Financial Aid, Office of

General Information

WNMU’s Financial Aid program assists students who would be unable to attend the university without financial support. Aid may include scholarships, grants, loans, and employment opportunities, offered individually or in combination to eligible students. All assistance is considered supplementary to the student’s own resources, and the total amount awarded may not exceed demonstrated financial need. Need is determined using a federally defined formula that evaluates the support a student can reasonably expect from other sources, including family contributions.

All students seeking federal financial assistance must complete the following:

1. Submit a Financial Aid Application by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov.
2. List WNMU’s school code (002664) on the FAFSA. This allows the Office of Financial Aid to receive the Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR), which is used to determine the type and amount of aid awarded.
3. Be formally admitted as an undergraduate or graduate student to establish eligibility.
4. First-time transfer students should obtain a transfer credit evaluation from the Registrar’s Office.

Awarding of Funds

Students will receive an award notification outlining their financial aid package and instructions for accessing the Financial Aid section of their Mustang Express Account. Scholarships and grants are automatically accepted, while loans, some tuition waivers, and work-study awards require the student’s acceptance. Students must follow the provided instructions to participate in these programs. Once accepted, the awards will be credited to the student’s account through the Business Office.

Returning Title IV Federal Aid

The Office of Financial Aid at Western New Mexico University is required by the U.S. Department of Education to recalculate federal aid eligibility for any student who withdraws, drops out, is dismissed, or takes a leave of absence before completing 60 percent of the semester. Title IV programs include the Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), TEACH Grant, and Direct Loans.

The withdrawal date, as defined by federal regulation, is the earliest of the following: the date the student begins the official withdrawal process, the last date of documented attendance, or the midpoint of the term for students who withdraw without notifying the University. Students intending to withdraw from all courses must initiate the process through the Registrar’s Office, which manages withdrawals electronically. Students are responsible for ensuring proper withdrawal from all courses.

When a student initiates a complete withdrawal, the following offices are notified:

1. Academic Support
2. Business Office
3. Financial Aid
4. Residence Life
5. Veteran’s Office
6. Registrar’s Office

The percentage of the term completed is determined by dividing the number of days the student attended by the total number of days in the enrollment period. Only the portion of aid corresponding to this percentage is considered earned. Students who remain enrolled beyond the 60 percent point of the term are deemed to have earned all federal aid for that period.

The unearned portion of Federal Student Aid must be returned to the appropriate program(s) in the following order:

1. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
2. Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
3. Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
4. Federal Direct PLUS Loan
5. Federal Pell Grant
6. Federal SEOG Grant
7. Federal TEACH Grant

The University must return any unearned funds for which it is responsible as soon as possible, and no later than 45 days after determining a student’s withdrawal. Students who withdraw are responsible for paying any remaining balance owed to the Business Office after the required return of Federal Student Aid.

Recalculation of federal aid is based on the percentage of earned aid using the following method:

1. Percent Earned:
   The percentage of earned aid is determined by dividing the number of days completed up to the withdrawal date by the total number of days in the semester.
   Example: If the semester begins on August 17 and the student withdraws on September 10:
   25 days completed ÷ 101 instructional days = 24.8% earned aid.
2. Percent Unearned and Return of Funds:
   Federal aid must be returned to the Department of Education based on the percentage of unearned aid. This is calculated as 100 percent of the term minus the percent earned, multiplied by the total aid disbursed.
   Example: Using the 24.8% earned time above, for a student who received a $2,675 grant with total charges of $1,769.28:
   100% - 24.8% = 75.2% unearned
   $1,769.28 × 75.2% = $1,330.48 returned to federal aid programs.
3. Federal Refund Policy:
   This federally required refund calculation is separate from Western New Mexico University’s tuition refund policy, which allows only 100% or 0% tuition refunds. Any University refund is applied first to repay federal aid programs. In the example above, a student withdrawing on September 10 falls within the 0% refund period and receives no tuition refund, yet must still return 75.2% of the aid received.

