have had a parent or guardian in the U.S. armed forces that died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11.  The student must have been under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of the parent or guardian's death.

Federal Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship:  This scholarship authorizes a Pell-eligible student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer to be eligible to receive a maximum Federal Pell Grant for the award year for which the determination of eligibility is made.  To qualify, a student must be Pell-eligible and have a Pell-eligible EFC, and be less than 24 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent's or guardian's death.  In subsequent award years, the student continues to be eligible for the scholarship as long as the student has a Pell-eligible EFC and continues to be an eligible student.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are available to a limited number of students with exceptional financial need. Grants are based on funds available and do not have to be repaid. Need is determined by the financial resources of the student's family and the cost of attendance.  Offers are granted proportionately during the aid year until available funds have been exhausted.

Federal Work-Study (FWS):  The Federal Work-Study program provides jobs for graduate and undergraduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses. The program encourages community service work related to the student’s course of study. Funds under this program are limited. Students who indicate on their annual FAFSA that they are interested in FWS, and are otherwise eligible, will be offered FWS funds; however, students must apply for and be hired for a specific job opportunity in order to receive funds.  Available positions are posted on our secure student portal.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan:  Under the Federal Direct Loan (FDL) program the University certifies eligibility for each loan, and sends the loan details to the U.S. Department of Education.  Loan proceeds are disbursed to the University electronically and then posted to the student's account.  Students must repay the loan with interest to the servicer assigned by the U.S. Department of Education after the loan is disbursed. A description of the terms and conditions for borrowers of federal education loans is available at studentaid.gov.

Eligible students will be offered estimated student loan amounts based on FAFSA submission and the standard need-analysis formula.  The University will estimate student loan eligibility on each student's initial financial aid offer for the amount necessary to cover direct institutional costs.  Students interested in borrowing in excess of direct costs may request additional funds by contacting the campus financial aid office.

Students (and parents borrowing Federal Direct Parent Loans) must complete and submit a Master Promissory Note (MPN) to the Department of Education before loans will be processed.  First time student loan borrowers must also complete loan entrance counseling prior to funds being disbursed.  Both the MPN and loan counseling are available online at studentaid.gov. 

Federal Subsidized Direct Loan:  Federal Direct Subsidized loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. Students may borrow up to $3,500 for their first academic year, $4,500 for the second academic year, and $5,500 for the third and fourth academic years, at a fixed interest rate which is established annually by the U.S. Department of Education. Current interest rates can be found at studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates. The interest is paid by the federal government while students are in school. Interest begins accruing at the time students cease full-time enrollment or fail to carry at least one-half the normal full-time University workload. Regular payments begin six months after the student ceases enrollment or fail to carry at least one-half the normal full-time University workload.  First-time borrowers may not receive this type of loan for more than 150 percent of the length of their program of study; U.S. Department of Education may stop paying interest if student who received Direct Subsidized Loans for the maximum period continues enrollment.

Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan:  Unsubsidized Direct loans are available for students to borrow for additional education costs. Independent undergraduate students can borrow up to $9,500 for their first academic year, $10,500 for the second academic year and $12,500 for their third and fourth academic years, as a combined total with the Federal Subsidized Direct loan. Dependent undergraduate students can borrow up to $5,500 for their first academic year as a combined total with the Federal Subsidized Direct loan, $6,500 for their second academic year and $7,500 for their third and fourth academic years.  Graduate students can borrow $20,500 each academic year.Interest rates are fixed and established annually by the U.S. Department of Education. Current interest rates can be found at studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates. With the exception of demonstrating financial need and undergraduate status, borrowers must meet all eligibility criteria of the Federal Subsidized Direct loan program. Interest payments begin immediately after the loan is fully disbursed or may be added to the principal balance. Regular payments begin six months after the student ceases enrollment or fail to carry at least one-half the normal full-time school workload.

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS):  Federal Parent Loans for undergraduate students provide additional funds for credit-worthy parents to help pay for students' educational expenses.  If a parent has no credit or a poor credit history, he/she may still qualify for a loan by applying with a credit-worthy endorser.  Interest rates are fixed and established annually by the U.S. Department of Education.  Current interest rates can be found at studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates.  Repayment begins immediately after the loan is fully disbursed.  The University requires parent borrowers to submit a Request for Federal Direct Parent Loan form along with verification of the parent borrower's signature to the campus financial aid office prior to certification of a parent loan application.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans for Graduate Students (GRAD PLUS):  Federal Graduate PLUS Loans for students pursuing a graduate or professional degree provide additional funds for credit-worthy graduate students to help pay for students' educational expenses.  If a student has no credit or a poor credit history, he/she may still qualify for a loan by applying with a credit-worthy endorser.  Interest rates are fixed and established annually by the U.S. Department of Education.  Current interest rates can be found at studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates. Repayment begins immediately after the loan is fully disbursed.

