Federal Direct Student Loans are borrowed directly from the federal government, and eligibility is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student aid (FAFSA). There is not a separate application for Federal student loans. Federal Direct Loans are offered to help pay educational expenses so please, only borrow what you need. Student loan eligibility options will show on a student's financial aid offer. Student loans must be accepted or declined in our financial aid portal call Net Partner each year.  For more information about Federal Student Loans visit our Loan Options page.  

Federal Direct Parent PLUS and Grad PLUS loans are credit-based loans that a credit application must be completed on www.studentaid.gov.  Once an application is completed WWC will be notified.

Federal Student Loans are borrowed directly from the federal government, and students must complete a yearly Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility.  Direct Loans are for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree students who are enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) and who meet general requirements to receive federal aid.  For more information about Federal Direct Loans Click Here 

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan is available to parents of dependent students. Parents must complete a credit application on www.studentaid.gov.  Parents may borrow up to the students cost of attendance.  If you need assistance determining your PLUS loan amount please contact the financial aid office.  Please be aware interest rates and origination fees apply to the PLUS Loan. 

To learn more about Federal Direct Parent PLUS on student aid Click HERE. 

If you have already applied for a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan and need to know the next steps please use the Loan Options page for more details, or you may contact the Financial Aid Office Directly at [email protected] or text/call 828-771-2082. 

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is available to graduate students only. Students can apply for a Grad PLUS Loan on www.studentaid.gov.  Students are subject to a credit check process.  Graduate students can borrow up to the cost of attendance. If you need assistance determining the amount you wish to borrow please contact the Financial Aid Office. 

If you have completed the Grad PLUS Loan application online and need to know your next steps please visit see our Loan Options for Graduate Students. 

Private student loans are consumer loans that are designed to supplement financial aid and cannot, when combined with other aid, exceed the cost of attendance established by the college. A student must apply with a bank or lending entity of their choice and have their application credit-approved before they are eligible to borrow this type of loan. In most cases, a student will be awarded a better interest rate if they have a co-signer for their loan. These loans are NOT backed by the Federal Government and should only be utilized as a last resource to fund your education.