Student Financial Aid

Student Financial Aid
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5337 USA
(269) 387-6000

Consumer Information and Disclosures

As a school participating in federal student aid programs, Western Michigan University is required to disclose consumer information to all current and prospective students and the campus community. This page provides institutional and financial aid information required by the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. Paper copies also are available upon request.

In order to prohibit conflicts of interest in situations involving student financial aid, our office has a code of conduct below. This code of conduct establishes standards and requirements for all employees with responsibility for student financial aid, including student loans. In accordance with federal regulations set forth under The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, below is a summary of consumer information that must be made available to all students at WMU. Each topic provides a brief description of the information that must be disclosed and provides access to the information. 

Purpose

This Code of Conduct is hereby established and for the purpose to prohibit conflicts of Interest in situations involving student financial aid and to establish standards and requirements of conduct for employees with responsibility for student financial aid.

Applicability

This Code of Conduct applies to all employees who work in the Financial Aid Office and all other University employees who have responsibilities related to education loans or other forms of student financial aid. Agents of the University with responsibility for education loans or other student financial aid are also expected to abide by the terms of this Code of Conduct.

Definitions

Conflict of Interest: When an employee’s financial interests or other opportunities for personal benefit may compromise, or reasonably appear to compromise, the independence of judgment with which the employee performs his/her responsibilities at the University.

Gift: Any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan or other item having a monetary value of more than a de minimus amount. The term includes a gift of services, transportation, lodging, or meals, whether provided in kind, by purchase of a ticket, payment in advance or reimbursement after the expense has been incurred. The term “gift” does not include any of the following:

  • Standard materials, activities, or programs on issues related to a loan, default aversion, default prevention, or financial literacy, such as a brochure, a workshop or training.
  • Food, refreshments, training or informational material furnished to an officer, employee or agent of the University as an integral part of a training session that is designed to improve the service of a lender, guarantor or servicer of educational loans to the University, if such training contributes to the professional development of the University’s officers, employees or agents.
  • Favorable terms, conditions and borrower benefits on an education loan provided to a student employed by the University or an employee who is the parent of a student if such terms, conditions or benefits are comparable to those provided to all students of the University and are not provided because of the student’s or parent’s employment with the University.
  • Entrance and exit counseling services provided to borrowers to meet the University’s responsibilities for entrance and exit counseling under federal law, so long as the University’s employees are in control of the counseling and such counseling does not promote the products or services of any specific lender.
  • Philanthropic contributions to an institution from a lender, servicer or guarantor of education loans that are unrelated to education loans or any contribution from any lender, guarantor or servicer that is not made in exchange for any advantage related to education loans.
  • State education grants, scholarships, or financial aid funds administered by or on behalf of a State.

Opportunity pool loan: A private education loan made by a lender to a student attending  the University or the family member of such a student that involves a payment, directly or indirectly, by the University of points, premiums, additional interest or financial support to such lender for the purpose of such lender extending credit to the student or the family. 

Revenue-sharing arrangement: An arrangement between the University and a lender under which (a) a lender provides or issues a loan to students attending the University or to their families; and (b) the University recommends the lender or the loan products of the lender and in exchange, the lender pays a fee or provides other materials benefits, including revenue or profit sharing, to the University or its employees.

Private Education Loan and Lender is based on the definition in the federal Truth in Lending Act, 5 UCSA §1631 et seq.

Institutional code of conduct regarding education loans and student financial aid

Except as otherwise permitted by law as determined and approved for in advance by an authorized representative of Western Michigan University, requirements regarding employees subject to this Code of Conduct are as follows:

Revenue-Sharing Arrangements: The University will not enter into any legally prohibited revenue-sharing arrangement with any lender.

Interaction with Borrowers: When participating in the Federal Direct Loan Program, a first-time borrower’s federal loan may be assigned to the Federal Government as the lender. Student’s private student loan shall not be assigned to a particular lender, or certification or delay in certification of any private loan, shall not be based upon the borrower’s selection of lender or guaranty agency.

Private Loans: The University will not request or accept from any lender any offer of funds to be used for private education loans, including funds for an opportunity pool loan, to students in exchange for the University providing concessions or promises regarding providing the lender with (i) a specified number of federal loans; (ii) a specified federal loan volume; or (iii) a preferred lender arrangement for federal loans.