State Aid Programs

California Campuses:

Cal Grant Program:  Cal Grant A and B are grant programs administered by the State of California and are available to eligible undergraduate students who have applied before the March 1st deadline each year.  Student eligibility must be approved by the California Student Aid Commission. Grants are based on funds available from the State and do not have to be repaid. All Cal Grant payments are credited to the student’s University account to cover outstanding tuition fees, and supplies. Cal Grant B access funds will be paid directly to the student as received, unless the student has provided the campus financial aid office with authorization to apply the funds to their student account to pay for tuition, fees, books, or supply charges.

Chafee Grant Program:  The California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth is a grant program administered by the State of California. To qualify, the student must be a current or former foster youth and not have reached his or her 22nd birthday as of July 1st of the award year. The court must have established dependency for the student between the ages of 16 and 18. (KinGap youth, adopted youth, guardian placement, and voluntary placement may not be eligible for the Chafee Grant, unless court dependence was established, at anytime, between the ages of 16 and 18.) The California Department of Social Services will verify an applicant’s foster youth eligibility status. Chafee Grant payments will be stipend to the student for living expenses, unless the student provides written authorization to apply the funds to their student account to pay for tuition, fee, or book charges.  The Chaffee Grant is federally and state funded and is subject to the availability of funds each year.

More information about Cal Grants and Chafee awards is available online at mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov.

Florida Campuses:

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program:  This program offers three types of scholarships -- the Florida Academic Scholars Award (FAS), the Florida Medallion Scholars Award (FMS), and the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award (GSV).  The Program was created to establish a lottery-funded scholarship program to reward any Florida high school graduate who merits recognition of high academic achievement.  Students must apply for the scholarship by submitting the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) no later than August 31 after high school graduation.

Benacquisto Scholarship Program:  This program is a merit scholarship for Florida high school graduates who receive recognition as a National Merit Scholar.  Eligible scholars will receive an award equal to the institutional cost of attendance minus the sum of Bright Futures and the National Merit award.

Florida Postsecondary Student Assistance Grant Program:  This program is a need-based grant program available to degree-seeking, resident, undergraduate students who demonstrate substantial financial need and are enrolled in participating postsecondary institutions.  Students demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to the first day of classes.  Funds are offered by the campus financial aid office to students with the highest need for the Fall and Spring semesters.  Funds are offered until all available funds have been exhausted.

Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grant:  This grant is a need-based merit scholarship that provides financial assistance to eligible students of Hispanic origin.  To be considered for this grant, students must submit a Florida Financial Aid Application no later than April 1st, during senior year of high school.  Applicants will be ranked by their application submission date, if necessary.  Applicants must have a minimum CGPA of 3.0.

Scholarships for Children/Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans:  These scholarships provide an award to dependent children or unremarried spouses of qualified Florida veterans.  Applicants must submit a completed Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) by April 1 for priority consideration of an initial award (available October 1).  Question 31a-g of the FFAA must be answered with information related to the veteran by April 1 so that the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs can certify that the veteran qualifies.

Honorably Discharged Graduate Assistance Program (HDGAP):  The Florida Legislature created funding for the Honorably Discharged Graduate Assistance Program as a supplemental need-based veteran educational benefit.  Funds are to be used to assist in the payment of living expenses during holiday and semester breaks for active duty and honorably discharged members of the Armed Forces who served on or after September 11, 2001.  To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in an approved program of study, be a Florida resident, have completed an error-free FAFSA and have sufficient unmet need.  Allocation of funds will be sent to the institution for certified veterans in mid-December of each year.  Due to limited funding, funds may be exhausted during the first semester break.

Additional information about Florida State Grants and Scholarships can be found at www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org.

Institutional Scholarships and Grants

West Coast University offers several scholarship and grant opportunities to students.  To be eligible for WCU scholarships or grants, students must be admitted to the University and meet any fund-specific eligibility requirements.  Unless otherwise noted, all WCU scholarships and grants are applied toward university tuition and fees.  Funds are limited and not all who apply will receive an offer.  Offer amounts may be proportionately reduced for less-than-full-time enrollment.  Students who receive a scholarship or grant but withdraw prior to completion of their academic degree program will forfeit future disbursements, and students who withdraw in the middle of a semester or trimester will have their disbursement reduced proportionately to the percent of tuition earned.

Specific scholarship and grant opportunities are detailed in the next section of this catalog.

