Graduate Financial Aid
Your decision to choose graduate-level education at PennWest California is an investment in your future.
PennWest California offers you the best value for an excellent college education, along with many options for financial aid to help you manage your costs. We are ready to work with you to create a personalized financial aid package to meet your needs.
Types of Financial Aid
Financial aid is designed to reduce your cost to attend PennWest California, whether you are an graduate student living on campus, a commuter student or a Global Online graduate student. You must be enrolled as a degree or approved credential seeking student to be eligible for graduate financial aid. Please be aware that you may not be eligible for financial aid for undergraduate courses while enrolled as a graduate student.
The Financial Aid Office can help you understand the types of financial aid that are available to graduate students, including:
- Scholarships, which do not have to be repaid.
- Loans, which advance funds that must be paid back shortly after graduation.
- Graduate assistantships, which award stipends to student employees who work part- ime at the University while pursuing a graduate degree.
Our financial aid webpages provide a valuable introduction to PennWest California's financial aid process. For one-on-one help, contact the Financial Aid Office by email (finaid-cal@pennwest.edu) or phone (724-938-4415). The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday.
Apply for Financial Aid
To be considered for all types of financial aid, [link to 5.2] you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Review PennWest California's step-by-step process. Complete and submit your FAFSA by March 1, PennWest California's priority processing deadline. PennWest California uses the FAFSA form to calculate your Expected Family Contribution and determine your financial need.
Important Graduate Student Resources
At PennWest California, you can turn to expert help in our Financial Aid Office. Counselors will explain the available types of financial aid, how to apply for financial aid , and the awarding process. The Financial Aid Office also provides consumer information and a Financial Literacy Program to help you and your family make informed financial decisions.
Office of Student Accounts and Billing
The Office of Student Accounts bills students for tuition, housing and fees. The Bursar's Office also provides information about the status of your account and answers questions about payment due dates, payment methods, payment plans, third-party billing, withdrawals, refunds and Perkins loan repayment. If you are awarded financial aid, the Bursar's Office is responsible for applying that financial aid amount to your bill.