Financial Aid Eligibility

Financial aid is available to help Whitworth students meet the cost of their education. Students do not have to be in a low-income category to qualify, but they do need to apply to be considered for financial aid. There is no set income cutoff to be used in determining eligibility.

A student enrolled in an approved Whitworth study abroad program is considered enrolled at Whitworth for federal aid purposes and is eligible for federal financial aid.

Cost of Attendance

The breakdown of the cost of attendance for students varies with each program. The cost of attendance, or budget, that we use is only an estimate. Actual costs may vary.

Student Aid Index (SAI)

The student aid index is based on formulas developed by the federal government that take into account a variety of factors, including family size, number of family members in college, income, assets, etc. The SAI represents the financial strength of the family and is used to determine need-based financial aid. 

The dependent student and his/her parents, or the independent student and his/her spouse if he/she is married), are expected to contribute toward expenses. To be considered independent, a student must be able to answer yes to at least one of the independence questions listed on the FAFSA and provide required documentation. 

Calculating Need Based Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance - Student Aid Index (SAI) = Eligibility for Financial Need-Based Aid