A Western education is an important part of your future.  It can open doors that might otherwise be closed.  But, let's face it, higher education is expensive.

It is important to understand the financial obligation associated with your education and also what opportunities for assistance are available to help meet this obligation. 

Determining Expected Family Contribution & Financial Need

To determine your financial need for assistance, Western begins by assigning you a Cost of Attendance (COA) budget in accordance with Federal regulations. This budget includes more than just the charges you see on your bill for tuition, fees, room, and board. Allowances for books and supplies, transportation expenses, living expenses, etc. are also built in.

Next, we subtract your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).  Your EFC is determined by a formula created by Congress that takes into consideration your family income, assets, number in the household, number in the household attending college, and the age of the older parent.  In other words, your EFC is determined by your FAFSA results.

Then, we subtract the assistance you are expected to receive from ALL sources.

Cost of Attendance (COA) Budget

-Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

Financial Need

- All Sources of Assistance

Remaining Unmet Financial Need

Using guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education, Western Financial Aid Administrators put together a financial aid package that comes as close as possible to meeting your need.  Because funds are limited, the actual amount awarded may fall short of the amount of unmet need you have. 

Example:

The Student Guide, provided by the U.S. Department of Education, provides more guidance on the calculation of Expected Family Contribution, Financial Need, and General Eligibility requirements for Federal Student Aid.

2009-10 Western Cost of Attendance Budgets for Full-Time Students

(Based on a Full Academic Year)

Students receiving aid from Federal, State and most Institutional sources may not exceed the calculated Cost of Attendance at Western.

To determine your actual cost of attending Western, please complete the Western Budget Calculator.

Dependent Student Cost of Attendance Budget - Missouri Resident

Dependent Student Cost of Attendance Budget - Non-Resident

Independent Student Cost of Attendance Budget