Paying for college

U.S. citizenship is not a requirement for admission to WSU. There are scholarships awarded through the Undergraduate Admissions Office and the Graduate School that do not include citizenship or permanent resident status as a criterion.

Federal student aid

You must be a citizen of the United States or have lawful permanent resident status to receive federal financial aid.

The standard documentation for a permanent resident of the United States is the Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551, since 1997) or Resident Alien Card (Form I-551, before 1997).

You are not eligible for federal financial aid if:

• You have only a Notice of Approval to Apply for Permanent Residence (I-717 or I-464)
• You are in the United States on an F1 or F2 student visa only
• You are in the United States on a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa only

Additional resources

The WSU Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) can assist you with matters pertaining to immigration as well as issues with cross-cultural adjustment.

Information and resources for international students is available from the following organizations.

• edupass.org SmartStudent Guide to Studying in the USA
• canlearn.ca  CanLearn for Canadian citizens
• studentaid.ed.gov  U.S. Department of Education
• Undocumented students and federal aid
• uscis.gov  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
• collegeboard.org  College Board
• maldef.org  Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
• nilc.org  National Immigration Law Center

Resident tuition application

If you are in the United States for reasons other than temporary educational purposes, you may apply for resident status in the same manner as a U.S. citizen.

Visit the WSU Records and Registration website for more information.