Example Summary:

To maintain eligibility for Federal Student Aid during a semester, students must actively attend classes, complete required coursework, and take all scheduled exams. Eligibility for financial aid in subsequent semesters requires students to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress toward degree completion, in accordance with federal regulations and university policy.

Unofficial Withdrawals
Students who receive all NFs for non-attendance in a semester are considered to have unofficially withdrawn and are required to return a portion of Title IV aid. The refund is generally calculated as if the student withdrew at the midpoint of the semester, unless the last date of academically related activity can be verified.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that students receiving Title IV federal financial aid maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in their academic programs. Federal regulations require that students meet SAP standards regardless of whether they receive financial aid each semester.

Scope

• The policy applies to all undergraduate students receiving financial aid at WNMU.
• It must be applied consistently across identifiable student categories, such as full-time or part-time students.
• It covers students pursuing:
  • Certificates
  • Associate’s degrees
  • Bachelor’s degrees
• Students are responsible for understanding and complying with the SAP policy.

Measurement Standards

SAP for undergraduate students is assessed using three federally mandated standards:

1. Qualitative Standard - Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
   • Ensures students are achieving satisfactory academic performance.
2. Quantitative Standard - Maximum Time Frame for Completion
   • Limits the total time/hours a student can take to complete their program.
3. Quantitative Percentage Standard - Attempted Hours vs. Earned Hours
   • Ensures students are successfully completing a sufficient portion of the courses they attempt.

Qualitative Standard - Minimum Cumulative GPA

Students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) based on the total number of credit hours they have attempted. WNMU employs a 4.0 grading scale, and the minimum GPA requirement increases as students progress through their academic program:

Failure to maintain the required cumulative GPA may result in the loss of eligibility for federal financial aid in accordance with WNMU’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.

Quantitative Standard - Progress Toward Program Completion

The quantitative standard measures a student’s academic progress in their program of study. This standard consists of two components:

1. Quantitative Percentage - Minimum Completion Rate
   • Students are required to successfully complete a minimum of 67% of all attempted credit hours. This ensures that students are making satisfactory progress toward degree completion.
2. Maximum Time Frame
   • The maximum time frame limits the total number of credit hours a student may attempt to complete their program.

Maximum Time Frame is determined by dividing the total number of credit hours a student has attempted by the total number of credit hours required to complete the student’s program of study. When a student reaches 150 percent of the required credit hours, they have reached the Maximum Time Frame for their program. Exceeding this limit may result in the loss of eligibility for federal financial aid.

Example:
For a program requiring 120 credit hours, the Maximum Time Frame is 150%, or 180 attempted credit hours. Once a student reaches 180 attempted credit hours in this program, they have reached the Maximum Time Frame.

Consequences:
Students who reach the Maximum Time Frame for their program of study will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension.

Adjustment for Change of Major:
If a student changes their major, all previously attempted credits and earned grades will continue to count toward the Maximum Time Frame calculation. No credits or grades are excluded due to a change of major.

Returning Students Pursuing a Second Degree

Evaluation of Grades under Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress

1. Re-enrollment After Graduation
   • If a student graduates from WNMU and later re-enrolls to pursue an additional program, all developmental/remedial courses and courses in which the student previously earned grades of F, W, or I will count toward the Maximum Time Frame calculation. No previously attempted courses are excluded.
2. Qualitative Standard (GPA Requirement)
   • To satisfy the qualitative standard, a student’s cumulative GPA must be 2.0 or higher.
3. Credit Hours Evaluation
   • Grades of A, B, C, D, F, P, and transfer credits are considered as credit hours attempted and earned.
   • Grades of W (withdrawal), NF (no credit), or I (incomplete):
     • Count as attempted hours for the semester
     • Do not count as earned hours for the 67% Completion Rate or Maximum Time Frame calculations
4. Withdrawal Considerations
   • Students who withdraw from the college must continue to meet SAP standards for both the 67% Completion Rate and Maximum Time Frame requirements.

