Does WGU Accept FAFSA? Financial Aid for Online Students

Published on:

June 16, 2026

Explore WGU financial aid options, including FAFSA, grants, loans, scholarships, military benefits, and ways to lower your tuition costs online.

Worried about how you'll pay for college? If you're researching online colleges that accept FAFSA, Western Governors University (WGU) is one option worth considering. WGU participates in federal financial aid programs, allowing eligible students to apply for grants, loans, and other forms of assistance through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Understanding your financial aid options can help you estimate your costs before enrolling. Below, we'll go over whether WGU accepts FAFSA, who qualifies for aid, what types of financial assistance are available, and how to apply.

Does WGU Accept FAFSA?

WGU accepts FAFSA and participates in federal student aid programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Eligible students enrolled in qualifying degree programs may receive federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and certain federal grant programs.

Because WGU is an accredited university that participates in Title IV federal financial aid programs, online students generally have access to the same federal aid opportunities as students attending traditional colleges. WGU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize eligibility for grants and other need-based aid.

WGU's FAFSA school code is 033394. When completing the FAFSA, you'll need to include this code so your financial information is sent directly to the university for review.

Who Qualifies for FAFSA at WGU?

To qualify for federal financial aid at WGU, you must first meet the general FAFSA eligibility requirements established by the federal government. In most cases, students must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, have a valid Social Security number, and enroll in an eligible degree program.

WGU also requires students receiving federal financial aid to maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout their program. Because WGU uses a competency-based learning model rather than traditional semesters, academic progress is measured differently than at many colleges, but students must still successfully complete coursework and meet the university's financial aid standards to remain eligible.

Students pursuing bachelor's, master's, and many other degree programs may qualify for federal aid if they meet eligibility requirements. Individual aid packages vary based on factors such as financial need, dependency status, enrollment level, and the results of the FAFSA.

Even if you are unsure whether you will qualify for grants or loans, WGU encourages prospective students to complete the FAFSA. Many students are surprised to learn they qualify for some form of federal financial assistance, and submitting the application is the only way to determine your eligibility.

Types of Financial Aid Available at WGU

WGU offers several forms of financial aid to help students reduce their out-of-pocket education costs. Depending on your financial need, academic program, military status, employer benefits, and residency, you may qualify for federal aid, scholarships, state programs, or other forms of assistance.

Many students combine multiple funding sources to pay for their education. For example, a student may receive a Pell Grant, borrow federal student loans, earn a WGU scholarship, and use employer tuition reimbursement at the same time.

Federal Grants

Federal grants are one of the most valuable forms of financial aid because they generally do not need to be repaid. Students must complete the FAFSA to determine their eligibility.

The most common federal grant available to WGU students is the Federal Pell Grant, which is awarded based on financial need. Eligible undergraduate students may receive Pell Grant funding to help cover tuition and educational expenses. WGU is just one of many online colleges that accept Pell Grants.

Students enrolled in education programs may also qualify for the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant. This program provides funding to students who agree to teach in high-need fields and underserved communities after graduation. Because the TEACH Grant has specific service requirements, students should carefully review the program's obligations before accepting the award. WGU is also one of the online colleges that accept the TEACH Grant.

Federal Student Loans

Students who qualify for federal financial aid may be eligible for federal student loans through the U.S. Department of Education.

Depending on financial need and program level, WGU students may qualify for:

Direct Subsidized Loans for eligible undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need
Direct Unsubsidized Loans for undergraduate and graduate students
Direct PLUS Loans for graduate students and parents of dependent undergraduate students

Federal student loans often provide benefits that private loans do not, including fixed interest rates, income-driven repayment options, deferment opportunities, and federal forgiveness programs for eligible borrowers.

State Financial Aid Programs

In addition to federal aid, some WGU students may qualify for grants, scholarships, and workforce education programs offered by their state of residence.

Because WGU serves students nationwide, available state aid programs vary significantly. Some states provide grants for low-income students, while others offer tuition assistance for educators, nurses, public service professionals, or students pursuing careers in high-demand fields.

Requirements, award amounts, and application deadlines differ by state. Students should check with their state's higher education agency to determine which programs may be available alongside federal financial aid.

WGU Scholarship Opportunities

WGU offers dozens of institutional scholarships designed specifically for online learners. Scholarship opportunities are available for new and returning students, transfer students, military-affiliated learners, teachers, nurses, technology professionals, and individuals pursuing career changes.

Many WGU scholarships award funds that are applied directly to tuition over multiple terms. Some are based on financial need, while others recognize professional experience, academic achievement, community service, or career goals.

