Financial Aid for New Undergraduate Students

Financial aid is awarded to students in four categories: scholarships, grants, work-study and student loans. 

Merit scholarships are based on the quality of a student’s admission application and awarded at the time of admission. No additional application needs to be completed. Full-time students who are in good academic standing receive the awards for four years (eight semesters), or until the student's graduation requirements are completed, They do not need to be repaid. 

Grants are awarded after completion and submission of the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) and based on a family’s financial situation. Grants are funded by state and federal sources as well as Willamette’s endowment. They also do not need to be repaid. 

Work-study is awarded to qualified students upon completion of the FAFSA. These help subsidize student employment and are paid as wages for work performed.

Student loans are awarded to students to help finance their educational costs. Federal loans are awarded to students upon completion of the FAFSA and need to be repaid. Alternative loans are also available but are not part of the initial award letter.