Your Full Investment: Planning Your Aid Year by Year
Choosing a university is a big decision - financially and personally. Here's what you need to know to plan ahead with confidence.
Your first financial aid offer covers one year. But your education will span multiple years, and your aid picture can shift over time. This page walks you through what stays the same, what can change, and how to make the most of every dollar available to you.
What to Know, Year by Year
You need to reapply for aid every year.Your financial aid award is not automatically renewed. Each year, you'll need to submit a new FAFSA to remain eligible for federal grants, loans, and work-study.
- Priority deadline for returning students: February 1. Apply by this date to make sure you don't miss out on available funding.
- Your merit scholarship amount stays the same. If you received a merit scholarship when you were admitted, that amount will remain the same for every year you're enrolled. You don't need to reapply for it - it renews automatically as long as you remain in good standing.
- You may qualify for additional scholarships in future years.Beyond your initial award, there are endowed scholarships available that current students can apply for. Visit the Financial Aid scholarships page to explore your options.
- Outside scholarships won't reduce your RWU aid. If you win a scholarship from an outside organization, it will not reduce your RWU merit or grant money. In most cases, outside scholarships are paid directly to you.
- One thing to know: Outside scholarships can sometimes affect your work-study eligibility or the amount you're able to borrow in subsidized or unsubsidized loans. Ask your financial aid counselor if you have questions.
Other Ways to Reduce Your Costs
Sibling Discount
If two or more siblings are enrolled at the same time as full-time students at RWU - including the School of Law - each student receives a tuition discount. Both students must be admitted through the standard admissions process.
See the full breakdown on the Bursar's Undergraduate Tuition and Fees page.
Summer Earnings
Summer is a great time to earn and save. Money set aside during the summer can help cover books, supplies, and everyday expenses during the school year, reducing how much you need to borrow.
Tax Credits and Deductions
There are available to families paying for higher education - including credits that can directly reduce the amount of taxes you owe. Talk to a tax advisor when you file your taxes each year to make sure you're taking advantage of everything available to you.
If Your Situation Changes
Life doesn't always go as planned. If your family's financial situation changes - a job loss, a medical expense, a divorce - you may be able to request a review of your aid.
Visit our to learn more about the process and what documentation you'll need.
Questions about how your aid might look over time? Reach out the Office of Student Financial aid - we're here to help you plan.