Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office is here to assist you and your family with the process of financing your education. They will work with you to ensure that you have a clear understanding of your financial aid options while attending Worcester State University.

Because financial aid packages vary based on students’ unique circumstances, Worcester State will assign a financial aid counselor to work with you throughout your academic years at the University. An ongoing relationship with your financial aid counselor will help you with any questions and concerns in a comfortable and supportive environment.

For the most part, financial aid will be awarded to you on the basis of need in the form of grants, loans, and work-study. In addition to need-based aid, there are a variety of non-need-based loans and academic scholarships available. Many students receive a combination of these different forms of assistance. Currently, 78% of Worcester State students receive some form of aid with an average annual award of $10,111.

The average federal loan debt upon graduation in 2020 was $29,051.

If any financial difficulties arise unexpectedly, be sure to contact the Financial Aid Office to make an appointment with your counselor.

Note: Worcester State’s Federal Title IV school code for the FAFSA is 002190.

Announcements

It is almost time to file your FAFSA for the 2024/2025 academic year.

The federal government is allowing college students and their families to file their FAFSA starting late December of 2023/Early January of 2024.

• You will use 2022 income on the 2024-2025 FAFSA
• You should use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to streamline the process and minimize errors
• Returning students: You need to submit a FAFSA form each year

Complete Your FAFSA

Note: If you are starting in Spring 2024, please file a 2023-2024 FAFSA using your 2021 income figures.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides food purchasing assistance for low- and no-income people, including students. The monthly benefits are used to supplement the participant’s food budget. You can learn more and even apply online at https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/, or you can go to the SNAP office in S-129 to learn more about the program and participant eligibility. More information on the SNAP office, as well as Thea’s Pantry or you can call the SNAP office at 508-929-8957.

Mailing Policy

From September to May (but not between semesters), the Financial Aid Office sends mail to students via their residence hall mail box, if they reside on campus, or to their home address, if they do not reside on campus. During the summer months everything is mailed to the home address. Whenever possible, the Financial Aid Office also sends announcements to students through the regular What’s Up at Woo University emails.