Because scholarship opportunities and deadlines change throughout the year, students should regularly review WGU's scholarship portal for the latest options.

Military and Veteran Benefits

WGU is a military-friendly university that accepts a variety of education benefits for active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and eligible military spouses and dependents.

Eligible students may use benefits such as:

Post-9/11 GI Bill
Montgomery GI Bill
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Military Tuition Assistance programs
My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) benefits for eligible military spouses

Military students may be able to combine these benefits with federal financial aid and WGU scholarships to further reduce education costs. Learn more about how to use military benefits for college.

Employer Tuition Assistance

Many employers offer tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement programs that can help employees earn a degree while continuing to work. WGU accepts employer-sponsored educational benefits and works with hundreds of employers, school districts, health care organizations, and professional associations nationwide.

Depending on your employer's policies, tuition assistance may cover a portion of your tuition costs or reimburse you after successfully completing coursework. In many cases, employer benefits can be combined with federal financial aid, scholarships, and military education benefits to lower your overall costs.

How to Apply for Financial Aid at WGU

Applying for financial aid at WGU starts with completing the FAFSA. While the process is similar to other colleges, submitting your information early can help prevent delays and give you access to the widest range of aid opportunities.

Step 1: Create Your FSA ID

Before you can complete the FAFSA, you'll need to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID at StudentAid.gov. Your FSA ID serves as your electronic signature and allows you to access federal financial aid systems throughout your college career.

If you're a dependent student, a parent may also need to create an FSA ID to provide required financial information and sign the FAFSA.

Step 2: Gather Your Financial Information

The FAFSA requires information about your income, taxes, and household circumstances. Before starting the application, gather documents such as tax returns, W-2 forms, records of untaxed income, and information about savings or investments.

The FAFSA now imports much of this information directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which can simplify the application process and reduce errors.

Step 3: Complete the FAFSA

Visit StudentAid.gov to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal grants, federal student loans, work-study opportunities, and some state aid programs.

Even if you believe your income may be too high to qualify for grants, it's still worth completing the FAFSA. Many students qualify for federal loans or other forms of assistance they did not expect.

Step 4: Add WGU's FAFSA School Code

When completing the FAFSA, be sure to include WGU's federal school code: 033394.

Adding this code allows the U.S. Department of Education to send your FAFSA information directly to WGU's financial aid office. Without the correct school code, the university will not be able to determine your financial aid eligibility.

Step 5: Review Any Additional Financial Aid Requirements

After WGU receives your FAFSA information, the university may request additional documentation to verify certain details on your application. This process, known as verification, is common and does not necessarily indicate a problem with your FAFSA.

Responding quickly to any requests can help prevent delays in processing your financial aid package.

Step 6: Review and Accept Your Financial Aid Offer

Once your FAFSA has been processed and any required documentation has been reviewed, WGU will provide a financial aid offer outlining the grants, loans, scholarships, and other aid for which you qualify.

Carefully review each type of aid before accepting it. While grants and scholarships generally do not require repayment, federal student loans will need to be repaid after you leave school or fall below eligible enrollment requirements.

Step 7: Complete Any Remaining Requirements and Begin Your Program

Students who accept federal student loans may need to complete entrance counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note before funds can be disbursed.

After all financial aid requirements have been satisfied and enrollment is finalized, your aid will be applied according to WGU's financial aid schedule, helping cover eligible educational expenses during your term.

How Much Does WGU Cost After Financial Aid?

The amount you'll pay to attend WGU depends on your degree program, financial aid eligibility, scholarships, and employer or military benefits. While costs vary, many students pay significantly less than the published tuition rates after grants and scholarships are applied.

For bachelor's degree programs, WGU reports average annual tuition of about $8,300. Students who qualify for Pell Grants, scholarships, or other aid may see their out-of-pocket costs reduced substantially. Depending on the amount of aid received, annual costs can range from nearly $0 for some students with significant grant funding to more than $8,000 for those paying most expenses themselves.

Tuition

WGU charges tuition using a flat-rate, six-month term model rather than charging per credit. This structure allows students to complete as many courses as they can successfully finish during each term, potentially reducing the total cost of their degree.

Tuition varies by program, with bachelor's degrees generally averaging about $8,300 per year. Graduate programs may cost more or less depending on the field of study. Because tuition is charged per term, students who accelerate their progress may complete their degree in fewer terms and lower their overall costs.

E-Books and Resources Fees

In addition to tuition, WGU charges an e-books and resources fee of approximately $200 per term. This fee helps cover access to digital textbooks, learning resources, course materials, and other academic tools used throughout a student's program.

