Financial Aid Literacy

Financial literacy is an essential life skill and a growing national concern. At the University of Western California (UWC), we are committed to equipping our students with the knowledge and tools necessary to manage personal finances effectively — both during their academic journey and after graduation.

Our Partnership with USA Funds®

UWC has partnered with USA Funds® to provide students access to a variety of free financial literacy tools and resources. These programs are designed to empower you to:

Take control of your personal finances.
Manage your time and money wisely while in school.
Prepare for financial success after graduation.

USA Funds Life Skills®

This web-based financial literacy and student success program is available at no cost to all UWC students. The program provides:

Practical lessons on budgeting, borrowing, saving, and credit management.
Time management strategies for balancing academic, work, and personal responsibilities.
Post-graduation planning tools to prepare for real-world financial challenges.

Tracking Progress & Success

USA Funds Life Skills® also allows schools to:

Track students’ progress in financial literacy education.
Assess knowledge of key personal finance and success concepts.
Measure behavioral changes by evaluating:
- Gains in financial knowledge.
- Shifts in attitudes and planned actions.
- Application of financial concepts in the months following program completion.

By engaging with these resources, UWC students gain the confidence to make informed financial decisions that support both their academic success and long-term financial stability.

USA Funds® Student Loan Repayment Calculator

Take advantage of the USA Funds Student Loan Repayment Calculator, a free tool designed to help students and graduates understand their repayment options. With this calculator, you can:

Compare monthly repayment amounts.
Review total loan costs under different repayment plans.
Explore payback schedules across all federal student loan options, including:
- Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
- Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
- Standard repayment and more.

This tool will give you a clearer picture of how to manage your debt responsibly and plan ahead with confidence.

Scholarships at UWC

Scholarships at UWC provide significant financial support to eligible students, helping reduce the overall cost of education.

Scholarship Value

The total scholarship value is outlined in your scholarship offer letter.
For scholarships paid per credit point, the total value is calculated based on the minimum number of credit points required to complete your degree.
Scholarships will terminate once the full value has been paid, or if you become ineligible under the terms and conditions.

Example:

Scholarship Value: $6,000 per year (for 48 credit points of full-time study).
Degree Length: 252 credit points (≈ 5.25 years full-time study).
Total Scholarship Value = $31,500 → (252 ÷ 48) × $6,000.

Scholarship Payment Dates

Payments are aligned with your unit census dates:

Units between 16 Feb – 30 Apr → Payment in Late April.
Units between 1 May – 30 Sep → Payment in Late September.
Units between 1 Oct – 31 Dec → Payment in Mid December.
Units between 1 Jan – Feb → Payment in Late January.

⚠️ Note: Some students with certain scholarships may be eligible for early payment in March.

How Your Payment is Calculated

Payments are based on your enrolled credit points at census date.

Example:

$6,000 annual scholarship for 48 credit points.
Enrolled in 18 credit points in one semester.
Scholarship Payment = $2,250 → ($6,000 ÷ 48) × 18.

How Your Scholarship is Paid

Scholarship funds may be disbursed in one of two ways:

Direct Deposit into your nominated bank account.
Applied directly to course fees (excluding the Student Services and Amenities Fee – SSAF).

Questions?
Contact the Financial Literacy & Scholarships Office:

Email: info@uwc.edu.gl
Phone: +1 (626) 692-6949