Military Educational Benefits

West Coast University is approved for training of Veterans, active-duty military and eligible persons for most academic programs under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code. University Financial Aid Directors serve as Certifying Officials for each campus. Students interested in Military or Veterans Educational Benefits should contact the Financial Aid Department for a current list of approved programs. Veterans or active-duty military who are unsure of their eligibility should contact the Veterans Administration or Department of Defense directly. Eligible students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving educational benefits.  

All applicants who identify themselves as potentially eligible for military education benefits will be required to provide a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or similar document to the Financial Aid Office prior to starting classes. The COE will be used to estimate VA specific funding both in the College Finance Plan offered to all students before classes begin and the financial aid offer letter. West Coast University will allow any student that provides a COE or other documentation asserting eligibility to start school and remain in school for up to ninety (90) days while their benefits are processed. Students who are unable or choose not to provide acceptable eligibility documentation may elect to fund their tuition and fees with other sources including payment plans, federal and private aid.  

All official transcripts detailing prior higher education credits and military JST credits must be submitted to the Registrar's office by the end of the first term of enrollment.  WCU will not certify enrollment for after the first term of enrollment unless all transcripts have been received and reviewed by the campus Registrar.    

Blended and Online Courses: Blended courses will be reported to the Department of Veterans Administration as residential courses. Online courses will be reported to the Department of Veterans Administration as distance courses. Students attending all distance courses during a term will see a reduction in any Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) that they may be eligible to receive. Contact your benefit liaison at the Department of Veterans Administration or the Financial Aid Director for questions about the designation of a specific course or courses. 

Students using the the Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefit are required to verify enrollment at the end of each month to receive a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) from the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Students have the option to verify enrollment via text or email by opting in when notified by the Department of Veterans Affairs that their enrollment was processed.  Students may also call the Education Call Center (ECC) at 1-888-GIBILL-1 to verify enrollment.  

Post 9/11 GI Bill® Yellow Ribbon program

The California on-ground undergraduate campuses participate in the Post 9/11 GI Bill® Yellow Ribbon program. A limited number of qualified students will receive the offer each academic year.  Offers are made on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Submit a Yellow Ribbon application via WCU's secure student portal to request consideration for these funds.  

Additional Eligibility Requirements: Only individuals entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive Yellow Ribbon funding.  

Exception:  Effective August 1, 2018, recipients of the Fry Scholarship and Purple Heart recipients awarded on or after September 11, 2001 may use the Yellow Ribbon Program under Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act (Forever GI Bill®).   

Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Program

West Coast University is approved for training of active-duty service members through the Department of Defense's Tuition Assistance Program.  

The Financial Aid Office at each campus is the designated point of contact for financial advising.  The Student Affairs Office at each campus is the designated point of contact for academic advising and access to disability counseling.  The Career Services Office at each campus is the designated point of contact for job search activities.  

Service members who wish to use Tuition Assistance must obtain advance approval from their Service, and must speak with an Educational Service Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrolling.  

Depending on your branch, you may be eligible to receive up to 100% Federal Tuition Assistance from military service, with a $250 cap per semester hour up to $4,500 fiscal year annual limit.  

Select your specific branch of service for more information on the Tuition Assistance program.  

Airforce: http://www.afpc.af.mil/Benefits-and-Entitlements/Military-Tuition-Assistance-Program/

Army: http://www.afpc.af.mil/Benefits-and-Entitlements/Military-Tuition-Assistance-Program/

Marine: http://www.usmc-mccs.org/articles/how-do-i-apply-for-tuition-assistance/

Navy: https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/sailors/tuition-assistance-ncpace.htm

The Top-Up Benefit

If you are eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB) Active Duty or Post-9/11 GI Bill® and plan to use Military Tuition Assistance (TA), you can use the Federal Assistance Top-Up benefit to cover the difference between your college course cost and the amount that TA will cover.  

To use the Top-Up, you must be approved for Federal Tuition Assistance and be eligible for Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty benefits or Post-9/11 GI Bill®.  To be eligible for MGIB benefits, you must be an MGIB - Active Duty participant and have served at least two full years on Active Duty.  

The amount of the benefit is limited to the amount you would receive for the same course if regular benefits were being paid.  In no case, can the amount paid by the military combined with the amount paid by VA be more than the total cost of the course.  

If you receive the Top-Up benefit, your regular VA benefits will be reduced.  If you are utilizing the Montgomery GI Bill® your entitlement is charged based on the dollar amount of benefits VA pays you.  You will be charged one month of entitlement for each payment you receive that is equal to the full time monthly rate for the GI Bill®.  If you are utilizing the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, your entitlement is charged based on the training time you are enrolled in.  If you are going to classes at the half-time training level you will be charged for a half month of Post-9/11 GI Bill®  benefits for each month you are enrolled and receiving GI Bill®  benefits no matter how much money you are reimbursed.  