Because many required learning materials are included through this fee, WGU students often spend less on textbooks than students at traditional colleges that require separate textbook purchases each term. However, students should still budget for personal technology needs, such as a reliable computer and internet connection, which are necessary for completing online coursework.

Other Ways to Pay for Tuition at WGU

Financial aid is not the only way to make a WGU degree more affordable. Many students combine multiple funding sources to reduce their out-of-pocket costs and limit student loan borrowing.

Consider these additional ways to pay for tuition at WGU:

Apply for WGU scholarships: WGU offers dozens of scholarships for new students, transfer students, military learners, teachers, nurses, and professionals changing careers.
Use employer tuition assistance: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or direct tuition assistance programs that can help cover education costs while you continue working.
Take advantage of military education benefits: Eligible service members, veterans, and military spouses may qualify for GI Bill benefits, Tuition Assistance, or other military education programs.
Look for state grants and workforce programs: Some states offer grants, scholarships, or workforce development funding for residents pursuing degrees in high-demand fields.
Apply for private scholarships: Community organizations, professional associations, nonprofits, and employers often offer scholarships that can be used alongside federal financial aid.
Accelerate your degree progress: Because WGU uses a flat-rate tuition model, completing more courses during a term may help reduce the total number of terms needed to graduate, lowering your overall education costs.
Transfer eligible credits: Bringing in previously earned college credits may reduce the number of courses required for your degree, potentially saving both time and money.

Financial Aid Deadlines for WGU

WGU accepts new students throughout the year, but financial aid planning should begin well before your intended start date. Completing the FAFSA early gives you the best chance to receive aid before classes begin and helps avoid delays in processing.

The FAFSA typically becomes available each year on October 1 for the following academic year, although federal timelines can occasionally change. WGU recommends submitting the FAFSA as soon as possible after it opens, especially if you may qualify for need-based grants or state financial aid programs with limited funding.

Students should also pay attention to scholarship deadlines, which may differ from FAFSA deadlines and vary by scholarship program. Applying early can help ensure all required documents are processed before your planned enrollment date.

Because financial aid requirements and processing times can change, it's a good idea to check WGU's financial aid office for the most current deadlines and application requirements before starting your program.

Compare Financial Aid at Other Online Schools

WGU is one of many online colleges that accept FAFSA, but financial aid policies, scholarship opportunities, and tuition costs can vary from school to school. If you're comparing online degree programs, it can be helpful to review how other universities handle federal aid, grants, loans, and institutional scholarships before making a decision. The guides below can help you explore financial aid options at other popular online colleges:

FAQs About FAFSA and Financial Aid at WGU

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, especially if you're comparing multiple online schools. Below are answers to some common questions about FAFSA, scholarships, and financial aid at WGU.

Does WGU Accept FAFSA for Online Degree Programs?

WGU participates in federal financial aid programs and accepts the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligible online students may qualify for federal grants, federal student loans, and other forms of financial assistance. Because WGU is an accredited university that participates in Title IV federal aid programs, online students generally have access to the same federal aid opportunities available at many traditional colleges.

What Is WGU's FAFSA School Code?

WGU's FAFSA school code is 033394. When completing the FAFSA, you'll need to include this code so the U.S. Department of Education can send your financial aid information directly to WGU. Using the correct code helps ensure the university can review your eligibility and prepare your financial aid offer.

Can FAFSA Cover All of My WGU Tuition?

Whether or not FAFSA will cover your full tuition at WGU depends on your financial situation and the types of aid you receive. Some students qualify for Pell Grants, scholarships, and other assistance that cover a large portion of their educational expenses. Others may need to combine grants with federal student loans, employer tuition assistance, military benefits, or personal funds to pay the remaining balance.

Does WGU Offer Scholarships in Addition to FAFSA?

WGU offers numerous scholarships for online students, including opportunities for transfer students, military learners, nurses, teachers, technology professionals, and individuals pursuing career changes. Scholarships can often be combined with federal financial aid, helping reduce the amount you need to borrow or pay out of pocket.

How Long Does It Take to Receive Financial Aid at WGU?

Processing times vary depending on when you submit your FAFSA and whether additional documentation is required. Students who complete the FAFSA early and respond quickly to any requests from WGU's financial aid office typically experience a smoother process. To avoid delays, it's a good idea to begin your financial aid application several weeks before your intended start date.

Find Online Schools That Accept FAFSA

Find your perfect online school by exploring the colleges that accept FAFSA, like WGU, featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific institutions to find out more about tuition costs and financial aid options.