Co-Branding: Private educational lenders shall not be permitted to use the University’s name, emblem, mascot, logo or any other words, pictures or symbols associated with the University to imply endorsement of private educational loans by that lender.

Staffing Assistance: The University will not request or accept from any lender any assistance with call center staffing or financial aid office staffing. Nothing in this section, however, prevents the University from accepting assistance from a lender related to (i) professional development training for its staff; (ii) providing educational counseling materials, financial literacy materials, or debt management materials to borrowers, provided that such materials disclose to borrowers the identification of any lender that assisted in preparing or providing such materials; or (iii) staffing services on a short-term, nonrecurring basis to assist the University with financial aid-related functions during emergencies, including State-declared or federally declared natural disasters, federally declared national disasters, and other localized disasters and emergencies identified by the Secretary of Education.

Additional Provisions

Conflicts of Interest: Employees shall immediately disclose to the Director of Financial Aid any actual or perceived conflict of interest with respect to any education loan or other student financial aid for which the employee has responsibility. The Director of Financial Aid will work with other appropriate University representatives to determine if such actual or perceived conflict of interest is prohibited under this Code of Conduct and/or what steps must be taken in response to the disclosure and facts in the particular case at hand.

No employee may process any transaction related to his/her own personal financial aid eligibility or that of a relative. For the purposes of this Code of Conduct, a “relative” is defined as an individual with whom an employee has a relationship by blood, marriage, adoption, designated other individual, or other personal relationship in which objectivity might be impaired or be perceived to be impaired.

Gifts: No employee may accept any gift from a lender, guarantor or servicer of education loans. A gift to a relative of an employee or to any other individual based on that individual’s relationship with the employee shall be considered a gift to the employee if the gift is given with the knowledge and acquiescence of the employee and the employee has reason to believe the gift was given because of the employee’s position at the University.

However, token awards from professional associations (state, regional, or national) that recognize professional milestones or extraordinary service to parents and students or scholarships for conference attendance or other professional development opportunities or token souvenirs and memorabilia with little financial value may be accepted.

Prohibited Contracting Arrangements: No University employee, agent or representative shall accept from any lender or affiliate of any lender any fee, payment or other financial benefit (including the opportunity to purchase stock) as compensation for any type of consulting arrangement or other contract to provide services to a lender or on behalf of a lender relating to education loans.

Advisory Board Compensation: No employee who serves on an advisory board, commission or group established by a lender, guarantor or group of lenders or guarantors may receive anything of value from the lender, guarantor or group of lenders or guarantors in return for that service.

Reimbursement of Expenses: Expenses incurred while attending professional association meetings, conferences or in connection with service on an advisory board, commission or group described in Section

V.D. of this Code of Conduct must be paid by the University. Entertainment expenses such as concert or sports tickets or greens fees may not be accepted. Employees are expected to personally pay for such expenses or request reimbursement from the University in accordance with University Code of Conduct.

Meals: Employees may occasionally need to share meals with employees of lenders, guaranty agencies, the State of Michigan or other colleges or universities in the course of business. Meals offered as a part of meetings, conferences or other events may be accepted if all participants in the meeting or event are offered the meals or if the meals are included as a part of a registration fee.

Code of Conduct Violations

Violations of this Code of conduct may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, and/or other legal charges, actions and consequences. Employees are also encouraged to report any actions they perceive in good faith as being in violation of this Code of Conduct in accordance with the University Whistleblower Policy adopted by the Board of Trustees on July 23, 2010.

History

This Code of Conduct was approved by the Office of Financial Aid and the Office for the Vice President for Business and Finance on August 11, 2010.

Institutional information

Accreditation information

Western Michigan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1915. Accreditation information is housed under the Institutional Effectiveness office. 

Further information on:

Copyright infringement policies

Copyright and Ethics policies and statements are housed in the General Counsel office.

WMU cost of attendance

Actual and estimated tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food, miscellaneous and personal expenses are managed by Student Financial Aid. WMU’s Net Price Calculator offers a quick reference to see what other students similar to you paid. 

