Paying for college
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to be admitted to WSU. Scholarships are available through the Undergraduate Admissions Office and the Graduate School that do not require citizenship or permanent resident status.
Federal student aid
To receive federal financial aid, you must be a citizen of the United States or have lawful permanent resident status.
The standard documentation for a permanent resident of the United States is the Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551, since 1997) or Resident Alien Card (Form I-551, before 1997).
You are not eligible for federal financial aid if:
- You have only a Notice of Approval to Apply for Permanent Residence (I-717 or I-464)
- You are in the United States on only a F1 or F2 student visa
- You are in the United States on only a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa
Additional resources
For immigration or cross-cultural adjustment issues, contact the WSU Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS).
- SmartStudent Guide to Studying in the USA
- U.S. Department of Education
- Undocumented students and federal aid
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- College Board information for undocumented students
- Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
- National Immigration Law Center
Resident tuition application
You may apply for resident status if you are in the United States for any reasons other than temporary educational purposes.
Visit the WSU Records and Registration website for more information.