Timeline

Plan ahead

• Begin to search and apply for scholarships for the upcoming academic year. WSU ScholarshipUniverse connects Wayne State University students to internal and external scholarship opportunities. 
• Begin reviewing the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website financial aid resources for medical students.

Financial aid application process

• Complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at StudentAid.gov/fafsa. The FAFSA is required for all awards including institutional scholarships. The FAFSA can be completed as early as the prior fall for the upcoming academic year. Select Wayne State University as your school.

Verification, award notification, and acceptance

• After we receive your FAFSA data and you have been admitted to WSU, you will receive communications, requests for additional information, and a financial aid award notification from us via your WSU email account.
• Check the Financial Aid Portal in Academica to view your awards and any outstanding requirements. 

Prior to disbursement of your aid

Estimate your personal expenses to determine a budget for the year. Limit borrowing to essentials only. Plan your budget to accommodate expenses prior to financial aid disbursement. 

• Access the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Budgeting Ideas and Tips page for budget planning help.
• The AAMC also provides an interactive monthly budget worksheet. 

A Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan amount will be automatically offered in your financial aid package. If you decide to request a Grad PLUS Loan, apply at Studentaid.gov. The PLUS application will open June 9, for the new academic year.

• First-time borrowers only: Complete entrance loan counseling and sign a master promissory note.
• Consider signing the federal financial aid Title IV Authorization Form to authorize WSU to pay other University charges and/or contracted University room and board from your student financial aid.
• Be sure that your address is current. Updated address information must be completed at least three days before your funds are disbursed. Update your address information via Academica.

Disbursement of your aid

Financial aid is disbursed at the beginning of each semester. If your financial aid disbursement exceeds your student account charges (tuition, fees), a refund will be generated to you by the WSU Bursar Office. 

After your aid is disbursed

• Contact the Financial Aid Office if you have questions about your financial aid.
• Contact the Records and Registration Office with inquiries about tuition charges.
• Choose a Payment Option at the Cashier's Office for charges that are not covered by your financial aid.