Failure to Meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards

1. Financial Aid Warning Status
   • Following the first semester in which a student fails to meet the standards of the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Warning Status for the next semester of enrollment.
   • Students on Financial Aid Warning Status may continue to receive financial aid as long as they remain otherwise eligible.
2. Returning to Good Standing
   • A student on Financial Aid Warning Status who improves their academic performance to meet both the qualitative and quantitative standards will be returned to good standing and may continue to receive financial aid for subsequent semesters.
3. Financial Aid Suspension
   • A student on Financial Aid Warning Status who fails to meet SAP standards for the subsequent semester will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension.
   • Students on Financial Aid Suspension are denied further financial aid until they meet the qualitative and quantitative standards.
4. Appeals Process
   • Students who are placed on Financial Aid Suspension may submit an appeal. The appeal process is designed to ensures that students:
     • Understand how they failed to meet SAP standards and the potential consequences for graduation.
     • Explain and document exceptional circumstances that impacted their ability to meet SAP standards.
     • Understand academic options available to improve performance.
     • Develop a realistic academic plan with a timeline and measurable goals to regain SAP within a reasonable period while working toward degree completion.
   • Students who successfully appeal their financial aid suspension and agree to an acceptable academic plan will have their financial aid reinstated on a probationary basis.
   • Probationary status will be reviewed at the end of each subsequent semester to ensure continued progress toward SAP compliance.

Successful Completion of Probation: Students who meet the minimum cumulative standards at the end of any semester will have their probationary status removed and be fully reinstated for financial aid eligibility.

Continued Probation: Students who, after a semester review, remain below the minimum cumulative standards but have fulfilled the requirements of their academic plan will continue on probation while following the plan to regain satisfactory academic progress.

Financial Aid Suspension: Students who, after a semester review, remain below the minimum cumulative standards and have failed to meet the expectations outlined in their approved academic plan will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension and will lose eligibility for financial aid.

Regaining Financial Aid Eligibility after Suspension

Students who have been placed on Financial Aid Suspension and are therefore ineligible to receive financial aid, whether before or after probation, may regain eligibility by achieving the minimum cumulative standards for both GPA and completion rate as outlined in this policy.

• Students must meet all three elements of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)-qualitative (GPA), quantitative (completion rate), and maximum time frame-before financial aid eligibility can be reinstated.
• Simply enrolling in future semesters and paying out-of-pocket does not automatically restore financial aid eligibility. Financial aid will only be reinstated once all SAP requirements are met.

Complete Withdrawals and Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students who completely withdraw from WNMU are still required to maintain the standards outlined in the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy for Undergraduate Students.

• A complete withdrawal negatively affects a student’s SAP standing.
• If a student withdraws during a semester and follows the proper procedures and deadlines, all grades for that semester will be recorded as “W” (Withdrawal).
• Withdrawn courses are not considered passing, and therefore the student does not meet the 67% Completion Rate requirement.
• Following a complete withdrawal, a student’s SAP status will be adjusted based on their prior standing and may result in:
  • Financial Aid Warning,
  • Financial Aid Probation, or
  • Financial Aid Suspension.

Academic Probation and Suspension

• Students who are placed on Academic Probation or Academic Suspension will automatically be placed on Financial Aid Warning or Financial Aid Suspension, respectively.
• If a student successfully appeals their Academic Probation or Academic Suspension, this appeal does not alter their status under the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy. The student will remain on Financial Aid Warning or Financial Aid Suspension as applicable.
• For details regarding the appeal process for Financial Aid SAP, please refer to the Financial Aid Appeals Process section of this policy.

Notification of Status

Students who are placed on Financial Aid Probation or Financial Aid Suspension will be notified of their status via university email once final grades for the semester have been posted.

Effect of Dropped or Withdrawn Courses on SAP

Reducing course load through drops or withdrawals after the semester has started may place students at risk of not meeting the 67% Completion Rate Requirement.

