Independent Study and Online Learning

You may receive financial aid for independent study/distance learning courses. However, tuition waivers and scholarships cannot be used for these courses. 

If you’re taking independent study/distance learning courses at WSU, you may be eligible to receive federal financial aid if you’re in compliance with specific federal policies. The financial aid award can only be released after you have completed 50% of the course work in each independent study/distance learning course you’re taking by the end of the seventh week of the semester.

Since the funds cannot be released until mid-semester, you must pay for your courses at the time of registration.

Additionally, independent study/distance learning courses must be completed within the 15-week semester in which you register. All coursework must be submitted no later than 2 weeks prior to the end of the semester in order to allow instructors sufficient time to evaluate course work and submit final grades. Failure to complete independent study/distance learning courses within the specified semester may jeopardize your eligibility for financial aid in the future.

Also, there are federal guidelines that govern the amount of independent study credit that can factor into your financial aid eligibility (such as your cost of attendance).

If you intend to use financial aid for your independent study courses, it is important that you contact the WSU Financial Aid & Scholarship Office at 801-626-7569 and the WSU Independent Study Office at 801-626-6600 for detailed instructions prior to registering for courses.