The Western Way at WIU helps incoming students pay tuition, fees

Sharon Wren
·2 min read
The Western Way at WIU helps incoming students pay tuition, fees

To expand access and ensure opportunities for academic success, Western Illinois University is introducing The Western Way, which will provide a pathway for incoming students to cover tuition and mandatory fees.

The initiative is supported by the State of Illinois’ AIM HIGH Western Commitment Program and covers fees and tuition for incoming students who meet eligibility and renewal requirements. Freshmen are eligible for coverage for eight consecutive semesters, while transfers can receive coverage for four consecutive semesters. The program’s goal is to eliminate financial barriers for qualifying students. It will begin with the Summer/Fall 2024 semester.

“We are focused on reducing barriers and making WIU the best choice for even more students,” said Justin Schuch, assistant vice president for Student Success and Enrollment. “With thousands of Leatherneck alumni living and working in the state of Illinois, The Western Way will help secure the same direction for countless future Illinois residents. We are grateful for state leaders committed to supporting higher education in Illinois. The Western Way would not be possible without their support.”

Students must be coming to WIU as incoming first-time or transfer students and take at least 12 credit hours to qualify for The Western Way. The award will fund up to a maximum of 15 credit hours. Students must receive the State of Illinois AIM HIGH Western Commitment or Transfer Commitment award and meet these eligibility criteria for federal financial aid:

  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

  • Be a resident of Illinois who graduated from an Illinois high school with at least one parent who is also a resident of Illinois, as listed on the FAFSA.

  • Annual family income must be less than $81,000 with zero assets based on the FAFSA.

“The Western Way underscores WIU’s longstanding commitment to providing access to an unmatched educational experience as one of the best regional public institutions in the Midwest,” said Doug Freed, director of Undergraduate Admissions and Enrollment Services.

Eligible students will receive a financial aid package that offers scholarship and grant funding to cover the full cost of tuition, as well as mandatory campus fees not already covered by other federal, state, institutional and private awards, including the Federal Pell Grant and the State of Illinois MAP Grant. Students may also be considered for additional financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, loans and employment to cover other educational expenses, such as food and housing, books and supplies and personal/miscellaneous expenses. The Western Way does not cover housing and dining, books and supplies, course fees, study abroad, internship or other student expenses.

For more information on The Western Way, click here. Incoming students must apply for admission and complete the FAFSA or the Illinois Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.

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