Financial Aid

1400.400 FINANCIAL AID PROCEDURE

Wenatchee Valley College offers financial assistance through scholarships, loans, grants, and employment. Nearly all assistance available is based on demonstrated need, however some scholarships are available based on merit. Students with demonstrated need are considered for all forms of available assistance with priority given to those with highest need. All students are responsible for their tuition, the purchase of their own books and supplies until funding is available. Most programs listed below require proof of need. Scholarships, described in the next section, often do not require proof of financial need.

A. APPLICATION PROCEDURES

To apply for financial aid for the coming academic year, students must follow these steps:

1. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at studentaid.gov. New applications for each year become available starting October 1st of each year.
2. Ensure your application for admission to Wenatchee Valley College is complete.
3. Submit any follow-up information requested by the financial aid office as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing.
   
   Please note that Wenatchee Valley College no longer has an application deadline for financial aid. However, applying early is encouraged to maximize your financial aid opportunities.

B. ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for federal and state-funded programs, you must:

1. Be a citizen of the U.S. or an eligible non-citizen.
2. Demonstrate “financial need” for assistance as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Form (FAFSA) and by Wenatchee Valley College.
3. Not owe a refund on a previous grant or be in default on a Perkins or Stafford Loan.
4. Pell Grant eligibility depends on enrollment intensity. Must be enrolled in at least 3 credits for State financial aid.
5. Demonstrate a history of satisfactory academic progress that must be maintained while receiving assistance at Wenatchee Valley College. Refer to the current WVC financial aid brochure, “Satisfactory Progress Requirements.”
6. Have a high school diploma, GED certificate or equivalent.
7. Not have a BA degree (unless seeking an additional degree offered by WVC), and then eligibility will be for student loans only.

C. AID

Types of financial aid programs offered at Wenatchee Valley College include Federal Pell Grant*, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant*, Washington College Grant, Federal and State Work-Study Programs*, Wenatchee Valley College Tuition and Fee Waivers, and Wenatchee Valley College  Grants. Awarding of grants, except the Pell Grant and Washington College Grant, is also based on funds available. An additional application is required for Federal Stafford Loans* and Federal Parent Plus Loans*.

*Information about these programs is available online at  www.studentaid.gov/h/understand-aid/how-aid-works.

D. WASHINGTON COLLEGE GRANT

The state of Washington offers grants to needy Washington undergraduate students based on eligibility guidelines established by the  Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC). There is no special application to complete and students applying for financial aid at WVC will be given automatic consideration.

E. WENATCHEE VALLEY COLLEGE  GRANT

The Wenatchee Valley College Grant is an institutional grant provided on a first-come, first-served basis. It is awarded to resident applicants who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled at least half-time. Funding is limited, so early application is strongly encouraged.

F. WORK-STUDY PROGRAMS

Work-study is awarded to needy students on a first-come, first-served basis and is earned only when the student works.  The Student Employment Coordinator assists students in locating employment both on and off campus. However, a work-study award is not a guarantee of employment. Wenatchee Valley College participates in the America Reads Program so students may be able to help a child or family learn to read as part of the work-study program. Additional information is available  at www.wvc.edu/apply/pay/financial-aid/workstudy.html..

G. EMERGENCY SHORT-TERM LOANS

Students experiencing temporary financial hardship may apply for a McQuaig Loan of up to $1,000. The following guidelines outline eligibility and repayment requirements:

1. Loan Eligibility:
   1. Students must be currently enrolled and in good standing with the financial aid office.
   2. Applicants must be in their second quarter of attendance and maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
   3. Loans are not available during breaks between academic quarters.
2. Loan Terms and Conditions:
   1. A maximum loan amount of $1,000 is available per application.
   2. Loan repayment must be secured by proof of financial aid, current employment, or another approved funding source.
   3. Loans are due for repayment within 90 days or upon the availability of financial aid, whichever occurs first.
   4. Students may borrow a maximum of two times per academic year.

For more information or to apply, students should contact the financial aid office.

H. WVC SCHOLARSHIPS

Amounts vary up to full tuition. Applicants must be legal residents of the United States. Graduates of Chelan, Douglas or Okanogan county high schools or permanent residents of these counties for the previous two years receive priority. Students need not apply for specific scholarships, as the selection committee will match applicants with scholarship selection criteria. Scholarships are awarded for one academic year; therefore, students must re-apply each year. Generally scholarship recipients must complete a minimum of 12 credits at a 2.0 GPA each quarter to maintain eligibility during the school year. Selection of the recipients is made by the Scholarship Committee, which is comprised of faculty and WVC staff. Additional information is available  at www.wvc.edu/apply/pay/financial-aid/scholarships.html. The athletic department awards athletic awards to students who participate in one of WVC’s intercollegiate athletic teams. Inquiries regarding athletic scholarships should be directed to the athletic director or head coach of the individual sport.

I. VETERANS

Veterans seeking their educational benefits at WVC should contact the veteran’s coordinator. Veterans are responsible for providing the veteran’s coordinator with their class schedules each quarter. Any schedule changes during the quarter must also be reported in order to prevent overpayment of benefits.

1. Wenatchee Valley College offers approved programs of study for students entitled to benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (Chapter 30), Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606), Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31), Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP – Chapter 32), Educational Assistance Test Program (Section 901), and Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35).
2. Veterans may be able to receive credit for their military experience. Credit is given only for experiences which have equivalent courses taught at WVC; the amount of credit cannot exceed the amount that could be earned by taking the courses at WVC. At least 15 credits must be earned at WVC before military credit is awarded. A fee is charged for each military credit added to the veteran’s WVC transcript. Wenatchee Valley College follows the American Council on Education (ACE) Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services when awarding credit for military experiences.

Application forms and veteran advising as well as other information and services are available on both Wenatchee and Omak Campuses.

Supersedes: 7.A.21
Approved by the president’s cabinet: 8/23/05, 3/3/25
Last reviewed: 3/3/25
Procedure contact: Student Services

Related policies and procedures
400.400 Financial Aid Policy