Application Procedures for Financial Aid

  1. Wilmington University requires all financial applicants to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year and strongly urges all students to do so online at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa. If not already done, students must request a FSA ID as the first step in completing the FAFSA on-line. When accessing the FAFSA web site, students who do not have a FSA ID are directed to apply for one. The FSA ID allows students to electronically sign the FAFSA, which reduces federal processing time to days instead of weeks. The data required on the FAFSA is based on the federal income tax information from two years prior.
  2. Upon receipt of students’ FAFSA data, Wilmington University will send an email communication to students indicating what additional requirements are needed to complete processing. Students must be fully admitted into an eligible degree or certificate program and complete all requirements before financial aid awards will be made.
  3. Upon completion of all requirements, a determination will be made by Wilmington University as to the applicant’s aid eligibility. Students then will receive an Award Notification from the Financial Aid Office directing them to their student portal to view the types and amounts of aid offered to them.
  4. Students who are offered and who accept student loans for the first time must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). Students who have received or who are currently receiving a student loan at Wilmington University do not have to do this, as the MPN is good for 10 years. Applicants will be notified by the direct loan servicer concerning the loan approval and terms. First time loan borrowers or borrowers who have completed Exit Counseling after graduating with a prior degree, must complete an online Entrance Counseling session before any federal student loans can be disbursed.  Federal Direct Entrance Counseling is an online educational tool for student loan borrowers. Entrance Counseling only has to be completed one time for the duration of the student’s degree program enrollment.
  5. In order to be eligible for aid, applicants must be fully admitted into a degree program or approved Certificate program. In order to actually receive aid, student must begin attending classes for the semester and must maintain an enrollment of a minimum of five credits per semester in courses that apply to the degree or certificate program.