- Eighty-six and a half percent of PennWest students receive financial aid.
- Nearly $19 million in grants and scholarships is awarded to our students each year.
- 7-Year Tuition Freeze: We have maintained the same tuition for seven years, allowing you to plan with confidence.
- Online students: No housing or meal plans.
- No commute, no parking: You can study from anywhere and save money on transportation.
Affording College
Making your online degree affordable
At PennWest, we believe cost shouldn’t stop you from earning a degree that helps you move forward. We keep tuition affordable, cut many on-campus fees for online students, and help you find financial support to make your education possible.
Our admissions and financial aid teams work closely with you to create a personalized plan that aligns with your budget, schedule, and academic goals.
Why PennWest Online may cost less than you expect
Consider the total cost of college, not just tuition.
When you add everything up, a PennWest Online degree can cost less than you might
expect, especially when you consider the long-term value of your degree and future
earnings.
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See your real costs up front
Before you look into financial aid, it’s helpful to know the basic cost of your program. Our tuition and fees pages clearly outline everything, including per-credit tuition, required fees, and any program-specific costs. Want a more personal estimate? Use our cost estimator to enter your program, enrollment status, and basic details. You’ll get an idea of your out-of-pocket cost after typical scholarships and grants.
Ways to pay for your PennWest Online education
Most students utilize multiple types of support to make their degree more affordable. Our team will help you look at options like:
Scholarships
- PennWest scholarships are based on academics, need, or specific programs.ed, or specific programs
- State and federal grants that you do not need to repay.
Federal student aid and loans
- Low-interest federal student loans based on your FAFSA
- Work-study opportunities (where eligible)
Employer tuition benefits
- Many employers help pay for tuition or offer tuition assistance for degrees related to your career.
Military and veteran benefits
- We provide support for active-duty service members, veterans, and eligible family members.
Payment plans
- Select a payment plan to spread your costs evenly across the semester.
Explore Scholarships and Grants
"It really adds to the experience when your instructor who's teaching you about investigations
has real-world experience working on cases and who has a career history in that field."
Chris Crafford, Criminal Justice and Criminology
How to apply for financial aid
Paying for college can seem complicated. We make it easier by breaking it down into a few clear steps.
Step 1: Complete the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your starting point for most financial aid, including federal grants, loans, and work-study.
Please ensure that you include PennWest’s school code so we can retrieve your information
and prepare your aid offer.
Start the FAFSA
Step 2: Explore scholarships and grants
Once you’ve submitted the FAFSA, take time to explore:
- PennWest scholarships
- State and federal grants
- External scholarships that fit your background, program, or goals
You do not need to repay these funds, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket
expenses.
View Scholarships and Grants
Step 3: Review your aid offer
After your FAFSA is processed, you’ll receive a personalized financial aid package. This may include a combination of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
We’ll review your offer with you, address any questions you may have, and help you select the option that best suits your comfort and budget.
Step 4: Connect with a success coach
Your success coach is here to help you from application to graduation. They can:
- Help you understand your aid and payment options.
- Talk through how many credits to take each term.
- Connect you with extra resources if your situation changes.
Key Dates and Eligibility
Get a personalized estimate of tuition, fees, and typical expenses for your program. Use this tool to compare scenarios and see how scholarships or aid could affect your bottom line.
College is about more than tuition — it’s also about learning how to budget, borrow wisely, and prepare for repayment after graduation. Our financial literacy resources will help you stay in control.
PennWest provides official information on financial aid policies, rights and responsibilities, and student outcomes. Review these resources for full transparency.
Undergraduate
Rolling admissions
PennWest operates on a rolling admissions timeline, meaning you can apply any time during the year, with a few exceptions (See Nursing Program Priority Deadlines). Although there is no strict deadline for most of our undergraduate degree programs, we encourage students to apply early by submitting their application in the fall of their senior year.
Applying during the fall will give you ample time to complete scholarship and financial aid applications as well as other documentation needed to enroll as a full-time student at PennWest.
Important Dates
August 1 - application for admission opens
December 15 - Nursing BSN priority deadline
December - financial aid application (FAFSA) opens
February 1 - new student orientation sign-up begins
May 1 - national decision-making deadline
Graduate
Studio Arts, MFA: February 1 for priority deadline, April 1 for extended deadline.
School Psychology, MEd + EdS: Priority deadline by February 15, rolling admission until the program is full.
Education Administration and Leadership, EdD: Priority deadline by April 1, rolling admission until the program is full.
Superintendent Letter of Eligibility, EdD: Priority deadline by March 1, rolling admission until the program is full.
We’re here to help you make this possible
Figuring out how to pay for college can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re balancing work, family, or coming back to school after a break. You don’t have to do it alone.
Our financial aid counselors and success coaches will:
- Discuss your options in clear, straightforward language.
- Help you compare scenarios and payment plans.
- Support you if your circumstances change.
An online PennWest degree is meant to be both purposeful and practical. It’s a real path to better opportunities, not just another bill. When you’re ready, we’ll help you take the next step and reach your goals.