Constitution Day - Sept. 17

In accordance with federal Title IV requirements, Western Michigan University observes Constitution Day each year on Sept. 17 to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution.

At WMU, Constitution Day activities are coordinated through the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Responsibility for planning events alternates annually between the following departments:

  • 2024 – History | Western Michigan University
  • 2025 – Political Science | Western Michigan University
    • Constitution Day Lecture featuring WMU PhD candidate Nofisat Eletu
    • The Institute of Government and Politics and the Department of Political Science will host a Constitution Day lecture on Wednesday, September 17, at 12:30 p.m. in the Political Science Library (Friedmann Hall, Room 3301).
    • Speaker: Nofisat Eletu, PhD candidate, WMU Department of Political Science
      Topic: Reconceptualizing Political Participation among Young Americans (Ages 18–29)

Information about Constitution Day programming will be shared with students each fall. 

Academic program descriptions

Each college in the institution offers information regarding various degree offerings. 

Specific information for academic programs:

Distance education

The office of Online Education offers various programs, certificates and courses designed to meet the needs of all students in a flexible format. 

Facilities and services for disabled students

Information on disability services and accessibility is available through the Disability Services for Students office.

Faculty

The Institutional Research office offers information on faculty reports and activity reporting. More information on faculty at WMU is available through individual colleges and schools.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA protects the privacy of student education records. The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 establishes rules and regulations for access and disclosure of student records. Information on FERPA for faculty and staff, families and students is available through the Registrar’s Office.

Instructional facilities and labs

Information on facilities and laboratories is available through individual colleges and schools and the library.

Student activities

The Office of Student Engagement at WMU exists to engage the campus and empower each student from campus programs to Greek life.

Student body diversity

Information on University diversity statistics and the University’s diversity and multiculturalism action plan is available through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Textbook prices

Information on prices of textbooks is available through the WMU Bookstore. Availability to view by course, WIN and CRN.

Transfer credit policy

Information on credit equivalencies, transfer guides and articulation agreements are housed in the Office of Admissions, Transfer Students.

Student financial assistance information

If you are a Cooley Law, Medical or International student, contact your respective office for financial assistance information. All other students, contact the Student Financial Aid office for information on:

WMU Financial Aid Offer

Your current financial aid offer is always up to date and available on goWMU. As a first year student, you will receive a digital interactive offer and a printed mailed offer that is sent to the address on file. Returning and graduate students will only receive a digital interactive offer. An example of your digital offer letter is provided here. Please note that this is an example and may not completely reflect your exact offer. 

Student Financial Aid institutional criteria for selection and awarding

Western Michigan University’s Student Financial Aid office uses algorithm-based and data-driven Institutional optimization consultant modeling, to distribute institutional scholarships and grants fairly. These resources assess financial need, academic performance and student success potential, allowing us to allocate scholarships efficiently while promoting fair access and retention.

Professional judgement 

Professional judgment refers to the discretion granted by federal regulations to financial aid administrators. This discretion allows them to make tailored adjustments, based on individual circumstances, to specific aspects of a student's FAFSA information. These adjustments serve the purpose of achieving a more precise evaluation of a student's eligibility for federal aid. At Western Michigan University Student Financial Aid, professional judgment provides the flexibility to modify student aid index for educational expenses, the standard cost of attendance (COA) budget, and/or their financial aid dependency status in accordance with federal guidelines. Any adjustments submitted for consideration must be well-documented and reasonable in relation to the cost of attendance, and they are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

College Scorecard

College Scorecard provides information about college costs, graduation rates and earnings of graduates. 

College Navigator

College Navigator is a consumer tool that provides school information to include tuition and fees, retention and graduation rates, use of financial aid, student loan default rates and features a cost calculator and school comparison tool.

Ombudsman office

The WMU Ombuds is an office on campus that provides information on resources regarding a concern or problem. It opens avenues of communication, investigates complaints and serves as a neutral party to solve problems and resolve conflict. 

