Next Steps to Financial Clearance

Financial aid packages are given to students submitting the FAFSA, are enrolled for six (6) credits or more (per semester) and making satisfactory academic progress. After applying for financial aid, here are the steps to follow next:

  1. Review Award Notification

Students are notified of aid awards on a rolling basis after they have submitted their aid application (FAFSA).

  • Students first entering Washington Adventist University usually receives a notification beginning in early February preceding the Fall Semester.
  • For continuing students, notifications typically begin in May preceding the Fall Semester.

If you feel we have missed some important aspect of your financial situation, please contact us. If you have questions about merit-based aid, contact the Office of Admissions.

If you wish to decline or reduce your student loans or to update other financial information (like receiving outside scholarships not appearing on your award notification) you must notify us in writing.

  1. Accept Your Aid Award

We assume students accept all forms of gift aid (grants and scholarships) offered in their award notifications each year unless we are notified otherwise in writing. However, students are required to accept or decline loans offered. To do this, students must:

  • Download the form in this link: https://www.wau.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2016-2017-Sub-Unsub-Loan-Request-Form.pdf
  • Accept or Decline the loans, sign and send the form to the Office of Student Financial Services.
  1. Complete Outstanding Requirements

Students who have been offered loans must:

  1. Submit the Sub-Unsub Loan Request form to Student Financial Services
  2. First-time borrowers who have accepted their loans must:
  • Complete entrance counseling at studentloans.gov (https://www.studentloans.gov)
  • Complete a Master Promissory Note at studentloans.gov (https://www.studentloans.gov)
  1. Proof of health insurance information including immunizations must be turned in to the Office of Student Life before the financial clearance process is complete. This must be done on an annual basis.
  2. Financial Clearance is NOT FINAL until a signed Financial Clearance Agreement and Promissory Note has been turned in to the Office of Student Financial Services with the payment arrangements specified on that agreement.

There are three options for paying your first payment or your full remaining balance:

  1. Full payment in cash, check, or credit card (online or at the cashier window) after financial aid is calculated
  2. Higher One Tuition Time Payment Plan (TTP Plan)
  3. Direct Parent PLUS or Alternative/Signature Loan

If you choose to enroll in the Tuition Time Payment plan, log on to and click on Enroll Now. You may also enroll by calling Sallie Mae at 1-800-635-0120. If you enroll by July 1, there is a 10 month payment plan, after August 1st, it becomes a 9 month payment plan. There is a one-time $100 enrollment fee. Please contact the Student Financial Services office if you are not able make the monthly payment amount. Additional funding may be available. Students who default on the payment plan may be withdrawn from classes until their accounts are financially current.

  1. The last day to be registered and financially clear without classes being dropped is September 6. We encourage you to contact the Student Financial Services office to start your clearance now so you can avoid the long lines. Remember, you will not be able to move into the dorm until you are entirely financially cleared, even if a coach or employer asks you to return to school early.
  1. Students who are eligible to receive Seventh-day Adventist employee subsidy should fill out the Education Subsidy form and return it to us. The Subsidy form is available online on the Financial Aid page of our website (scroll down to the bottom of the page for the link).
  1. Once Student Financial Services confirms your clearance, you will be able to get your student ID, parking permit, purchase books in the bookstore, and move into your dorm room.