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

Your rights and responsibilities. 

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 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