Rights and responsibilities of aid recipients

You have the right to ask a school:

  • The names of its accrediting or licensing organizations.
  • About its programs and facilities.
  • What the cost of attendance is and its policy on refunds for students who drop classes or withdraw.
  • What financial assistance is available, including all federal, state, private and institutional financial aid programs.
  • What the procedures and deadlines are for submitting a financial aid application.
  • How it selects financial aid recipients.
  • How it determines financial need.
  • How much of your financial need has been met by financial aid.
  • How and why you will be paid financial aid.
  • To explain the types and amount of aid in your offer letter.
  • What the interest rate is on any student loans, the amount you must repay, the length of time you have to repay, when repayment begins and what cancellation or deferment options you have.
  • If you are offered Federal Work-study, what kind of job, what hours you must work, what your duties will be, the rate of pay and how and when you will be paid.
  • To reconsider your offer if you believe a mistake has been made, if your enrollment or financial circumstances change.
  • How they determine satisfactory academic progress and the consequences if you don't meet the standard.
  • What facilities and services are available to disabled students.
  • Information on campus safety and crime.

You have the responsibility to:

  • Review all information about a school before you enroll.
  • Pay attention to your application for financial aid. Complete it as completely and totally as possible. Submit it on time and to the right place. Errors can delay or even prevent you from receiving financial aid.
  • Know and comply with all deadlines for applying or reapplying for aid.
  • Provide all additional documentation, verification, corrections and/or new information requested by the Student Financial Aid office.
  • Read, understand and keep copies of all forms that you are required to sign.
  • Repay any student loans that you have. When you sign a promissory note, you have made a contractual agreement to repay your loan.
  • Participate in the entrance and exit loan counseling processes at your school if you have any federal student loans.
  • Notify your school of a change in your name, address or attendance status. If you have a loan, you must also notify all current and prior lenders of these changes.
  • Satisfactorily perform the work agreed upon in a Federal Work-study job.
  • Understand important school policies that effect you: refund policy, satisfactory academic progress policy, and changes to financial aid if you drop classes or withdraw (officially or unofficially).

The University has a tuition refund policy that stipulates the amount of tuition and fees that are refunded to a student who withdraws from all or a portion of classes during a semester.

The dates and corresponding refund percentages are published by the Office of the Registrar in its academic catalogs. Please visit wmich.edu/registrar/calendars/academic to view the policy.

Withdrawing from courses can affect a student’s financial aid; contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for more details. Additional information about refunds is available from Accounts Receivable at wmich.edu/accounts-receivable/refunds

Your offer letter lists how much financial aid you will receive for the semester at full-time enrollment. If you withdraw from a course after the 100 % tuition refund date, it is considered a withdrawal and you will be charged for these courses.

If you withdraw from all your courses or stop attending them before completing more than 60 % of the semester, you may have to repay all or a portion of your financial aid.

Students who do not attend or participate in at least one day of class must repay their aid.

The federal government considers it an unofficial withdrawal when a student receives a failing grade for not attending or participating or when he/she stops attending class.

Return of Title IV Aid

The federal government mandates that students withdrawing from all classes may keep only the financial aid (federal "Title IV" grant and loan assistance) they have "earned" up to the time of withdrawal. Students are awarded Title IV funds with the idea that the student will attend the semester in its entirety. If the student withdraws, this may impact the student's eligibility for Title IV funds. The school is then responsible for calculating the amount of aid the student has "earned," and the amount of aid that must be returned by the University and/or the student. 

The “Return of Title IV Funds” procedures will apply to students who were offered federal grant or loan funds and who have completely withdrawn from all classes after the first day of the semester. For students who completely withdraw prior to the 60% point in each payment period, the percentage of funds they have earned will be calculated. Students who withdraw after the 60% point in the payment period will have been considered to have earned 100% of their funds. For students who completely drop all of their classes before the first day of the semester, 100% of the financial aid funds they received will be returned, since these students will not have attended any classes. Students who notify the Financial Aid Office using the Tuition Refund form will also be billed back 100% of their aid if they indicate they never attended classes. 

Students who withdraw from some, but not all, of their classes are considered to have changed enrollment but not completely withdrawn, and hence are not subject to the Return of Title IV formula unless the rest of their enrollment includes courses that have been repeated 2 or more times. If coursework has been repeated two or more times, the coursework cannot be counted towards enrollment, for these purposes. Students who were awarded only Federal Work-study are also not considered in the formula. 