The benefit is available for all courses that began oMarriage License and Spouse DD214 Service Copy 2 Showing Honorable Discharge – orn or after October 30th, 2000.  A copy of an approved Tuition Assistance Authorization form for the course is required.  If you have not requested VA benefits before, you should submit VA Form 22-1990 to establish eligibility.  

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website at benefits.va.gov/gibill.  

Documentation Required for Military Military Fee Rates

Students must document their eligibility for military fee rates by submitting one of the documents below to the campus Financial Aid Office. These documents are required to be on file before students start school unless the student elects not to utilize benefits they may be eligible for. 

Active Duty/Reserve/DoD/VA Employee

- Leave & Earnings Statement (LES) - or

- Statement of Service (Provided by Command)

Veteran

- DD214 Member Copy 4 Showing Honorable Discharge - or

  - DD214 Service Copy 2 Showing Honorable Discharge - or

- VA Certificate of Eligibility for GI Bill®  Benefits

Veteran Spouse

  - Marriage License and Spouse DD214 Member Copy 4 Showing Honorable Discharge - or

  - Marriage License and Spouse DD214 Service Copy 2 Showing Honorable Discharge – or

  - VA Certificate of Eligibility from transfer of education benefits

Active Duty & Reserve Spouse/Dependents

- VA Certificate of Eligibility from transfer of education benefits - or

- Marriage License and Spouse LES and unexpired U.S. Driver's License

Limited Interest Rates, No Accrual of Interest, and Deferment of Federal Student Loans

Some service members may qualify for limited interest rates and deferment of student loans under specific conditions.  To receive the benefits below, contact your federal student loan servicer for information about the documentation you must provide to show that you qualify:

• Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, if you took out student loans prior to entering the military or being called to active duty, the interest rate on those loans will be limited to 6% during your active duty military service.  This applies to both federal and private student loans (and other loans as well).  

• For all Direct Loans, first disbursed on or after October 1, 2008, no interest will be charged for a period of no more than 60 months while you are serving on active duty or performing qualifying National Guard duty during a war, other military operation or national emergency, and are serving in an area of hostilities qualifying for special pay.  For Direct Consolidation Loans, this benefit applies to the portion of the consolidation loan that repaid loans first disbursed on or after October 1, 2008.  

• You will qualify for deferment of repayment on any of your federal loans while serving on active duty in the military, or performing qualifying National Guard duty, during a war, military operation, or national emergency.  If your period of active duty service includes October 1, 2007, or begins on or after that date, your deferment will be extended for an additional 180 days after the demobilization date for each period of qualifying service.  

• If you are a member of the National Guard or other reserve component of the U.S. armed forces (current or retired) and you are called or ordered to active duty while you are enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school or within six months of having been enrolled at least half-time, you qualify for deferment of repayment on your federal student loans during the 13 months following the end of your active duty service, or until you return to school on at least a half-time basis, whichever is earlier.  

Reimbursement to Veterans and Eligible Persons

For information or for resolution of specific payment problems, veterans should call the Department of Veterans Affairs nationwide toll free number at 1-800-827-1000.

Private Loans

Private loans are available to students through various lending institutions to help pay educational expenses. Private loans, which are not insured by the federal government, have repayment terms that vary depending on the lender from which you borrow. West Coast University encourages students to explore federal and state grants and loans, and to consider the anticipated monthly loan payments along with expected future earnings before considering a private education loan.  Federal student loans are required by law to provide a range of flexible repayment options and loan forgiveness benefits, which private student loans are not required to provide. The U.S. Department of Education provides a student loan repayment estimator online at studentaid.gov/loan-simulator.

Generally, private loans require that the borrower is a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. national, or a permanent resident and must be creditworthy. International students are eligible with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident) and appropriate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service documentation. If the student has no credit or a poor credit history, he/she may still qualify for a loan by applying with a creditworthy co-borrower. 

Most lenders expect you to have a qualified co-borrower before they will approve the loan.  Interest rates and repayment terms vary between private lenders.  West Coast University does not make any recommendations regarding private lender selection for students who decide to pursue private loan options.  Students may borrow from any lender.  Be sure to research and review each lender's terms and conditions before making a final decision.  A list of lenders previously used by WCU students is available at www.elmselect.com, along with terms and conditions for each private lender.  

Note:  Most private loans are borrowed in the student's name as primary borrower, although an endorser may be required for approval.  Some private lenders also offer parent loans with the parent or other relative as the primary borrower.  In the case of private parent loans, any credit balance remaining on the student’s account after tuition and required fees are paid in full will be refunded to the primary borrower, unless the primary borrower has provided written authorization for alternative treatment of the excess funds.