Consequences of Financial Aid Suspension on Financial Aid Awards

All Title IV federal financial aid awards, including grants, loans, and student employment, will be canceled  for any student placed on Financial Aid Suspension.  

Consortium Agreements and Satisfactory Academic Progress

When Western New Mexico University (WNMU) has a Consortium Agreement with another participating institution, the student is required to comply with the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards of the institution that is awarding the federal financial aid.

Effect of Repeating Courses

Under the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy for Undergraduate Students, there is no specific limit on the number of times a student may attempt a course. However, all attempts-including repeated courses-are counted when evaluating a student’s progress toward meeting the 67% Completion Rate Requirement and/or the Maximum Time Frame for program completion.

Note: Federal financial aid may cover a course taken a second time; however, repeated attempts beyond program requirements or for grade improvement may not be eligible for funding, even though all attempts are counted toward the 67% Completion Rate and Maximum Time Frame calculations.

Effect of Incomplete Grades

Courses in which a student receives an Incomplete (“I”) at the end of the semester will be counted as attempted credit hours and as non-passing for the purposes of evaluating compliance with the 67% Completion Rate Requirement and/or the Maximum Time Frame for program completion.

Renewal of Financial Aid

Financial aid awards are not automatically renewed. Students must submit a new application for financial aid each academic year. Continuation of financial aid is contingent upon meeting the minimum requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), including maintaining satisfactory progress toward the completion of their degree program.

Grants

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant Program is designed to provide financial assistance to students to help cover the cost of post-secondary education. Pell Grants are intended to serve as the foundation of a student’s financial aid package and may be combined with other forms of aid to meet educational expenses. The amount of a Pell Grant is determined by the financial resources of the student and their family.

Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for a Pell Grant, a student generally must:

1. Demonstrate financial need by completing and submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
2. Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen;
3. Be enrolled in an eligible undergraduate program and not have previously earned a bachelor’s degree from any institution.

It is the student’s responsibility to complete the FAFSA and submit it to the processing center. Results are returned as an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) and will be received electronically by the Office of Financial Aid, provided that WNMU’s school code (002664) is listed on the FAFSA.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

FSEOG is available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need who would be unable to pursue their education without such assistance. Applicants must also demonstrate academic promise and the ability to maintain satisfactory academic standing. Eligibility is determined through the FAFSA.

New Mexico Student Incentive Grant
WNMU awards the New Mexico Student Incentive Grant to qualified undergraduate students each academic year. To qualify, students must be New Mexico residents, demonstrate financial need, be enrolled at least part-time, and complete the FAFSA. Grant funds are generally applied to fees not covered by other forms of financial aid.  

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
The TEACH Grant provides up to $2,000 per semester, or $4,000 per year, to eligible undergraduate and graduate students. Total lifetime awards are limited to $16,000 for undergraduates and $8,000 for graduate students. Part-time students receive a prorated grant based on enrollment hours. Combined with other financial aid, the total TEACH Grant cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance (COA). If students do not meet the requirements of their service obligation, all TEACH Grants received will be converted to Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Students must repay these loans in full, with interest charged from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement.

Loans

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

The Federal Direct Subsidized Loan allows undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to borrow funds on an annual basis. The annual loan amount is determined by the student’s cost of attendance, Student Aid Index (SAI), grade level, and other financial resources.

Key Features:

• Interest and Repayment: Interest and principal payments are deferred while the student is enrolled at least half-time.
• Origination Fee: Borrowers are charged an origination fee, which is deducted from each disbursement.
• Repayment Start: Repayment of the loan, including interest, begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
• Enrollment Requirements:
  • Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 undergraduate credit hours.
• First-Year, First-Time Borrowers: For students who are first-year, first-time borrowers, loan disbursement will be delayed until 30 days after the start of the semester.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan allows undergraduate and graduate students to borrow funds on an annual basis regardless of financial need. The annual loan amount is determined by the student’s cost of attendance, Student Aid Index (SAI), grade level, and other financial resources.