The Registrar’s Office identifies the official withdrawal date. An automated system program creates a report that identifies students who completely withdraw from their semester’s classes and the program also applies the return of Title IV funds formula for federal recipients of aid. The Financial Aid staff adjusts the student’s offers, notifies students of their obligations to return funds and offers students any earned post-withdrawal disbursements. After the semester ends and grades are posted, the report includes students who unofficially withdraw from classes (have “X” and “W” grades only). The calculation and billing is performed no later than 45 days after the student’s official withdrawal date. If our office receives information that a student stops attending class or never attended any or all of their classes, financial aid eligibility may need to be recalculated. 

If the University retroactively withdraws a student, then we assume the student never attended and 100% of their aid will be billed back, unless the student is in the military and has been called to active duty. In this situation, we will look at the date of the retroactive withdrawal was approved as the official withdrawal date as they have attended classes. 

Students who leave the University are considered officially or unofficially withdrawn. Students who receive an incomplete status for coursework are expected to complete the coursework within a reasonable timeframe after the semester is over. Such students are not considered withdrawn from courses since Western has determined the student will likely complete the required coursework. 

If the student has loans, the Financial Aid Office will send exit counseling materials to the student and document on the system. The written withdrawal policy and the refund policy is available for students through the Registrar’s website and in the catalog for each term’s schedule of classes. 

Officially Withdraw 

Students are required to officially withdraw through the Registrar’s Office. They may notify the Registrar’s Office of their withdrawal through the telephone registration system, the web or by letter. Once a student officially withdraws from the University, they cannot have their classes reinstated. For students who officially withdraw through the Registrar’s Office, the date of withdrawal is based on the official date of notification with the Registrar’s Office. 

The Registrar’s Office will document the official date of withdrawal on the University computer system. Students may later appeal and submit appropriate documentation of an academically related activity (exam, academic counseling, assignment, University tutoring, etc.) and the amount of financial aid funds to be returned will be calculated based on the date of the academically related activity in relation to the remaining days in the semester.

Effective Fall 2012, students who officially withdraw from some of their classes and unofficially withdraw from rest of their classes will have the amount of the financial aid funds to be returned calculated based on the latest documented date of attendance from either their E, X, or W grades as documented through the Registrar’s Office, whichever is later. 

Unofficially Withdraw 

For students who unofficially withdraw from the University, the amount of the financial aid funds to be returned is calculated based on the latest documented date of attendance from either their E, X, or W grades as documented through the Registrar’s Office, whichever is later. For students who pass away, we will use the date of the official withdrawal. 

Tuition Refund Appeal 

If a student files a tuition refund appeal, we will calculate the information based on the official withdrawal date. The tuition refund appeal may allow a student to have their tuition charges effective with the last day of the drop/add period. Unless the student indicates in their appeal they have never attended a class or classes, official withdrawal date is the date to be used. If the student indicates they have never attended a class or classes, then we will re-calculate their eligibility based on the new ‘enrollment’ status. 

If the last date of attendance for an X or E grade or the withdrawal date for a W grade is changed after the report is run or the calculation has occurred, then additional written documentation needs to be collected to note the reason for the change in date and to verify the previous date was not accurate. Changes in date can occur if additional information on academic activity more accurately represents the new date for last day of attendance or withdrawal date. A new calculation based on the more accurate date can then occur. 

R2T4 and Online Courses 

The registration period for online courses is the same as main campus courses. The start date is the beginning of the semester of registration and students can register for courses that begin through the last day of the semester. Student’s courses will show up during these registration periods. Students have a combination of online and regular courses or online courses alone. 

The student has four months to completely withdraw and six months from start date to complete the online course. The student has eight days from the start date of their registration to completely drop their course and receive 100% refund of courses. 

If paid solely on online courses and the R2T4 calculation has occurred and then student registers for more courses, there will not be a new calculation conducted during the semester. If at the end of the semester, the student completely withdraws or has X for course, then a new R2T4 calculation will occur on the new courses. The 60% period is 180 days (180 x 60%). 

R2T4 and Repeat Coursework 

Students who completely withdraw from most of their courses and only have courses that have been repeated two or more times are still considered a complete withdrawal. As the coursework that has been repeated two or more times is not eligible to be considered as enrolled, then the student has completely withdrawn for R2T4 purposes. A report is created identifying students who have repeated courses two or more times with federal aid and a review occurs after each term’s grades are posted to identify if anyone falls into this situation. 

