DANBURY, Connecticut — Western Connecticut State University today reached out to prospective students to acknowledge that delays in U.S. government processing of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms may be creating hardships in making college acceptance decisions. In a letter dated April 16, the university’s Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, Jay Murray, wrote:
“Congratulations once again on your admission to Western Connecticut State University! We are excited at the potential reality of having you join our pack! As you are deciding on your college of choice, we know how important it is that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. One of those factors may be cost, affordability and your financial aid options.
As you may already be aware, there have been significant delays in the FAFSA application process this year that have affected all institutions across our country, including WCSU, and our ability to provide you with your financial aid award offer. WCSU has begun to receive processed FAFSA applications and is working diligently to prepare your financial aid package. We anticipate award offers being sent by the end of April. Your award notification will be sent to you via email and will also be followed by a Financial Aid Award Offer by U.S. mail.
We want to make sure that you have ample time to receive your financial aid award offer and explore all financial resources available to you. So, WCSU has extended the deposit deadline to June 1.”
WCSU Director of Financial Aid and Student Employment Melissa Stephens said students should check their FAFSA status at studentaid.gov to make any corrections or updates necessary; and if they have not yet applied, to do so as soon as possible. She further said that for students and their families who are not eligible to complete a FAFSA, there may be other applications and resources available.
“We want you to know that WCSU has generous financial resources that include grants and merit based scholarships, university scholarships, and other financing options that include Parent Plus Loans, payment plans, and private educational loans that make our already competitive costs even more affordable,” Stephens said.
For prospective students who are not relying on financial aid as an important or necessary factor in decision-making, Murray suggested taking the next steps to secure enrollment at WCSU, including visiting WCSU EasyPay, making a deposit before June 1 to receive priority course scheduling and selections, and making housing deposits before the June 1 deadline. By doing so, Murray wrote, “Incoming students will have the opportunity to complete housing application requirements, request roommates, choose a room assignment, and enjoy a worry-free summer without concerns about your fall living arrangements.”
New student orientation in June & July will allow incoming students to get acquainted with campus life and resources. Registration for orientation sessions is at www.wcsu.edu/orientation/schedule/.
For questions or assistance with any of the enrollment processes, contact admissions@wcsu.edu.
Western Connecticut State University changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.