Frequently Asked Questions about the WAVE Award

What do I receive?

WAVE is a monetary tuition grant award, based on availability of funds that provides tuition funding for six quarters or four semesters of undergraduate, postsecondary education. The amount of the grant is based on the tuition and fees in effect, capped at the state-funded research universities’ tuition rate. See chart below for current year’s tuition rates for full-time enrollment. When public institution tuition rates increase, these rates will be adjusted accordingly.

2007-2008 Tuition Rates (Full-time Enrollment)

What can I pay for with the award?

This is a tuition award. However, if your tuition is paid through some other means, you can now use WAVE funds to pay for other valid educational expenses, such as books, supplies, room, board, or transportation. If you decide to use your award for educational expenses other than tuition, your grant will not be increased. Funds received will be based on the amount of tuition charged, for the credits taken, by the school you are attending. This award does not cover tuition costs above and beyond full-time enrollment.

How much time do I have to use the award?

Awardees will have six years to complete using the award. WAVE awards must begin being used by the fall term of the third year after receiving the award (example: if you receive the award in 2008, you must begin using it no later than the fall term of 2011). Funds for a 2008 WAVE award must be completely used no later than the end of spring term 2014 or forfeit any remaining eligibility. Within the time guidelines, awardees will be entitled to six quarters/four semesters of education, as long as eligibility requirements are maintained. There are no exceptions to the time limit policy.                                

Where may I use the award?

The WAVE award may be used at any of Washington State’s community or technical colleges, regional or research universities, accredited independent colleges, or licensed private vocational schools.

How do I maintain eligibility for the award?

Your grade point average (GPA) will be examined at the end of each term (quarter/semester). If your GPA for the term just completed is a 3.0 or better, you will be eligible to receive the award for the next term. If you earn less than a 3.0 GPA, you will not be eligible for the award for the next term. You must complete a term having earned at least a 3.0 GPA in order to once again become eligible to receive the award. You may attend full-time or part-time to reestablish eligibility. There are no exceptions to the 3.0 GPA policy.

Can I use my award to attend school part-time?

You may attend school part-time and use your WAVE award. Please be aware that whether you are attending full-time or part-time, you will use one term of eligibility for each term you are attending, and the amount of your award will be prorated.

Can I use my award during the summer?

You may use the award for any quarter/semester of instruction. Funds for the summer term are limited. If funds are available, we will provide funding on a first come, first serve basis. Contact us prior to the start of the summer term if you have a need to attend a summer term. There will be limited funds available for Summer 2008.

Can I use my award to study abroad?

Approval to use your WAVE award in your study abroad program is considered on an individual, case-by-case basis depending upon the details specific to your study abroad program. Generally, you must: 1) be continuously (parallel) enrolled at the Washington State college, 2) your tuition must be paid directly to, or through, the Washington State college, and 3) the Washington State school must continue to fund your financial aid during the study abroad. If you plan to study abroad, you must get approval prior to starting your study abroad program.

How do I let the school know I want to start using the award?

You must notify the institution when you register that you intend to use your award for that particular term. This notification must be done for each quarter/semester that you use the award. Each institution has a WAVE contact person who can help you in this process. Generally, the contact person is located in the Financial Aid Office. A WAVE school contact list will be posted on our website at www.wtb.wa.gov.

What if I change my address?

If you change your address, please notify us so that we can keep you updated about changes to your WAVE award.

How can I get more information?

If you have other questions or need additional information, please call Julie Anderson at 360.753.5677 or janderson@wtb.wa.gov or Terri Colbert at 360.753.5680 or tcolbert@wtb.wa.gov.

WAVE

Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
128 10th Avenue SW
PO Box 43105
Olympia, WA  98504-3105
Fax:  360.586.5862