Post-Bachelor Student Financial Aid Eligibility
Financial Aid for Students with Eligible Program Exception Status
A regular student in an eligible program is enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the University to obtain a degree or certificate. There are two exceptions to the “eligible program” requirement: (1) prerequisite course work and (2) teacher certification. Students who are completing prerequisite coursework or teacher certification are enrolled at the post-bachelor’s level.
Required Documentation
To receive financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Post-bachelor students may be eligible for federal student loans, and you should indicate your interest on the FAFSA.
Prerequisite Course Work
If you are enrolled at the post-bachelor’s level on at least a half time basis in courses required for your enrollment in a program that leads to a degree or certificate, you may apply for a Federal Stafford Loan. Enrollment for at least six credit hours at the post-bachelor’s level is considered half time. The courses must be part of an eligible program offered by Wayne State University and must be prerequisite for admission. Example: You already have received a bachelor’s degree, but you need an additional 12 hours of specialized undergraduate coursework to enroll in a graduate program.
Courses taken for the sole purpose of raising your grade point average for admission do not qualify for a loan. Other non-required courses that you elect to take do not qualify for a loan.
If you are enrolled in prerequisite course work, you may apply for a Federal Stafford Loan for one consecutive 12-month period beginning the first day of the loan period in which you enroll half time. NOTICE: The 12-month period begins the first day of the term in which you first enroll on at least a half time basis. If you decrease your enrollment to less than half time after the first day of that term, the 12-month clock continues to run.
Teacher Certification
If you are enrolled, on at least a half time basis in courses required for elementary or secondary Michigan teacher certification or re-certification, you may apply for a Federal Stafford Loan. Enrollment for at least six credit hours at the post-bachelor’s level is considered half time. Eligibility for loans is not limited to 12 consecutive months. Optional courses that you elect to take for professional recognition or advancement, or that Wayne State University recommends, do not qualify for a loan.
Students enrolled in teacher certification programs are considered fifth-year undergraduates. See our loan Web page for loan limit information. Note: You cannot borrow more than your financial need or the cost of attendance (your budget) at WSU.