Return of Funds Policy for Title IV Aid Recipients Who Withdraw 

The Higher Education Amendments of 1998, as well as the program integrity regulations in 2010, set forth regulations governing the treatment of Title IV funds when a student withdraws from an institution. There are two types of withdrawals that fall under the return to Title IV (R2T4) federal calculation regulations: 

  1. Official Withdrawals: Students are required to officially withdraw through the Registrar’s Office. They may notify the Registrar’s Office of their withdrawal through the telephone registration system, the web or by letter.
  2. Unofficial Withdrawals: If a student begins to attend class, receives federal Title IV aid, but then ceases to attend class without providing official notification to the University, the Federal Government considers this to be an "unofficial withdrawal". For students who unofficially withdraw from the University, the amount of the financial aid funds to be returned is calculated based on the latest documented date of attendance from either their E, X, or W grades as documented through the Registrar’s Office, whichever is later. However, if the University determines that a student did not provide official notice of the intent to withdraw due to illness, accident, grievous personal loss or other circumstances beyond the student’s control, the University may use a date that is related to that circumstance. The refund rules for Title IV aid recipients who withdraw are then followed to determine the unearned portion of Title IV aid that must be returned to the appropriate aid program(s). 

When a student is considered to have withdrawn, as described above, during an enrollment period in which they have begun attendance and received federal Title IV financial aid, Western Michigan University is required to determine the amount of earned and unearned Title IV aid. A student is only eligible to retain the percentage of Title IV aid disbursed that is equal to the percentage of the enrollment period that was completed by the student (calculated daily). The unearned Title IV aid must then be returned to the appropriate federal aid program(s). If more than 60% of the enrollment period has been completed by the student, no Title IV aid needs to be returned.

According to University policy, when a student withdraws prior to the quarter of the semester and/or receives a 100% tuition refund from the University, all of that semesters Federal Title IV grant aid (Pell Grant, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant, FSEOG, Teach Grant) will be billed back to the students account. Most non-federal aid will also be billed back to the students account. All Title IV aid will be included in the calculations outlined below. Depending on the results of the calculations, some or all of the federal grant aid may be re-disbursed to the student account. 

The following steps will be followed when determining the amount of Title IV aid to be returned upon withdrawal: 

  1. Determine percentage of enrollment period completed by student. Divide the number of days attended by the number of days in the enrollment period. If the calculated percentage exceeds 60%, then the student has earned all Title IV aid for the enrollment period.
  2. Calculate the amount of earned Title IV aid. Multiply the percentage of the enrollment period completed by the total Title IV aid disbursed (or could have been disbursed as defined by late disbursement rules).
  3. Determine amount of unearned aid to be returned to Title IV aid program accounts. Subtract the amount of earned federal aid from the total amount of federal aid disbursed. The difference must be returned to the appropriate Title IV aid program(s). 

Return of Title IV funds by institution and student

WMU will return unearned Title IV aid up to an amount that is equal to the total institutional charges for the payment period multiplied by the percentage of the Title IV aid that was unearned. Generally, a student’s tuition and fee refund and/or University Housing refund will satisfy this liability. On occasion, however, particularly when the student remains in University housing beyond the withdrawal date, a bill will result. 

The student will be responsible for the balance of unearned Title IV aid. In most cases, this will be the amount of federal aid funds a student received in the form of a refund for non-institutional expenses multiplied by the percentage of Title IV aid that was unearned. 

If the student’s portion of aid to be returned is a loan, then the student is not immediately required to repay the loan. The terms of the original loan repayment agreement will apply.

If the student's portion of aid to be returned is an overpayment of a grant, the student is required to only repay the amount exceeding 50% of the total grants. WMU will restore the grant funds to the appropriate federal account, with a resulting charge to the students account. The student will be responsible for repaying WMU for the grant overpayment. 