Key Features:

• Interest Accrual:
  Interest begins accruing immediately upon disbursement, even while the student is enrolled. Students may choose to pay the interest while enrolled or allow it to capitalize (be added to the loan principal).
• Repayment and Deferment:
  Loan principal payments are deferred while the student is enrolled at least half-time.
  Repayment of principal and accrued interest begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
• Origination Fee:
  Borrowers are charged an origination fee, which is deducted from each loan disbursement.
• Enrollment Requirements:
  • Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 undergraduate credit hours.
  • Graduate students must be enrolled half-time.
• First-Year, First-Time Borrowers:
  For first-year, first-time borrowers, loan funds will not be disbursed until 30 days after the start of the semester.

Federal Direct Parent Loan (PLUS Loan)

The Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS Loan) allows parents of dependent undergraduate students to borrow funds on an annual basis to help cover educational expenses. The annual loan amount is determined by the student’s cost of attendance minus any other financial resources received.

Key Features:

• Repayment Requirements:
  Repayment of both principal and interest begins once the loan has been fully disbursed. Parents may request a deferment while the student is enrolled at least half-time; however, interest continues to accrue during periods of deferment.
• Origination Fee:
  Borrowers are charged an origination fee, which is deducted from each disbursement.
• Credit Check Requirement:
  Parents must pass a credit check to qualify for a PLUS Loan. Applicants with an adverse credit history may still qualify by obtaining an endorser or documenting extenuating circumstances.
• Additional Unsubsidized Loan Eligibility:
  If a parent is denied a PLUS Loan due to adverse credit history, the dependent student may become eligible for an additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, up to federally allowed limits.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan allows eligible graduate and professional students to borrow funds on an annual basis to help cover educational expenses. The annual loan amount is determined by the student’s cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received.

Key Features:

• Repayment Requirements:
  Repayment of both principal and interest begins once the loan has been fully disbursed. Students may request an in-school deferment while enrolled at least half-time; however, interest continues to accrue during all periods.
• Origination Fee:
  Borrowers are charged an origination fee, which is deducted from each disbursement.
• Credit Check Requirement:
  Students must pass a credit check to qualify for a Graduate PLUS Loan. Applicants with an adverse credit history may still qualify by obtaining an endorser or documenting extenuating circumstances.
• Enrollment Requirement:
  Students must be enrolled at least half-time in graduate courses.
• Admission Requirement:
  Students must be admitted as a Regular Degree-Seeking Student (with no provisional or conditional admission status) before a Graduate PLUS Loan can be certified.

Nursing Loan-For-Service Program

The purpose of the Nursing Loan-For-Service is to increase the number of nurses in areas of the state which have experienced shortages by making educational loans to students entering nursing programs.
As a condition of each loan, the student shall declare his/her intent to practice as a health professional in a designated shortage area within the state of New Mexico. For every year of service provided in a designated shortage area within New Mexico, a portion of the loan will be forgiven. If the entire service agreement is fulfilled, 100% of the loan is eligible for forgiveness. Penalties will be assessed if the service agreement is not satisfied.

Eligibility

• New Mexico Resident (12 consecutive months);
• Official Acceptance into a nursing program at a New Mexico public college or university;
• Enrolled at least half-time;
• Demonstrate financial need (meeting all FAFSA & SAP requirements);
• Student must declare his/her intent to practice as a health professional in a designated shortage area within the state of New Mexico.

Scholarships

Board of Regents Scholarships

Board of Regents Scholarships are granted to undergraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. Recipients must be New Mexico residents and must be enrolled at least half-time to maintain eligibility. Additionally, one-third of the available scholarships are reserved for students who demonstrate financial need. Grant funds are generally applied to tuition and fees not covered by other forms of financial aid. 

