Frequently Asked
Financial Aid Questions
- How do I apply for aid at William Paterson University?
- What is the deadline to apply for financial aid?
- If I miss the April 1 application date, can I still apply for financial aid?
- Is there an income level cutoff to qualify for financial aid?
- In order to receive financial aid do I have to apply every year?
- What is William Paterson's Federal School Code?
- What does it cost to attend William Paterson?
- If I have a credit on my bill, when can I expect to receive the money?
- Do I need a separate form to apply for a Stafford Loan?
- How can I apply for Work Study?
- Do I need to submit tax returns?
- What does it take to be considered an independent student?
- If my parents are separated or divorced, whose income is reported on the FAFSA?
- What should I do if my family's financial circumstances change after I apply for financial aid?
- Should I use a Scholarship Search Service?
- Does applying for aid affect the Admissions decision?
- What if I received a scholarship from William Paterson, can I also receive financial aid?
- What happens after my freshman year? Will my aid be the same?
- Will my aid change if I move off-campus?
- What happens if I'm a transfer student?
Q: How do I apply for aid at William Paterson?
A: To apply for aid at William Paterson, you
need only to complete the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with WPUNJ listed as one
of your college choices. A link to the FAFSA is available on our home page.
Q: What is the deadline to apply for financial aid?
A: To receive maximum consideration for aid,
students should apply prior to our priority date of April 1.
Q: If I miss the April 1 application date, can I still apply for financial aid?
A: Yes, most federal programs (Pell grants, Stafford
Loans) are available as long as you meet eligibility requirements prior to
the last day of the academic year. The NJ State programs have an application
deadline of June 1 for returning students and October 1 for new students for
receipt of the FAFSA
by the federal processor.
Q: Is there an income level cutoff to qualify for financial aid?
A: No, there are many factors in addition to
income which are used to determine eligibility for need-based aid. In addition to
income, other factors such as family size, number of family members in college,
assets, and parents’ age are considered when determining the students’
eligibility for financial aid.
Q: In order to receive financial aid do I have to apply every year?
A: Yes. In order to receive consideration for
as many programs as possible you should file the FAFSA
by April 1 each year.
Q: What is William Paterson's Federal School Code?
A: 002625
Q: How much does it cost to attend William Paterson?
A: Please see the Bursar Webpage for the current tuition rates. We can provide an estimated financial aid award package upon request.
Q: If I have a credit on my bill, when can I expect to receive the money refund?
A: You can expect a refund due to a credit balance within 14 days from the date of disbursement to your account. Disbursement occurs approximately 3/4 weeks after the start of the term. Disbursement is done after class attendance rosters are submitted.
Q: Do I need a separate form to apply for a Stafford Loan?
A: Once you file the
FAFSA, you will receive a Financial Aid Award Letter including all Federal,
State and Institutional Grants, Scholarships and Loans for which you qualify.
All first time borrowers at WPUNJ will be required to complete the Entrance
Counseling and complete an Electronic Promissory Note. (Links available on our
home page) If you feel you need
additional loan funding you can visit the Alternative Loan link on our home
page.
Q: How can I apply for Work Study?
A: Students are required to attend a
Work-Study Workshop. This workshop will explain all the policies and procedures
of how to obtain a position. Placement is also dependent upon availability of
funds and positions. See the Employment
Section for complete details.
Q: Do I need to submit tax returns?
A: Only if the Office of Financial Aid sends
you a letter requesting that you submit them. This may happen if you are
selected for federal verification.
Q: What does it take to be considered an independent student?
A: Please check our Eligibility Requirements page to
have the full answer.
A student is automatically independent if a
student:
- has reached 24 years of age
- is a ward of the court or both parents are deceased
- is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
- has
legal dependents (other than a spouse) for which the applicant provides
1/2 of their support
*** this must be documented - is married at the time of filing
- is a graduate or professional student.
Q: If my parents are separated or divorced, whose income is reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
A: The parent you live with or who has
custody of you should complete the FAFSA. If your parent has remarried, the
stepparent's income is also required to be reported. However, child and
household support from the non-custodial parent is required on the FAFSA in
Worksheet B.
Q: What should I do if my family's financial circumstances change after I apply for financial aid?
A: If your family's financial circumstances
have changed due to the death of a parent, divorce or separation, or loss of employment see the forms section of our home page
for the Special Condition Request for Review information.
Q: Should I use a Scholarship Search Service?
A: Most companies are not recommended by the
Office of Financial Aid. Many have been found to be fraudulent at worst and
misleading at best. Don't be fooled by the money-back guarantee; if you are
asked to pay for a service, don't! It is virtually impossible to get your money
back. The services provided by these companies can be done on your own by
researching scholarship publications at the library or using the free FastWEB
scholarship search on the internet. You may also find extensive scholarship
information on the internet at a web site titled " The
Financial Aid Information Page ".
Q: Does applying for aid affect the Admissions decision?
A: No, it does not. You apply for
Financial Aid generally the same time as you complete your Admissions
applications. The WPUNJ priority deadline date is April 1.
Q: What if I received a scholarship from William Paterson; can I also receive financial aid?
A: Yes. Receipt of a scholarship does
not preclude receiving financial assistance. However, all scholarships must be
considered as part of your overall financial aid package.
Q: What happens after my freshman year? Will my aid remain the same?
A: The Financial Aid Office at William
Paterson is committed to meet as much of our student's need as possible
throughout their undergraduate years. However, an individual student's need may
change from year to year. Educational costs may increase or family factors may
change. For instance, changes in family size, number in college, an
increase/decrease in income all can affect the parental contributions from year
to year.
Q: Will my aid change if I move off-campus?
Q: Possibly. Please contact our office
to determine how your aid will be affected.
If you have a financial aid question that is not answered here, please let us know.