Unearned Title IV Funds will be returned to federal programs in the following order: 

  1. Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans
  2. Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans
  3. Federal Perkins Loans
  4. Federal Parent PLUS Loan
  5. Federal Pell Grants
  6. Iraq and Afghanistan Grant
  7. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity
  8. Federal Teach Grants
  9. Other Grants 

Timeframe for the Return of Title IV Funds

As per federal regulations associated to the Higher Education Act, WMU must return the amount of Title IV funds for which it is responsible (see the section “Return of Funds Policy for Title IV Aid Recipients Who Withdraw”) as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew (as defined in that same section). An institution must determine the withdrawal date for a student who unofficially withdraws no later than 30 days after the end of the earlier of the payment period or period of enrollment as appropriate, academic year in which the student withdrew; or educational program from which the student withdrew. 

Student Notification

Western Michigan University will notify a student in writing within 30 days of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew and either owes a Title IV or HEA overpayment or owes funds to Western. 

Please note, the procedures and policies listed above are subject to change without advance notice based on changes to federal laws, federal regulations, or school policies. If changes are made, students must abide by the most current policy. The Federal Refund Policy (R2T4) is very encompassing and this is intended to be an overview of the policies and procedures that govern regulations pertaining to Title IV Refund (R2T4). For further guidance on R2T4 policies and procedures, please see the reference material found in Volume 5 of the Federal Student Aid (FSA) Handbook under “Withdrawals and the Return of Title IV Funds”. You may access this online at studentaid.gov or see the Student Financial Aid Office.

Refund policy

The University has a tuition refund policy that stipulates the amount of tuition and fees that are refunded to a student who withdraws from all or a portion of classes during a semester. The dates and corresponding refund percentages are published by the Registrar’s Office in its academic catalogs. More information on refunds is available through Accounts Receivable. 

Repayment policy (Return of Title IV aid)

The federal government mandates that students withdrawing from all classes may keep only the financial aid (federal "Title IV" grant and loan assistance) they have "earned" up to the time of withdrawal. Students are offered Title IV funds with the idea that the student will attend the semester in its entirety. If the student withdraws, this may impact the student's eligibility for Title IV funds. The school is then responsible for calculating the amount of aid the student has "earned," and the amount of aid that must be returned by the University and/or the student. More information is available through the Student Financial Aid office.

Withdrawal procedures

Information on withdrawing procedures is available through the Registrar’s Office. Before withdrawing from a class, it is advised to speak with a Financial Services Specialist and understand all options. 

Satisfactory Academic Progress

If you want to remain eligible for federal and state financial aid programs, you must make satisfactory academic progress toward your degree. Standards of satisfactory academic progress are applied to all students who wish to establish or maintain financial aid eligibility, regardless of whether they have received financial aid in the past. You may also file a SAP appeal if you wish to have your eligibility reconsidered.

Consortium agreements

Consortium agreements allow students to enroll in courses at another institution (also known as the 'Host' institution) that are transferrable to his/her degree program at WMU. Consortium agreements allow a student to be registered at both institutions simultaneously while receiving financial aid at WMU based on the combined enrollment of both institutions. To be eligible, course(s) taken at the host institution are not currently offered at WMU, or degree completion will be significantly delayed due to course sequencing and/or prerequisite requirements for WMU courses. 

Disbursements

Financial aid is scheduled to pay toward your account approximately 10 days before the semester for which you have enrolled begins. When and how you receive your aid depends on the type of aid you receive and whether you have completed all requirements for receiving your aid. 

Loan forgiveness

There are some circumstances for which your loans can be cancelled or forgiven due to volunteer service or work in a public service job. 

Loan repayment

There are many options when it comes to repaying your loans. Contact your loan servicer to discuss repayment plan options. You can review your loan history in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) by visiting studentaid.gov and logging in with your FSA ID and password. Every federal student loan you have received will be listed on this website in the order they were disbursed. 

All federal loans are assigned a loan servicer. You can review their information on NSLDS by clicking the number to the left of each loan and scrolling down. You will contact the servicer with billing inquiries on your loans, including deferment and forbearance requests.

Borrower Defense Rules (BDR)

The Borrower Defense Rules, specifically BDR4, establish a provision that empowers federal student loan borrowers to request loan forgiveness if they believe they have been defrauded or misled by Western Michigan University. This form of repayment is referred to as "Borrower Defense to Repayment" and is governed by 34 CFR 668.41(h), Sec. 685.206(e), and Sec. 685.206(e)(6)(ii).

