In order to be considered for financial aid, a student must have final approval into a degree program and be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours per term. Western New England College need-based resources may be available for eligible graduate and undergraduate students. For undergraduates, additional funds may include the Federal Pell Grant and the Massachusetts Student Part-Time Grant. Graduate and undergraduate students may also be eligible for low interest federal loans.
To find out if you are eligible for financial aid as a part-time student, file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are encouraged to file online at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Western New England College's Title IV code is 002226.
For additional information, visit http://www.finaid.org/ and you will find The SmartStudent(r) Guide to Financial Aid. It was developed to help students and their families understand financial aid and search for additional financial assistance. Please remember, all federal loans must be obtained through the College via the Federal Direct Student Loan program. Federal Stafford Loans obtained elsewhere are not accepted at Western New England College.
If you submit a FAFSA, you will be asked to mail or fax signed copies of your most recent federal tax returns and W-2 forms to the Student Administrative Services Office. The fax number is: 413-796-2081.
Scholarships and Special Awards Available to Part-Time Students
Adult Learner Scholarship - For Graduate and undergraduate study
Adult Learner Scholarships are awarded to degree-seeking graduate and part-time (less than 11 credits per term/semester) undergraduate students. Students must have a financial need, and must be taking classes on the Springfield campus or online.
Alumni Endowed Scholarship - For undergraduate study
Scholarship awards are made annually by the Alumni Association to a full-time student from each of the Schools of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Engineering. Two awards are also made to part-time students. The College selects the recipients on the basis of academic merit and demonstrated financial need.
Susan Squire Bousquet Endowed Memorial Scholarship - For undergraduate study
A scholarship is awarded annually to a part-time student with demonstrated financial need. Susan was a student at the College when she passed away in 1988. Her family and friends established this scholarship in her memory.
Evelyn Burton Endowed Scholarship - For undergraduate study
Scholarships of varying amounts are awarded based on financial need to students who are single parents. This scholarship is provided from a fund established by Thomas R. Burton '70 in memory of his mother, Evelyn.
Joseph A. Mastrangelo Endowed Scholarship - For undergraduate study
A scholarship is awarded annually to a person taking more than the normal academic schedule (three courses) as a nontraditional student. This scholarship was established by Joseph Mastrangelo '77.
Federal Direct Ford Student Loans
Eligibility for a subsidized loan is based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. If a student does not qualify for a need based subsidized loan, they automatically qualify for the same loan limits through the unsubsidized loan. The interest that accrues during periods of enrollment for a subsidized loan is paid by the federal government. The interest that accrues during periods of enrollment for an unsubsidized loan is paid by the student. Freshman students are granted a need-assessed award of $3,500 per year, sophomores are granted a need-assessed award of $4,500 per year, juniors and seniors are granted a need-assessed award of $5,500 per year. All students can opt to borrow up to $2000 as an unsubsidized loan in addition to the initial need-assessed award. The total amount that undergraduates may borrow is $31,000. Independent students may borrow, through the unsubsidized loan, an additional $6,000 in their first and second years, and $7,000 in their third and fourth years. Graduate students may borrow up to $8,500 per year through the subsidized loan, and up to $12,000 per year through the unsubsidized loan.
Private Loans
Students who choose not to apply for federal loans, or who are taking less than six credit hours per semester, or who are pursuing non-degree study, may pursue a private loan to assist with financing their studies. Contact the Student Administrative Services Office for additional information.
Employer Reimbursement Extension Plan
The Employer Reimbursement Extension Plan is designed for students receiving reimbursement from their employer for tuition and fees. It allows students to defer two-thirds of their tuition payment until 30 days after grades are received, to allow time for tuition reimbursement to be processed by the employer. In order to participate in this plan, students must complete an enrollment form and provide a letter of verification from their employer that they are eligible for tuition reimbursement. Students are required to pay any fees owed plus 33% of tuition upon receipt of their first bill; the remaining balance is due 30 days after grades are received. Once classes begin, finance charges will accrue on all unpaid balances at the rate of 1% per month. A copy of our Employer Reimbursement Extension Plan Form can be found at www.wnec.edu/adultlearning. Click on the Form Finder link.
Company or Government Direct Payment
With direct payment, the student's employer pays the College directly for tuition and fees. Students who have their tuition underwritten by their employer must provide Western New England College with an employer authorization form or a letter from their employer, on company letterhead, indicating their commitment to pay under direct billing. The letter should also include billing contact information. New authorization is required each semester and can be faxed to the Student Administrative Services Office, Attention: Billing.
Online Payment Option
You have the convenience paying your bill online. Simply visit the Student Administrative Services Office website at http://www1.wnec.edu/sas/, and click on "Making a Payment."
For questions and/or to schedule an appointment to learn more about the financial aid process and your options to finance your studies, contact the Student Administrative Services Office:
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Fridays, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The Office is open 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. during the summer (late May - mid-August).
Phone: 413-796-2080 or 800-325-1122 ext. 2080
http://www1.wnec.edu/sas/
Information Sessions
Undergraduate Part-time
Degree Programs
Tues., December 8, 5:30 p.m.
Kevin S. Delbridge
Welcome Center,
Second Floor
