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Financial Aid for New Undergraduate Students

The Financial Aid Office is your partner in maximizing aid and managing costs.

Waller Hall on a sunny day.

First Year Student Support

The Financial Aid Office has helped thousands of students enroll and complete their degrees. They are experts in helping you to navigate the sometimes complicated financial aid process to meet your educational goals. 

All students receive financial aid. Qualified students may receive enough to cover the cost of tuition. Financial aid is awarded to students in four categories: scholarships, grants, work-study, and student loans.

  • Scholarships

    Merit scholarships are based on the quality of a student’s admission application and awarded at the time of admission. Willamette also offers other scholarships, including competitive scholarships, the Oregon Access Scholarship, and awards for students who meet specific application deadlines. They do not need to be repaid.

    Explore all scholarship opportunities

  • Grants

    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 do not need to be repaid.

  • Work-Study

    Work-study is awarded to qualified students upon completion of the FAFSA. It subsidizes student employment and is paid as wages for work performed. If you do not qualify for Federal Work-Study, you can still work on campus.

    Learn about student employment opportunities

  • Loans

    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.

    Learn what loan programs are available

Willamette University

Office of Financial Aid