Welcome to the Coug Compass
When it comes to financing your education, we understand the journey can sometimes feel like you’re sailing into uncharted territories. That’s why we created the Coug Compass. This instrument will help you chart your course and understand your resources, options, and general financial picture for your journey to college.
The points around the Compass will lead you to a treasure trove of our most valuable tools and resources. Each direction will guide you in making informed decisions about your financial aid, and hopefully assist you in being financially responsible while you’re here at WSU.
Feel free to use our Coug Compass to explore the waters and see all the things that Student Financial Services and WSU have to offer you. We’re here to help if you ever get off course or need more guidance.
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Studentloans.gov - This is the resource for managing your student loan process. Complete Entrance Counseling and your Master Promissory Note here.
Private Education Loans - Private loans can help you pay for college expenses that may not be covered by federal loan programs or other financial aid. These loans are one way to provide additional funds to close the gap between your financial aid resources and college costs.
Loan Limits - There are limits on the amount in subsidized and unsubsidized loans that you may be eligible to receive each academic year (annual loan limits) and the total amounts that you may borrow for undergraduate and graduate study (aggregate loan limits). The actual loan amount you are eligible to receive each academic year may be less than the annual loan limit. These limits vary depending on what year you are in school and whether you are a dependent or independent student. If you are a dependent student whose parents are ineligible for a Direct PLUS Loan, you may be able to receive additional Direct Unsubsidized Loan funds.
Repayment Calculator - Would you like to see an estimate of your federal loan payments or see an average payment for students like you? Check this Estimator.
FAFSA - We base your initial aid estimate on the information you provided in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. If you wish to submit or update your FASFA, or review your Student Aid Report (SAR), visit their site.
Federal Student Aid – This is where you can find all the new and proposed changes to federal aid policies and programs, review information that can help you prepare for college, determine what aid you qualify for, and manage your loans.
NSLDS - The National Student Loan Data System for Students offers a centralized location where students can view a history of all of their federal loans and grants, and access a glossary of financial terms.
WASFA - The Washington Application for State Financial Aid or WASFA is a free application for non-citizens to apply for student financial aid in Washington State. Upon successful completion of a WASFA, the college(s) you choose will use the financial information provided in the application to determine your eligibility to receive the Washington State Need Grant.
WSAC - The Washington Student Achievement Council provides strategic planning, oversight, and advocacy to support increased student success and higher levels of educational attainment in Washington. WSAC oversees programs including Washington State Need Grant, College Bound, Washington State Work Study, and the Passport to College program.
NASFAA - The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators provides professional development for financial aid administrators; advocates for public policies that increase student access and success serves as a forum on student financial aid issues, and is committed to diversity throughout all activities.
Handshake - Many WSU students work while going to school. Check out the Handshake website for position openings, training opportunities and work study.
Work-Study - Work-study is a need-based financial aid award. It is neither a grant, as you must work to earn it, nor a loan, as you do not have to pay it back. Funds are limited and you must qualify for need-based financial aid in order to receive work-study. Also, you must have filed your FAFSA by WSU's priority deadline and all requested additional information must be received by the submission deadline.
Academic Success & Career Center - WSU’s ASCC offers a wide-variety of structured services that aid student success. These include academic advising, peer tutoring, and academic success coaching. They also serve current students, alumni and employers in the exploration and pursuit of a fulfilling employment partnership.
WSU Alumni Association - Being part of the Cougar family extends beyond your time at WSU. The Alumni Association helps connect graduates with Cougar-owned businesses and successful graduates. Visit the career support link at this website.
SFS Scholarship Services - WSU offers incoming freshmen and transfer students as well as continuing students several opportunities to pursue scholarships. In looking at our website, you'll find there are many different scholarships to consider. We recommend you carefully review the information to help you understand the scholarship process and the services available to guide you.
Your Cost of Attendance - Here you can see a breakdown of the costs associated with attending WSU. This will help you determine if you’re on track to meeting your financial needs.
Cougar Success Program – Cougar Success is a “one-stop shop” for new or returning students looking for information about campus resources and life at WSU. Comprehensive tools and information are provided to support students in academics and career counseling.
Invest in Cougs - Invest in Cougs is a savings strategy and multi-faceted financial education program designed to help provide low to moderate income residents with the opportunity, incentive and institutional support necessary to save for post-secondary education. Invest in Cougs will provide matched-savings incentives through special savings accounts, known as Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), for students who wish to pursue post-secondary education. Participants who successfully complete the IDA savings program requirements will receive a 4 to 1 match on their savings (save $1,000, receive $4,000 match) for tuition and other educationally related costs at WSU. The maximum match that a student can receive through the program is $4,000.
Cougar Money Matters - This is the Washington State University financial literacy and wellness program. Through a variety of tools, we offer information and guidance to students regarding a number of money topics. Our goal is to help students be better prepared to manage their finances now and in the future.
NSLDS - The National Student Loan Data System for Students offers a centralized location where students can view a history of all of their federal loans and grants, and access a glossary of financial terms.
Repayment Calculator- Would you like to see an estimate of your federal loan payments or see an average payment for students like you? Check out this Estimator.