Understanding Finances in College

Attending college presents many financial decisions for both you and your student. There are a variety of resources and tools to help you make sense of your options and make informed choices while your student attends Winona State University.

Attending a university is a challenging and life changing process, but paying for their education doesn’t have to be. It starts with understanding how much it costs to attend WSU.

Then you and your student can start to build a plan as to how they will pay for college. With these tools and resources as a guide, your student can make the best decisions about their education and future.   

As the academic year begins, it is important to be aware of dates, applications and scholarships available to your student. As a first-time parent or family member to a college student, you may find these financial aid basics helpful.

Parents and family members must also understand that your student will be the primary contact for all financial aid and billing responsibilities.

You are encouraged to have conversations with your student throughout the years to gain insight and offer support with financing their education at WSU.

Winona State University has financial aid counselors available to help students and families comprehend financial duties. Please feel free to call the Warrior Hub at 507.457.5090 or email financialaid@winona.edu for assistance.


Financial Aid Calendars and Payment Calendars

These calendars and process maps for Financial Aid and Payment will help to guide you and your student through the financial aid process for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.


Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA)

The FAFSA is the application for all federal and state financial aid. This application needs to be completed for every school year your student plans to use financial aid.

Please know that the WSU Financial Aid Office welcomes you and feel free to contact them at 507.457.5090 should you have any questions.


Scholarships

Scholarships are a great way to pay for some or all of your student’s education. There are many types of scholarships available to WSU students, and families are welcome to familiarize themselves with these options and encourage students to apply each year.

Smart money management is crucial for success and important concepts about financial literacy and wellness come to life with WhichWay. Both you and your student are welcome to explore and use this free money management tool.

Your student’s WSU Warrior ID card can be used like an internal campus debit card for all Winona State University merchants. The service is called Purple Pass.

You or your student have the option to deposit money on the card so that they can use it to purchase products like snacks, school supplies, or services such as color printing on campus.

For more information, visit WSU's campus card website