New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship: Available to New Mexico resident students who have graduated from a New Mexico high school (or obtain a GED) and enroll within 16 months of their high school graduation. NM Lottery Success Scholarship recipients must enroll full time and complete a minimum of 30 credit hours per academic year with a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. The Lottery Scholarship can only be used to cover tuition charges.  A student will remain eligible to receive this scholarship by completing 30 NEW credit hours in each consecutive academic year, while maintaining a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 or better- repeated coursed do NOT count. Students are not required to complete a FAFSA to receive the scholarship but it is strongly encouraged. Students with disabilities who are eligible must contact the Office of Financial Aid.  The Legislative Lottery Scholarship will be awarded for the second semester of attendance to students who have met all the eligibility requirements during their Qualifying Semester.

New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship:  

The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship is available to New Mexico residents who meet the following criteria:

• Possess a high school diploma, GED, or high school equivalency credential;
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, beginning with the first semester of receiving the scholarship;
• Do not exceed 160 total attempted credit hours for a bachelor’s degree or 90 total attempted credit hours for an associate degree.

Opportunity Scholarship funds may be applied only to tuition, mandatory fees, and books.

Recent high school graduates planning to enroll within sixteen months of graduation must instead follow the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship pathway.

For more information, students should consult the New Mexico Higher Education Department.

New Mexico Teacher Preparation Affordability Scholarship:  Available to New Mexico resident students who attend and complete an accredited public education department approved teacher preparation program at a New Mexico public post-secondary educational institution or a tribal college.  The scholarship is intended to help defray the educational expenses charged by the public post-secondary institution or tribal college including tuition, fees, books and course supplies and living expenses.

NM Scholars Program: 

The New Mexico Scholars Scholarship encourages NM high school graduates to enroll in college full-time at a public or private non-profit postsecondary in NM before their 21st birthday in an undergraduate program.

Eligibility

• Student must be a resident of New Mexico
• Must have graduated from a New Mexico high school in top 5% of class or obtain a score of 25 on the ACT or 1140 on the SAT
• Student must attend an eligible public or private not for profit post-secondary institution
• Undergraduate
• Enrolled full time
• Based on family income:  Combined family income may not exceed $60,000 per year.

Graduate Scholarship: The Graduate Scholarship was created is to increase graduate enrollment in the state’s public universities of students from groups underrepresented in graduate education.

Eligibility

• Priority will be given to New Mexico students from those groups with the most severe under-representation and students with the greatest financial need;
• Must be a New Mexico Resident;
• Earned a bachelor’s degree and maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale or who
  holds a paid position supporting faculty teaching or research activities;
• Met the admission requirements, is accepted for enrollment at an eligible institution and enrolls in at least six credit hours in a graduate field of study.

Arizona Tuition Scholarship: Non-resident tuition scholarships are offered to undergraduate Arizona residents.  Recipients must continue to be a resident of Arizona, complete a minimum of 30 credits per academic year, and earn a 2.5 cumulative GPA.  The number of Arizona Tuition Awards are limited. Returning students who meet the qualifications are given priority and new students are awarded until the limit is met. For the best chance of receiving an award, students should apply for admission and be accepted by June 1.

Colorado Tuition Scholarship: Non-resident tuition scholarships are offered to Colorado residents, both undergraduate and graduate.  Undergraduate recipients must continue to be a resident of Colorado, complete a minimum of 30 credits per academic year, and earn a 2.5 cumulative GPA.  Graduate recipients must continue to be a resident of Colorado, complete a minimum of 18 credits per academic year and earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA.  The number of Colorado Tuition Awards are limited. Returning students who meet the qualifications are given priority and new students are awarded until the limit is met. For the best chance of receiving an award, students should apply for admission and be accepted by June 1.