Scholarship fraud

The College Scholarship Fraud Prevention Act of 2000 was passed to protect students against student financial aid fraud by establishing stricter sentencing guidelines for criminal financial aid fraud. According to the Federal Trade Commission, perpetrators of financial aid fraud often claim the following:

  • Your scholarships are guaranteed.
  • Request for credit card or bank account information.
  • Scholarships cost money up front.
  • You have won a scholarship, though never entered a contest.

Student outcomes

Career outcomes

More information on career outcomes and data is available through the Career and Student Employment Services. 

Graduation and retention rates

The Institutional Research office offers extensive data on degrees confirmed, enrollment reports, retention and more. 

Graduation and retention rates for student athletes

The NCAA reports graduation retention rates for student athletes annually. 

Employment for graduates

Information on career outcomes, employment data and salary ranges are available through the Career and Student Employment Services office.

Graduate and professional education for graduates

There are many options for graduates who wish to continue education. Information on professional development is available through Online Education. Specific graduate college information is available through the Graduate College. 

Athletic program participation and financial support data

Information regarding WMU athletic program participation and financial support data can be requested through WMU Athletic Academic Services. Each year, the WMU Athletic Department reports date regarding equity in athletics. 

Teacher preparation annual report card

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) administers a system for determining Educator Preparation Institution (EPI) Performance Scores to identify, assist and report teacher preparation programs which are not performing at a satisfactory level. More information about the Educator Preparation Institution Performance Score is available through the Teacher and Administrator Certification office. 

Health and safety

Campus safety and security

WMU prepares and publishes an Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report each year on Oct. 1. The report contains detailed information about campus safety including emergency services, safety tips, University policies, state laws and additional support services. Additionally, it contains information about fire safety in on-campus housing, confidential crime reporting, missing student notification protocol, and a summary of the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Copies are available through the WMU Department of Public Safety. 

Vaccination policy

WMU has policies and procedures regarding new student immunizations and information on scheduling appointments through Sindecuse Health Center. 

Drug and alcohol abuse prevention

Students at WMU are required to follow student code and conduct and measures are taken when violations occur. Information on these violations is available through the Student Conduct office. Information and counseling services for students regarding alcohol and substance abuse is available through Sindecuse Health Center. 

Compliance and WMU policies

Nondiscrimination Policy Statement

Western Michigan University prohibits discrimination or harassment which violates the law or which constitutes inappropriate or unprofessional limitation of employment opportunity, University facility access, or participation in University activities, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, protected disability, veteran status, height, weight or marital status. 

University complaints

WMU encourages students and prospective students to address complaints relating to consumer protection issues first with personnel in the office, department, school or college that led to the complaint alleged. Students and families have various ways to submit complaints and have those complaints addressed. 

At the University: The Ombudsman, Department Director or divisional Vice President, Dean, Associate/Assistant Dean, Associate/Assistant Provost, Provost or President.

The State of Michigan has no Coordinating Board or oversight authority for public universities. Public universities are charted in the State of Michigan’s Constitution. Western Michigan University was chartered on May 27, 1903. The Michigan Constitution of 1963, Article VIII, Section 4 speaks of higher education institutions, appropriations, accounting, public sessions of boards that specifically lists Western Michigan University.

At the State Level: The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing (CSCL) Bureau P.O. Box 30018 Lansing, MI 48909 (517) 241-7000 and Michigan Association of State Universities 101 S. Washington Square, Suite 600, Lansing, MU 48933 (517) 482-1563. LARA - CSCL Complaint Process (michigan.gov) and STATEMENT OF COMPLAINT (michigan.gov)

Finally, complaints about the University which have not been successfully resolved through these channels may also be referred to the Office of Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division with submission of a Consumer Complaint / Inquiry Form.

 

Information on this website is subject to change because of the nature of federal, state and institutional guidelines that affect financial aid programs. A pdf version of Consumer Information Guide is also available. For more information, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Bronco Express.

Western Michigan University 
Student Financial Aid and Bronco Express
2510 Faunce Student Services
Kalamazoo MI 49008
wmich.edu/finaid
(269) 387-6000
@email