El Paso Tuition Scholarship: Non-resident tuition scholarships are offered to Texas residents who live within 135 miles of the Silver City Main Campus of WNMU and who earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, if undergraduate and 3.0, if graduate.  Students must complete applicable credit hours per academic year; undergraduates a minimum of 24 credit hours and graduates a minimum of 18 credit hours.  The number of El Paso Tuition Awards are limited, returning students who meet the qualifications are given priority and new students are awarded until the limit is met. For the best chance of receiving an award, students should apply for admission and be accepted by June 1.

WUE Tuition Scholarship:  Non-resident tuition scholarships are offered to residents of the WUE states, which include Alaska, Washington State, Oregon, California, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nevada, Utah, Hawaii, Northern Mariana Islands and Guam. (also, Colorado and Arizona).  Recipients must continue to be a resident of the WUE state, complete a minimum of 24 credits per academic year and earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA.  The number of WUE Tuition Awards are limited.  Returning students who meet the qualifications are given priority and new students are awarded until the limit is met. For the best chance of receiving an award, students should apply for admission and be accepted by June 1.

Competitive Out-of-State Tuition Scholarship: Qualified students who are classified as non-residents of New Mexico receive a waiver of non-resident tuition. Recipients must have an ACT score of at least 23 or SAT score of at least 1070 and a high school GPA of at least 3.0. Students may also qualify if they have a high school GPA of 3.5 with ACT score of 20 or SAT score of 950. College transfer students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Recipients must complete a minimum of 24 credits per academic year and earn a cumulative 3.0 GPA to maintain eligibility. The number of Competitive Tuition Awards are limited.  Returning students who meet the qualifications are given priority and new students are awarded until the limit is met. For the best chance of receiving an award, students should apply for admission and be accepted by June 1.

Athletic Scholarships are available to qualified members of the WNMU athletic teams. For more information, contact the Athletics Office.

Foundation Scholarships

The Western New Mexico University Foundation offers numerous scholarships, funded by the contributions of businesses, non-profit entities, and individuals, to students who meet the criteria established by our generous scholarship donors. Upon completion of the scholarship application, students will be considered for various private scholarships specifically aligned with their career and academic goals. Recipients may be new or returning students depending upon the scholarship awarded; reside in or out of state depending upon the scholarship criteria; have a grade point average as listed in the scholarship criteria. Many scholarships require a grade point average 2.5 or higher. Recipients must continue to meet the donor criteria for the scholarship meet the award renewal requirement. Students inquiring about Foundation scholarships should go to https://foundation.wnmu.edu/scholarship/info/#foundation-scholarships.

Veteran’s Program

WNMU has been approved by the Veterans’ Approval Office for the training of veterans under the Veterans’ Readjustment Act, Public Law 90-77, and for certain training programs for the children of veterans. “WNMU has been approved for Veterans Benefits by the State Approving Agency.” General admission to WNMU is sought through the Admissions Office. The Office of Veteran Affairs handles the advisement of veterans entering these programs. Veterans are required to consult with this office before registration.

After proper certification has been made and approved, persons receiving veteran benefits are required to make “satisfactory progress toward an educational goal” in order to continue receiving benefits.

To facilitate the prompt and accurate reporting of the student’s status and course load, the veteran must inform the Office of Veteran Affairs of his or her enrollment intent prior to the beginning of each semester. Changes in enrollment status made after the last day to add courses must be reported immediately. Student veterans wishing to withdraw from any course must advise the Office of Veteran Affairs. Students electing not to advise the office will assume full responsibility for changes of status, overpayment, etc.

Veterans attending WNMU have full access to all student services and activities.

It is the student’s responsibility to remain in good standing with the VA and to respond to notification of changes in regulation. The VA toll-free telephone number is 1-888-442-4551. More information may be found at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Student Employment

Work-Study Programs

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students through part-time employment. Both resident and non-resident students are eligible to participate.

State Work-Study (SWS) is a state-funded program that also provides financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students through part-time employment.

Work-study positions are awarded based on demonstrated financial need. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) serves as the application for both Federal and State Work-Study programs.